The Südliches Höllhorn is a striking 2145 m rock peak that, together with its neighbor the Nördliches Höllhorn, forms a dramatic pair of rocky spires known as the Höllhörner (Hell's Horns). From certain viewpoints, such as the Alpelsattel, the two summits genuinely resemble a pair of curved horns rising above the Allgäu Alps.

This is a destination for experienced mountaineers rather than casual hikers, as no marked trail leads to the summit. The terrain around the peak is rugged and rocky, offering sweeping views across the surrounding ridgelines of the Allgäu Alps. The south ridge, starting right at the Hornbachjoch, is one of the most popular climbing routes in the range — short but packed with interesting climbing sections, though the rock can be brittle in places. The atmosphere here is wild and demanding, rewarding those with proper alpine and climbing experience.

How to reach the summit

• Hornbachjoch (starting point for all routes) — normal route, approx. 3/4 hour, difficulty grade II, requires mountaineering experience
• South ridge (Südgrat) — approx. 1.5 hours, difficulty grade IV, a popular short but technical climbing route
• West pillar (Westpfeiler) — difficulty grade VI, very rarely climbed

Practical information

• The former stemming passage known as Umfaller must now be bypassed following a rockfall in the 1990s
• All approaches begin at the Hornbachjoch
• The rock on the routes can be loose in places — technical caution is advised

The name Höllhörner (Hell's Horns) isn't just poetic — seen from the right angle, the two rocky spires really do look like curved horns, a sight that has long fascinated climbers and alpine landscape lovers alike.