Wanghöhe to Rappenstein Sattel
Summary: This section of the hike takes us from Wanghöhe along the ridge to Rappensteinsattel, at the base of Rappenstein. This section is the most difficult as it includes a number of steep ascents and also sections along a very narrow ridge (not recommended for vertigo sufferers).
Leaving Wanghöhe, we initially follow a dirt path across the level grass covered area of the ridge until we reach a slightly overgrown area of the path that starts to climb upwards with a number of steps made from wood and dirt.
The path is narrow in places and alternates between being fairly flat and steep inclines, with jutting rocks and roots.
Eventually, we reach a final climb, before the route flattens out a bit. This climb is fairly steep and narrow and has a “handrail” attached to the cliff on the left-hand side.
As we reach the top of the ascent, we are treated to a view of the route that still awaits us, to Goldlochspitz and Rappenstein beyond (the cross atop Rappenstein in the background can just be made out in the enlarged version of the below picture).
From the summit, we turn left and follow the narrow dirt path as it runs along the edge of the ridge and ascends towards the summit of Kolme.
Care needs to be taken here as in places the topsoil has been eroded and the path is just wooden trusses holding the remaining dirt in place, as can be seen to the right.
As we climb upwards, we eventually reach a turnstile that marks the summit of Kolme. The trail now takes us over a much wider area of pasture, with views of the surrounding mountains and valleys on each side.
Initially turning right and following the edge of the ridge, the path soon turns and takes a route away from the edge of the ridge, but still following it as it rises and falls across this high pastureland.
Eventually, the path turns to dirt and begins to climb, gently at first before becoming steeper as we start to climb Goldlochspitz. With the final ascent being a steep climb up a dirt path on the narrow ridge.
After reaching the top of Goldlochspitz, we once again get a view of Rappenstein ahead of us and now, the previously hidden knife-edge ridge that leads us towards it.
As we start to descend, the path is narrow, but still fairly easy going. But as we reach the rocky outcrop in front of us, it becomes steeper and rockier and in the end, we are scrambling up over the rocks, to get to the top.
From the top, we once again get a view of Rappenstein and yet more of the knife-edge trail that leads to it.
Making our way down from the top of the outcrop, the trail is initially steep, but soon flattens out and continues along the knife-edge of the ridge as we make our way towards Rappenstein.
As the ridge begins to widen out, the going gets easier as we continue to descend, until finally, we reach the start of the ascent of Rappenstein and on our left, the trail leading down the side of the ridge that we will take later.
The start of the ascent is initially fairly easy, up a dirt path as it climbs towards the signpost at Rappensteinsattel. But as we get closer, it starts to get steeper, before starting to zig-zag as we approach the signpost.
Having made the decision not to walk to the summit of Rappenstein, I took a break at the signpost to take in the views, before starting to descend and continue with the remainder of the hike.
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