Grünten is a striking mountain ridge in the Allgäu Alps, known as the 'Guardian of the Allgäu' thanks to its dramatic position right at the edge of the Alps. Its summit monument and tall transmission tower make it one of the most recognizable peaks in the region, even though it isn't among the tallest.

The main summit, Übelhorn, rises to 1737.9 m and rewards hikers with a sweeping panorama over the Allgäu landscape — on clear days you can see as far as Switzerland to the west and the Zugspitze to the east. The slopes are covered with forests and former ski runs, while the impressive Starzlachklamm gorge lies at the southern foot of the mountain. In summer the trails wind through alpine meadows and pastures, and in winter the path up to the Grüntenhütte is usually well-trodden.

• Alpe Kammeregg car park — to the Grüntenhütte (1.5-2 hours), then via the cable-secured east ridge with an iron ladder to the summit (45 minutes), demanding but well secured
• Alternative approaches from Burgberg, Rettenberg or Rettenberg-Kranzegg

• The summit holds a memorial to mountain troops and a summit cross
• The Grünten cable car runs seasonally from Altach (Rettenberg)
• Mountain inns Grüntenhaus and Grüntenhütte offer refreshments along the way
• The narrow ridge route to the Burgberger Hörnle requires a good head for heights

Fun fact: an old Allgäu saying claims the weather can be predicted by whether Grünten 'wears a hat' (clouds) or not — a folk forecast still remembered by locals today.