The Heilbronner Weg is the oldest and most famous rock trail in the Northern Limestone Alps - a high-alpine route that clings to a rugged ridge between 2432 and 2615 meters in the Allgäu Alps. It's a bucket-list trail for experienced alpine hikers seeking exposure, drama, and views that stretch across two countries.

This trail forms part of the connecting route between the Rappenseehütte and either the Waltenbergerhaus or the Kemptner Hütte. It runs along an exposed rocky crest, crossing the German-Austrian border four times. Along the way, short detours lead to notable summits such as Hohes Licht, Mädelegabel, Steinschartenkopf, and Bockkarkopf. From the Hohes Licht-Bockkarscharte junction, the walking time is roughly two to three hours, while the full traverse from Rappenseehütte to Kemptner Hütte takes about six hours.

• High-alpine and demanding - solid footing, no fear of heights, and mountain experience are essential
• Rocky, exposed ridge terrain with steel cable protection and sections blasted into the rock

• The trail connects the Rappenseehütte, Waltenbergerhaus, and Kemptner Hütte, all offering meals and overnight stays
• Best hiked in summer months when the high-alpine terrain is free of snow

The route was surveyed in 1895 by alpinist Anton Hengeler and officially opened in 1899, with extensive rock blasting pushing costs to nearly double the original budget. More than a century later, it remains a benchmark of classic Alpine trail engineering.