Hoher Ifen Mountain
Distinctive plateau mountain in the Allgäu Alps
A limestone massif in Vorarlberg, Hoher Ifen is visited for its flat summit plateau, marked hiking trails and a small ski area on its slopes.
Hoher Ifen at a Glance#
Admission: Free
About Hoher Ifen#
Hoher Ifen is a mountain in the Allgäu Alps in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, with a summit at about 2,230 metres above sea level. It is a prominent peak in the region and a local landmark for alpine recreation.
The summit area includes a broad, rocky plateau and offers wide panoramic views over the Allgäu Alps and surrounding valleys. Trails of varying difficulty reach the top and the mountain also supports winter skiing on its slopes.
The Hoher Ifen is a natural Alpine peak formed during the mountain-building of the Alps and has long been used for alpine grazing and mountaineering. More recently it has been developed for mountain recreation, with marked hiking routes and winter-sport infrastructure.
The mountain sits in western Austria, in Vorarlberg near the border region with Germany, in the area of the Allgäu Alps. The nearest local valleys and villages serve as common starting points for ascents and day trips.
- Elevation: Summit elevation is 2,230 metres above sea level.
- Seasonal use: Alpine terrain is used year-round - hiking routes in summer and a local ski area on its slopes in winter.
How to Get to Hoher Ifen#
Hoher Ifen is accessible from mountain towns in Vorarlberg and the Allgäu. Road access leads to cable car stations and trailheads; check local transport and lift operation calendars for seasonal options.
Tips for Visiting Hoher Ifen#
- The Ifen's karst plateau and distinctive 'step' formations are best observed on clear days for photography.
- Ski lifts (in winter) and hiking routes (in summer) give various access options - check local transport for seasonal changes.
- Some ridge trips use exposed sections; bring basic scrambling gear and a map.
Best Time to Visit Hoher Ifen#
Summer is best for hiking the Ifen plateau and its distinctive scree formations; winter is for experienced ski-tourers.
Weather & Climate near Hoher Ifen#
Hoher Ifen's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1587 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -9° - -2° | -11° | 112 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| February | Poor | -9° - -2° | -10° | 105 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.1h |
| March | Poor | -7° - 0° | -8° | 113 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.7 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -4° - 3° | -5° | 118 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.4 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 13.5h |
| May | Poor | 1° - 8° | 2° | 133 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.9h |
| June | Poor | 4° - 12° | 5° | 171 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.1 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.7h |
| July | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 10° | 186 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.1 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.3h |
| August | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 10° | 171 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.1h |
| September | Acceptable | 4° - 11° | 5° | 130 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.1 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | 0° - 7° | 1° | 103 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.4 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -5° - 2° | -6° | 123 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| December | Poor | -7° - -1° | -9° | 122 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
