Bad Laterns – Hoher Freschen (2004m) – Matona (1998m) – Bad Laterns
A hike with amazing views of the Rhine valley and Vorarlberg alps
This wonderful hike starts in Bad Laterns and visits 2 peaks - Hoher Freschen (2004m) and Matona (1998m). There are not only fantastic views from the peaks, but also, all the way up, between them and down again - a great, great hike!
This is a circular hike starting from Bad Laterns in Vorarlberg (western Austria).
Time of year: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Tags: Circular hike, Public transport, Food en-route, Accommodation en-route, Ice-cream at end of hike, Can be shortened
Rating: 
Hiked by us on: 10th June 2018
We parked in Bad Laterns, Vorarlberg, western Austria and, walked the 100m along the Furkapass road and then turned left to walk uphill alongside the Garnitzabach. After 30 minutes the views open up around the Garnitzeralps.
It was a lovely stroll along the flat alpine area until we started to climb again, with great views from where we had just come.
After the Untersaluveralpe the views opened up even further and we could get our first glimpse into the Rhine valley.
A little further we could see the Freschenhaus and the first site of our first peak, Hoher Freschen.
After 3 hours from leaving the car, we reached Hoher Freschen – fantastic! There are 360° views from the peak with even a bench at the cross to enjoy them!
After a short break we retraced our steps and headed towards peak number 2 – Matona.
It was a little steep hiking up to this peak, but nothing serious…
… and although Matona is lower than Hoher Freschen the views were every bit as good.
After another short break we headed down again through the abundance of springtime alpine flowers.
It was such a lovely day we decided to continue in the south-westerly direction and headed towards Gävisalpe. It’s well worth to do this – the rock formations around both Hoher Freschen and Matona are very impressive.
From Gävisaple, we headed down past Neugerachalpe, crossed the Furkapass road and towards Agtawaldalpe. It was then a short stroll through the woods, accompanied by birdsong back to Bad Laterns. A wonderful hike and thoroughly recommended!
Food, accommodation and/or villages we found on this hike
Freschenhaus
(Food and accommodation)
Near the Freschenhaus hut is the 700 meters long Freschenhöhle (cave) and an Alpine herb garden. The most important hiking destinations are the Hohe Freschen and Matona.
The 5 day forecast in Bad Laterns
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.
Laterns summer sledge run
(3.9 km away)
Sledging in the summer on the Laterns Sommerrodelbahn
Milka chocolate factory
(12.3 km away)
Immerse yourself in the exciting discovery of the Milka chocolate world and enjoy pure adventure shopping!!
Götzis outdoor pool
(12.9 km away)
Beautiful area for enjoying the sun and a relaxing swim
Rappenlochsclucht
(13.8 km away)
Impressive stroll on elevated walkways through narrow gorge
Rolls Royce museum
(14.0 km away)
Fascinating museum of the world's most famous car.
Wälderbähnle
(15.1 km away)
Steam railway through the Bregenzerwald.
Alvier outdoor pool
(17.9 km away)
A beautiful natural outdoor pool filled by drinking water standard water
Badestrand am Rohr
(18.1 km away)
Relax and swim in the lake which is the old Rhine
Kobelwald crystal caves
(20.7 km away)
Fascinating underground caves - worth a visit in any weather
Berneck outdoor pool
(21.6 km away)
Wonderful, quiet outdoor pool with lots of grassy areas. Perfect place to relax
Rhein railway
(22.6 km away)
Travel on the Rhein railway to the delta of the river
Festungsmuseum Heldsberg
(22.8 km away)
Look back into Switzerland's second world war history in this perfectly preseved fort built into the hillside
St Margarethen mineral baths
(23.8 km away)
Recently fully refurbished wellness center - spend an afternoon to recover
Hittisau outdoor pool
(25.2 km away)
Lovely outdoor pool which is never too busy. Perfect for relaxing after a long hike!
Lech outdoor pool
(26.2 km away)
Beautiful outdoor pool in very pretty surroundings
Werdenberg
(27.5 km away)
800 years of history and the smallest city in Switzerland - beautifully preserved places to visit
Heiden Schwimmbad
(27.6 km away)
A lovely outdoor pool with large grassy areas on which to relax.
Gais outdoor pool
(28.3 km away)
Small quiet outdoor pool in Appenzellerland
Appenzell outdoor pool
(29.1 km away)
Great outdoor pool in the shadow of the Alpstein mountain range
Appenzell town
(29.9 km away)
Wonderful historic picturesque town at the foot of the Alpstein mountain range
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