Gaicht: Hiking, Pass History and Horse Riding

Gaicht combines alpine scenery with plenty of opportunities for hiking and horse riding. Berggut Gaicht is a horse-riding and holiday facility nestled in the Tannheim Mountains. It is situated on a mountain plateau at almost 1,200 m above sea level, with views of a mountain range in the Tannheim Valley. A mountain plateau is an elevated, relatively flat area. The elevation puts the location of Berggut into perspective, while the mountain range in view makes the surrounding landscape tangible.

Hiking around Gaicht

Berggut serves as a starting point for hikes. The Gaicht Loop leads to the small hamlets of Gaicht and Rauth and has an elevation gain of 266 metres. The two destinations and the elevation gain help you understand the route: Gaicht and Rauth indicate where it goes, while the 266 metres describe its ascent. This lets you consider the route’s destinations and elevation gain as distinct features.

Another hike follows the old Gaicht Pass. It is signposted “Alter Gaichtpass” (Old Gaicht Pass), No. 810 and No. 1. The type of information given for finding your way differs from that for the Gaicht Loop: the loop’s hamlets and ascent are specified, while the route over the old pass is identified by its specific signposts. These differences help you distinguish between the two hiking options when planning.

The Gaicht Pass and its history

The Gaicht Pass connects the Lech Valley near Weißenbach with the Tannheim Valley near Nesselwängle. This places the crossing geographically between two specific places and valleys. The pass also has historical significance: the historic Gaicht Pass road was built around 1550 to transport salt and wine between Tyrol and the Allgäu. The hike over the old Gaicht Pass therefore has a clear connection to regional history. The signposts identify today’s hiking route, while the road’s history recalls the former transport route between Tyrol and the Allgäu.

Horse riding at Berggut

Gaicht also has a specific offering for horse-riding enthusiasts. Berggut offers rides and riding lessons. Riding lessons on gaited horses and large horses are available all year round and must be booked by arrangement. If you plan to take lessons, arranging a time is part of your preparations. The year-round availability means riding lessons are a possible activity at different times of the year, while booking by arrangement remains important for planning. You can also decide whether a ride or a riding lesson will shape your horse-riding plans.

Planning your stay in Gaicht

The Gaicht Loop has named destinations and a specified ascent; the old Gaicht Pass adds signposted routes and the road’s historical connection to the hiking options.

For the wider travel overview: Weißenbach Am Lech.