Höfas - Der Einmalige Berg

(Höfats - The Unique Mountain)
by Gerhard Baur
44', Digital Betacam, Germany, 2007

On the days when the Föhn blows, the mountains of Hauptkammes, in the German region of the Allgäu are silhouetted – almost violently – against the sky. One in particular stands out: Höfats, the tallest and most imposing,  2258 meters high. The geological composition of this mountain and a lengthy erosion by the winds have modeled its steep slopes, covered with grass, where an incredible variety of plants and flowers grow, among these many species that exist only in the Bavarian Alps. One of these flowers is the celebrated Edelweiss, that would have disappeared long ago if a campaign to protect it had not begun in 1894. At Gerstruben, one of the most ancient settlements of the Allgäu region, is the head of a steep trail used first by shepherds with their flocks, then by farmers to cut their hay, later by the earliest alpinists and today by hikers and botanists to reach the top of this mountain where it is still possible to enjoy a wild, uncontaminated corner of the world where one can feel at peace.

Gerhard Baur
Born in the Bodensee area of Bavaria, he began in 1968 a prestigious career as writer and director of documentaries and films dedicated principally to his alpine adventures. He is the producer and director of more than 70 documentaries dedicated to the mountains. His works have earned prizes at the most important international film festivals.