Climbing route Zimba west ridge ​-​ summit ascent in the Rätikon

A real challenge in the Rätikon is the ascent of the Zimba. For generations, the 2,643-meter-high mountain has fascinated alpinists across the country. Due to its extraordinary shape, the Zimba is often described as the Montafon Matterhorn. Neither a hiking trail nor a via ferrata leads to the summit, and it takes courage, a good head for heights, and stamina to master the demanding rock tour of difficulty grade III.

Coming from Bludenz, take the Bludenz/Montafon motorway exit and follow the road into Montafon until you reach Vandans. At Vandans station and at the Golmerbahn in Vandans, parking spaces are available. At the Golmerbahn there is also a boarding point for the Rellstal hiking bus. www.google.at/maps

Just leave your car standing

The Montafonerbahn regional buses operate throughout Montafon. The main lines run hourly from Schruns station.

From Schruns station you reach Vandans station via the Montafonerbahn. From Vandans station, you continue by hiking bus into the Rellstal. The stop is: "Alpengasthof Rellstal".

For the return trip

By hiking bus you return from Alpengasthof Rellstal to Vandans station. From Vandans station you travel back with the Montafonerbahn to Schruns station.

mbs bus timetables

Arrival by train

From Bludenz station, the Montafonerbahn runs hourly (sometimes every half hour). There are also direct connections from Lindau (D) and from Bregenz.

mbs train timetable

free parking is available at Vandans station and at the Golmerbahn in Vandans.

The route to the Zimba, the Matterhorn of Montafon, is one of the most beautiful climbing routes in the valley. From the Heinrich Hueter Hut (1,766 m), the normal route of the west ridge leads on a red-marked path in steep zigzags to the Zimba col. This 260-meter-high, partly brittle wall must be overcome already in easy climbing (difficulty level I-II). From the Zimba col, it goes over the west ridge to the summit cross of the Zimba. Here begins the actual climbing over the partly very exposed west ridge. The route continues over the so-called "Sohmplatte" and offers beautiful climbing up to difficulty level III. Pitons are partially available.

EMERGENCY CALL: 144

European emergency number: 112 (works with any mobile phone/network)

www.vorarlberg.travel/sicherheitstipps

Carry a backpack with provisions and drinks as well as rain and sun protection

Equipment: ankle-high mountain boots with profiled soles and mountain-appropriate clothing as well as climbing equipment

You can reach the Heinrich Hueter Hut either by the Rellstal hiking bus from Vandans or from the Lünersee.

Overnight stay at the Heinrich Hueter Hut is recommended; reserve your bed at the hut early.

Heinrich Hueter Hut, Rellstal

Heinrich Hueter Hut, Rellstal