Fraxern – Hohe Kugel (1645m) – Fraxern
Above the Rhine valley fog to Hohe Kugel
The Hohe Kugel in Vorarlberg, western Austria can be hiked from many directions. The route from the Fraxern football field is one of the best with views over the Rhine valley all the way to the summit. Perfect!
This is a circular hike starting from Fraxern Sportanlage in Vorarlberg (western Austria).
Time of year: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Tags: Circular hike, Suitable for families
Rating: 
Hiked by us on: 30th December 2016
During the autumn and early winter, the Rhine valley often experiences a temperature inversion which normally means thick fog in the valley and perfect blue skies above. In German they say “Unten grau, oben blau” – literally under grey, over blue (in German it rhymes better!).
So on such a day as it was on 30th December 2016, the Hohe Kugel is a perfect afternoon hike. Hohe Kugel means “High ball” – the top of the mountain is somewhat rounded – maybe not quite a ball.
We drove to the Fraxern football field already clear of the gloomy fog and bathed in sunshine and hiked along the road slowly winding our way uphill. 
The views are simply stunning. The ground which is already a browny orange since it is early winter glows an even brighter orange in the afternoon sunshine.
The Rhine valley looks as if it has a layer of cotton wool laid across it! This really is the best route to Hohe Kugel – fantastic views most of the way. After 90 minutes of hiking the path winds around the north side of the mountain.
We encountered sheet ice which was quite an adventure to cross! But we were soon onto the western facing side of the mountain and it was only 15 more minutes to the summit. The colours and view had become even more spectacular!
What a panorama! Normally we can see our village in the valley from here – no chance today!
The sun was quickly sinking so we hurried down – but we were still being treated to amazing sights.
We finally arrived at the car as the final light was fading. But even driving back down the hill into the gloomy fog there were still stunning sights.
What a wonderful way to end 2016!
We did not find any places for food or accomodation on this hike. Take your own supplies!
The 5 day forecast in Fraxern
Webcams
We could not find any webcams in the area close to this hike.
Need some hiking down-time?
If you need a day off from hiking, below are some of the great things you can do within 30 km from the start of this hike.
Götzis outdoor pool
(2.6 km away)
Beautiful area for enjoying the sun and a relaxing swim
Laterns summer sledge run
(8.0 km away)
Sledging in the summer on the Laterns Sommerrodelbahn
Badestrand am Rohr
(9.1 km away)
Relax and swim in the lake which is the old Rhine
Rappenlochsclucht
(10.5 km away)
Impressive stroll on elevated walkways through narrow gorge
Rolls Royce museum
(10.6 km away)
Fascinating museum of the world's most famous car.
Kobelwald crystal caves
(11.4 km away)
Fascinating underground caves - worth a visit in any weather
Berneck outdoor pool
(12.1 km away)
Wonderful, quiet outdoor pool with lots of grassy areas. Perfect place to relax
Festungsmuseum Heldsberg
(14.0 km away)
Look back into Switzerland's second world war history in this perfectly preseved fort built into the hillside
Rhein railway
(14.3 km away)
Travel on the Rhein railway to the delta of the river
St Margarethen mineral baths
(15.0 km away)
Recently fully refurbished wellness center - spend an afternoon to recover
Wälderbähnle
(17.5 km away)
Steam railway through the Bregenzerwald.
Heiden Schwimmbad
(17.5 km away)
A lovely outdoor pool with large grassy areas on which to relax.
Gais outdoor pool
(18.4 km away)
Small quiet outdoor pool in Appenzellerland
Appenzell outdoor pool
(20.0 km away)
Great outdoor pool in the shadow of the Alpstein mountain range
Appenzell town
(20.7 km away)
Wonderful historic picturesque town at the foot of the Alpstein mountain range
Milka chocolate factory
(20.8 km away)
Immerse yourself in the exciting discovery of the Milka chocolate world and enjoy pure adventure shopping!!
Werdenberg
(23.9 km away)
800 years of history and the smallest city in Switzerland - beautifully preserved places to visit
Alvier outdoor pool
(24.0 km away)
A beautiful natural outdoor pool filled by drinking water standard water
Lindau island
(25.1 km away)
Visit the unique town of Lindau on the island
Hittisau outdoor pool
(26.1 km away)
Lovely outdoor pool which is never too busy. Perfect for relaxing after a long hike!
Kronberg Alpine park
(26.7 km away)
Alpine "park" with summer sledge run and rope park - fun for all!
Badi Schönenbodensee, Wildhaus
(27.0 km away)
Beautiful small lake for swimming above Wildhaus below the Alpstein
Hot-pot Appenzellerland
(27.4 km away)
Relax in a a unique hot-tub surrounded by Appenzeller hills and mountains
Allgau Skywalk
(29.2 km away)
Tree top walk through the woods of Allgau.
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