Via Alpina Yellow B40

The Via Alpina Yellow B40 is a point-to-point Alpine descent in Bavaria, Germany — the final stage of the Via Alpina Yellow Trail, a 40-stage trans-Alpine route linking the Adriatic coast at Muggia to the Allgäu Alps. Starting from the DAV-operated Kemptner Hütte at 1,844 m and descending to Oberstdorf at 815 m, the stage loses roughly 1,000 m of altitude through steep forest paths and a protected valley corridor. Rated moderate, with difficulty concentrated in the rocky upper section below the hut, B40 is the ceremonial finish line of one of Europe's most ambitious long-distance hiking routes.

About the Via Alpina Yellow B40

The Via Alpina Yellow Trail, designated 'B' in the network's five-trail system, runs across seven countries — Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Italy and Monaco — linking the Adriatic coast at Muggia, near Trieste, to the heart of the Allgäu Alps across 40 formally designated stages. Stage B40 is the route's final leg: from the DAV-operated Kemptner Hütte at 1,844 m, steeply down through pine and spruce forest, then along the flat Oytal valley floor into Oberstdorf, Bavaria's southernmost town.

The Kemptner Hütte sits in a high cirque beneath the Mädelegabel (2,645 m), one of Germany's highest peaks. First established in 1891 and operated by the Kempten chapter of the Deutschen Alpenvereins (DAV), the hut accommodates approximately 120 guests in dormitory and private rooms. The descent from the hut defines the character of B40: steep and rocky at the start, easing through mixed forest, then flat along the Oytal — a valley closed to private motor traffic — before arriving in Oberstdorf's town centre. For Yellow Trail thru-hikers completing 39 prior stages through the Slovenian, Austrian and Liechtenstein Alps, the descent into Oberstdorf carries genuine weight. For day hikers, it stands as one of the finest mountain-to-valley descents in the Allgäu.

One clear recommendation for anyone planning B40 as a standalone day walk: hike it top-to-bottom, not bottom-to-top. The ascent from Oberstdorf to Kemptner Hütte is a valid day hike, but the descent is the more rewarding direction — the Mädelegabel massif opens out ahead of you from the hut terrace, and the transition from rocky Alpine terrain to the broad Allgäu valley feels earned. Take the seasonal Oytal-Bus from Oberstdorf, walk up to the hut on arrival afternoon, stay overnight, and descend B40 the following morning. This is the stage at its best.

The preceding stage, B39, arrives at the Kemptner Hütte from Holzgau in Austria's Lechtal valley via the Mädelejoch. Most thru-hikers arrive at the hut in the afternoon of B39's completion and begin the final descent on B40 the next day, arriving in Oberstdorf in time for lunch. The Yellow Trail's northern terminus is marked in Oberstdorf, and the town's train connections back into the broader German rail network make it a natural close to a journey that begins at the Adriatic.

Route Overview & Stages

B40 divides naturally into three sections determined by terrain. Exact distances for the stage are best confirmed via the official GPX download at via-alpina.org before departure — the stage distance was not available in independently verifiable form at the time of writing. The elevation loss from Kemptner Hütte (1,844 m) to Oberstdorf (815 m) is approximately 1,029 m; elevation gain on B40 is minimal, as the stage is essentially a one-directional descent with no significant re-ascent once you leave the hut.

The waymarking on B40 follows the standard Via Alpina yellow diamond markers throughout. From the hut, the path is well-signed and easy to follow in clear conditions. In low visibility or snow, the upper section below the hut requires extra care — the rocky terrain makes the path harder to distinguish from surrounding boulders.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Kemptner Hütte (1,844 m) — The DAV mountain hut at stage start, first established in 1891. Its south-facing terrace frames a direct view of the Mädelegabel ridge. One of the Allgäu's most accessible and characterful Alpine huts, serving Allgäu regional cuisine and acting as both the Yellow Trail's final overnight stop and a popular day-hike destination from Oberstdorf.
• Mädelegabel (2,645 m) — Germany's sixth-highest peak, visible throughout B40's upper section. A rewarding side summit for fit hikers with an extra half-day, approached directly from the Kemptner Hütte via a marked path. Its rocky profile is the defining landmark of the Allgäu high Alps and the backdrop to the hut terrace.
• Heilbronner Weg connection — One of the German Alps' most celebrated exposed ridge traverses connects to the Yellow Trail near the Kemptner Hütte. The Heilbronner Weg is a full-day route with fixed cables and dramatic exposure; a classic extension for hikers wanting more ridge time before committing to the B40 descent.
• The Oytal (Oy Valley) — A protected valley corridor closed to private vehicles, traversed by B40 across its lower half. The Stillach river runs alongside the path, and the valley walls — limestone cliffs backed by dark spruce forest — frame the walk into Oberstdorf with quiet authority.
• Spielmannsau — A historic cluster of traditional Allgäu farmhouses marking the transition between the forested descent and the flat valley walk. A seasonal refreshment stop that has served hikers and Almhirten (mountain herdsmen) for generations. The farmstead sits at the point where the trail gradient finally eases.
• Freibergsee — A small natural lake just outside Oberstdorf, slightly off the B40 route but reachable in under 20 minutes on arrival. Swimming is permitted in summer and the lake is one of the town's most popular leisure spots — a good way to mark the end of the Yellow Trail.
• Breitachklamm — Europe's deepest gorge cut by glacial meltwater, located close to Oberstdorf and easily reached the afternoon B40 is completed. A short gorge walk through towering rock walls worn smooth by millennia of snowmelt.
• Via Alpina Yellow Trail terminus — The official end of the 40-stage Yellow Trail is marked in Oberstdorf's town centre. For anyone walking from Muggia on the Adriatic, this is the moment that closes the journey — worth arriving in time to appreciate before the restaurants fill up.

Best Time to Hike the Via Alpina Yellow B40

The Kemptner Hütte typically opens in mid-June and closes in mid-October, with exact dates varying by year and snowpack. As of 2026, confirm current season dates with the DAV hut portal before finalising plans — a late or early closure affects access to the stage start regardless of trail conditions below.

June: The upper path from the hut can carry snowfields into early June, where microspikes add meaningful security on the rocky descent. Below the snowline, Allgäu wildflower meadows are at their most vivid and the trails are uncrowded. A good option for experienced hikers who accept variable conditions and want solitude on the final stage.

July — the single best month: All paths are reliably clear of snow, the hut is fully staffed with evening meals and breakfast service, and long daylight hours give a comfortable window to complete the descent without rushing. Settled high-pressure weather, peak wildflower displays and full hut service make July the optimal month for B40. The trade-off: the Kemptner Hütte fills quickly. Book at least four to six weeks ahead for July weekends.

August: Peak season, comparable to July in trail conditions. More company on the path and the hut close to full most weekends. A solid month, particularly in the first half; weather patterns in the Allgäu can become more unsettled toward late August.

September: An excellent alternative for hikers who prefer fewer people. Autumn colour begins in the Oytal by mid-September, and the upper mountain terrain transitions through some of its most dramatic light. Weather windows remain reliable into mid-September with increasing uncertainty after the 20th. The hut closes by mid-October — verify the precise date if planning a late September visit.

When not to go: October onward. Snow arrives on the steep upper section below the hut and ice forms on north-facing rock. The stage becomes dangerous for unequipped walkers once winter conditions take hold, and the hut closes. Unless you carry crampons, an ice axe and have the experience to use them, avoid B40 outside the June–September window.

Practical Information

Accommodation

Kemptner Hütte (1,844 m): The primary mountain overnight at stage start. Operated by DAV Section Kempten, with approximately 120 dormitory beds (Matratzenlager) and a small number of private rooms (Mehrbettzimmer). Half-board — bed plus evening meal and breakfast — costs approximately €45–65 per person for the 2025–2026 season; dormitory-only rates are lower. DAV and ÖAV members receive a discount of approximately €8–12 per night. Booking through the DAV online hut reservation system is strongly recommended; walk-in availability in July and August is unreliable. The hut has showers, a gear drying room and serves Allgäu regional cuisine including Käsespätzle and Allgäuer Bergkäse.

Oberstdorf (valley end): Bavaria's southernmost town has a full spread of accommodation. Pensionen (guesthouses) start at approximately €50–70 per person per night; mid-range hotels run €90–150; spa hotels and four-star properties are available from €150 upward. For budget hikers, Camping Oberstdorf (approximately 2 km from the town centre) charges around €15–25 per pitch. Oberstdorf is a year-round resort town, so book ahead for summer weekends.

Spielmannsau (mid-route): Limited and seasonal. Not a reliable independent overnight base — plan to sleep either at the hut above or in Oberstdorf below.

Getting There & Back

Oberstdorf Bahnhof is the trail's end point and the practical transport hub. It sits on the Allgäubahn regional rail network with well-maintained connections to the national German network.

• From Munich (München Hauptbahnhof): Direct regional trains via Buchloe and Kempten (Allgäu) to Oberstdorf; journey approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes, with multiple departures daily.
• From Kempten (Allgäu) Bahnhof: Direct regional train to Oberstdorf; approximately 45–50 minutes.
• From Munich Airport (MUC): S-Bahn to Munich Hauptbahnhof, then regional train to Oberstdorf; allow approximately 3 hours total.
• By car: Oberstdorf lies approximately 140 km from Munich via the A7 motorway. The town centre is traffic-calmed; park at the edge of town and walk in. The Oytal road beyond the initial valley section is closed to private vehicles.

Reaching Kemptner Hütte from Oberstdorf: Take the seasonal Oytal-Bus from near Oberstdorf Bahnhof to the end of the motorised road, then hike approximately 2–2.5 hours uphill to the hut on a well-marked trail. Bus timetables vary by season — confirm locally or with the Oberstdorf tourist office before arrival.

For Yellow Trail thru-hikers on B39: Stage B39 arrives directly at the Kemptner Hütte from Holzgau in Tyrol via the Mädelejoch. No additional transport is required between stages — you sleep at the hut and descend B40 the following morning.

Permits & Fees

No permit is required to hike stage B40 or to access the Allgäu Alps on marked public trails. There is no fee for the Via Alpina route. Overnight stays at the Kemptner Hütte carry DAV hut rates as described above; DAV and ÖAV members receive the standard member discount. Within surrounding nature reserve areas, stay on waymarked paths — off-path camping and open fires are prohibited.

Gear & Packing List

B40 is a descent-dominant stage and requires no technical Alpine equipment in summer conditions. That said, the steep rocky section below the hut is unforgiving in wet weather, and the Allgäu Alps receive significant precipitation year-round — a waterproof layer is non-negotiable. Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the upper descent, particularly with any pack weight. Carry at least 1.5 litres of water from the hut; there is no reliable water source in the steep middle section before Spielmannsau. For calorie planning across a full day of Alpine hiking, see How Many Calories Do You Need Hiking a Full Day?

Pack size depends on your itinerary. For B40 as a day hike, 20–28 litres is ample. For the full Yellow Trail end-to-end, 40–65 litres is typical when carrying hut gear — a sleeping liner, warm mid-layer, rain jacket, poles and several days of food between resupply points.

Recommended packs from the HikeLoad database:

• Day hike (B40 only): The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Aero 28 (536 g) keeps your carried weight minimal on a descent-focused stage. The Aero 28 Ultralight Fastpack (506 g) saves a further 30 g for the committed gram-counter.
• Multi-day / hut-to-hut Yellow Trail: The Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10 (1,570 g) provides solid load transfer for longer multi-day loads; the Osprey Aether 65 (2,210 g) handles the full camping configuration if you plan to deviate from DAV huts.
• Ultralight thru-hike: The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider (680 g) is a popular choice among Yellow Trail ultralighters doing all 40 stages hut-to-hut. For a lighter option with a genuinely minimal kit list, the HMG 2400 Windrider (510 g) works well.

Footwear: mid-height trail boots with grip are preferred over low trail shoes for the wet rocky upper section. Microspikes are worth carrying in June. Sunscreen matters above the treeline even on overcast days at 1,844 m. For a current comparison of ultralight pack options relevant to the Via Alpina context, see Best Ultralight Backpacks 2026: 7 Sub-1 kg Packs Tested.

Similar Trails You Might Like

The Via Alpina Yellow B40 delivers what all the best descent stages promise: a dramatic drop in altitude, a transition from high mountain to welcoming valley, and a finish point with good transport home. These trails share one or more of those qualities and are worth adding to your shortlist:

• South Kaibab Trail (United States, 9 km) — the most exposed and views-rich descent into Grand Canyon National Park, comparable in its relentless downward momentum and stripped-back desert scenery.
• North Kaibab Trail (United States, 21 km) — the longer North Rim descent into the Canyon, adding riparian habitat and riverside drama to the technical terrain.
• Clouds Rest Trail (United States, 15 km) — a Yosemite Sierra ridge traverse with sweeping high-Alpine views that echo the character of B40's Mädelegabel backdrop.
• Panorama Trail (United States, 8 km) — a Yosemite Valley circuit combining dramatic vertical scenery with an accessible valley-level trail, comparable in feel to B40's lower Oytal section.
• Hidden Canyon (United States, 2 km) — a compact Zion slot canyon walk; a strong contrast stage if you are planning a US hiking trip after completing the Yellow Trail.

For a European long-distance alternative with the same spirit — mountain pass crossing, dramatic descent, valley arrival — the Theth to Valbona hike in Albania delivers a comparable emotional arc in the Albanian Alps, compressed into a single unforgettable stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike Via Alpina Yellow B40?
July is the single best month: all trails are snow-free, the Kemptner Hütte is fully staffed, and daylight hours are at their longest. The stage is hikeable from mid-June through mid-October; October carries snow risk on the steep upper section. September is an excellent, quieter alternative with early autumn colour in the Oytal. Confirm the hut's season dates at alpenverein.de before booking.

How difficult is the Via Alpina Yellow B40?
Moderate. No specialised equipment is required in summer conditions. The challenge concentrates in the steep rocky descent from the Kemptner Hütte, which demands sure footing and is slippery after rain. Trekking poles significantly ease the upper section. The lower half through the Oytal valley to Oberstdorf is flat and straightforward. Trail fitness matters more than technical skill for completing B40 safely.

How long does stage B40 take and how far is it?
Most fit hikers complete B40 in 4–6 hours. The steep upper descent takes approximately 2–3 hours; the valley walk from Spielmannsau to Oberstdorf adds 1–2 hours. Allow extra time after rain. The official stage distance was not available in independently verifiable form at the time of writing — download the GPX file from via-alpina.org to confirm the exact figure before departure.

What accommodation is available on Via Alpina Yellow B40?
The Kemptner Hütte (1,844 m) at stage start is the key mountain overnight, a DAV hut with roughly 120 beds and half-board from approximately €45–65 per person. Book at least four to six weeks ahead for July and August. Oberstdorf, at the trail end, offers hotels from around €50 per night and campsites from €15 per pitch. There is no formal accommodation between the hut and town.

Do you need a permit for Via Alpina Yellow B40?
No permit is required to hike B40 or access the Allgäu Alps on marked trails. There is no trail fee. Overnight stays at the Kemptner Hütte carry DAV hut rates; DAV and ÖAV members receive a discount of approximately €8–12 per night. Stay on the waymarked trail — off-path camping and fires are prohibited in the surrounding Allgäu nature reserve.