Gargellen - Around the Ritzenspitzen

Start/Destination: Gargellen Tourist Information

This day trip takes you through the remote and high alpine hiking area of Valzifenz and Vergaldatal. The highest point is the Valzifenzer Joch at 2,485 m.
The Valzifenztal separates the Rätikon from the Silvretta.
Characteristic of the Vergaldatal are the steep slopes with wide views over the glacier world of the Silvretta.

The Valzifenztal is a valley in the municipality of St. Gallenkirch in Vorarlberg and lies at the end of the Montafon towards the Swiss border and runs over the Schlappiner Joch.
The Valzifenzbach, approximately 7 km long, runs through the Valzifenztal and originates in the Großer See below the Augstenberg.
Valzifenztal means windy valley or cold valley and is named after the very cold southern wind that sometimes occurs strongly.

The Schlappiner Joch is a very old connecting pass and was an important link in cross-border trade between Italy and Austria or southern Germany until the mid-19th century. It was the territory of smugglers with their donkeys.
The customs huts you find in this border area refer to this important smuggling route.

Tip:
- Bring enough provisions, there is no catering along the way.