Hoher Freschen rises to 2004 m above sea level in the western part of the Bregenz Forest Mountains, towering high above the Rhine Valley and the Laterns Valley. This is one of those summits that rewards you with a genuinely huge panoramic view, and it has been used as a lookout point since as early as the 3rd century.

The peak forms the highest point of the so-called Freschenstock, a chain of connected summits, and marks the meeting point of four municipalities: Dornbirn, Laterns, Zwischenwasser and Viktorsberg. Along the long eastern ridge stands the striking rock tower known as the Schusterstuhl. The terrain is open and alpine, with grazing meadows below and rocky ridgelines above, making it a rewarding destination in both summer, when wildflowers and alpine pastures dominate the slopes, and winter, when the summit offers a quiet snowy panorama. The views stretch from the Allgäu Alps and Zugspitze in the east, across the Rätikon and Glarus Alps, to the Black Forest and Swabian Jura in the west — on clear days you can even spot Ulm Minster's tower, 123 km away.

How to reach the summit

• From the Freschenhaus hut (1840 m) — about 45 minutes, easy
• From Unterfluhalpe via Fluhlöchle and the Binnelgrat ridge — about 2¼ hours, for experienced hikers only
• From Ebnit via Valorsalpe and the Valüragrat ridge — about 3¼ hours, requires sure-footedness and a head for heights

Practical information

• The Freschenhaus hut (1840 m) sits just south of the summit and serves as the main base
• The historic Obere Saluveralpe pasture, with alpine farming records dating back to 883, lies just a few minutes below the hut
• The northwest, northeast and southwest slopes belong to the Hohe Kugel - Hoher Freschen - Mellental nature reserve

The name Freschen is thought to relate to old words for grazing and mowing, a nod to the centuries-old alpine farming tradition still visible on these slopes today.