Long-Distance Hiking Water Strider Loop Trails Ötztaler Urweg Ötztal Trek

Ötztal. Tirol at its Best. Long-distance Hiking Water Strider Loop Trails Ötztaler Urweg Ötztal Trek

oetztal.com General Information | 3

INDEX Ötztal Hiking Routes 03 General Information The following pages offer a selection of (long-distance) hiking tours on the tracks of the elements to the region‘s imposing nature treasures and at the same 04 Biking & Hiking Map time you will learn more about ancient stories of Ötztal. On these paths a maximum experience is waiting for you, be it a tour of the village, a delightful 05 Tour Planning hike along the valley‘s highlights or a hut to hut adventure at the very top.

06 Guidelines WATER STRIDER LOOP TRAIL - Along waters Circular walks that show all facets of Ötztal‘s varied waters. Rushing 07 Bookable Long-distance Hiking mountain brooks, roaring waterfalls, quiet mountain lakes and the eternal ice. These trails are classified as easy to intermediate! 08 – 21 WATER STRIDER LOOP TRAILS ÖTZTALER URWEG HIKE - From village to village 22 – 49 ÖTZTALER URWEG 12 stages give a deep insight into the countless small and larger villages, leading past hidden places and exciting spots. 50 – 107 ÖTZTAL TREK These trails are classified as easy to intermediate. Important: walking times can be more than 5 hours!

ÖTZTAL TREK MOUNTAINEERING - From hut to hut This high Alpine route leads all around Ötztal. From one hut to the next, across ridges and cols. A mountain exploration of a very special kind. Important: these trails are classified as intermediate to difficult! High Alpine tours, some of them also cross glacier areas! The Austrian Hiking Quality Seal certifies the high quality of a hiking holiday and its nature experien- ces. Certified villages or trails are marked in this Difficulty Levels brochure!

easy intermediate difficult

Supported by Garmin Families, walkers, hikers Alpine pasture and hut Mountaineers and (partly suitable for hikers, families (without alpinists with high small children) toddlers) Alpine experience Alpine Schools | 5

Ötztal. Tirol at its Best. The new Biking Tour Planning Haiming-Ochsengarten Bergsschule Ötztal | T +43 (0) 650 4153 505 & Hiking Map Sautens X-Alp Tours | T +43 (0) 660 6866 388 Your outdoor navigation system Umhausen-Niederthai in Ötztal Activesport Alpin | T +43 (0) 699 1140 0289 Längenfeld Now available for only € 4,90 at all Ötztal Tourismus Information Offices! Alpinschule Alpinguide | T +43 (0) 664 4434 684 Alpinsportcenter Ötztal | T +43 (0) 664 5016 864 1600 km of marked hiking trails. Sölden – Hiking trails, mountain tours, long- Alpinschule Sölden | T +43 (0) 669 1731 0011 NEW distance hiking routes. Bergsport & Erlebnisschule Sölden | T +43 (0) 664 8478 155 – Incl. Water Strider Loop Trails, Ötztaler Obergurgl-Hochgurgl Urweg, Ötztal Trek, E5. Alpincenter Obergurgl | T +43 (0) 5256 6305 Vent 660 km of MTB tours. 60 km of trails & lines. Bergführerstelle Vent | T +43 (0) 5254 8106 – Mountain & e-bike routes, natural & single trails, long-distance cycling through the valley – Incl. Ötztal Cycle Trail, BIKE REPUBLIC SÖLDEN . Backpack

– Outdoor clothing Additional equipment – Sturdy hiking boots for mountaineers: – Snack & drinking bottle – First aid kit – Cold protection – Mobile phone – Enough to eat and drink – Ötztal biking & hiking map – Mobile phone charger or power bank – Sunscreen – Overnight utensils – Rain protection (hut sleeping bag, etc.) – Cash – If needed also crampons, ice pick

oetztal.com 6 | Guidelines

Ötztal. Tirol at its Best.

Signs and Symbols

Interesting Hiking path Mountain guide recommended Ötztaler Equipment Cart trail Glacier crossing

Walking time Carriage road, Parking forest path Altitude meters Physical stamina Bus stop descent Urweg Long-distance hiking in Ötztal – Altitude meters Surefootedness Restaurant ascent highly individual plus award-winning service! High Alpine Serviced pasture hut, Highest point experience snack station, Alpine 12 fantastic stages brimming with unique – Certified partner lodgings inn nature exploration in Ötztal! Combine your – Luggage transport Distance Good head for heights Serviced hut/incl. personal freedom with ultimate service and – Shuttle service Hiking accom- overnight stay comfort. The new, official Ötztaler Urweg – Trail hotline Access point, exit point modations Info & Booking Center is happy to assist you! – Exciting package deals

PLAN & BOOK NOW:

www.oetztal.com/urweg or IMPRINT: +43 (0) 478 2930 93 All details, prices and pictures are based on information provided by independent service partners. The publisher/Ötztal Tourismus assumes no liability for the correctness of information. Prices, opening times, timetables and products are subject to change at any time. There will be no refund by Ötztal Tourismus in case of technical breakdown or non-availability of services Concept/Layout: Ötztal Tourismus; Cover image: © Ötztal Tourismus – B. Ritschel; Picture credits: © Ötztal Tourismus – B. Ritschel, R. Wyhlidal, E. Holzknecht, S. Lohmann, A. Lohmann, A. Brey, B. Schröder, T. Humpfer, B. Thomsen, J. Brunner, R. Wohlfarter, E. Schmid, M. Burtscher, C. Rauch, L. Ennemoser, I. Nösig, C. Schöch, A. Klocker Trail Angels | Obervellach 15, 9821 Obervellach | T +43 (0) 478 2930 93 | www.bookyourtrail.com/trail/oetztaler-urweg | [email protected]

oetztal.com 8 | Wasserläufer Rundwege Wasserläufer Rundwege | 9

Water Strider Loop Trails WALKING, ALONG ALPINE WATERS The Ötztal Water Strider Trails are loop hiking routes showing all facets of Al- pine waters! The trails lead from the icy water of the eternal glaciers to mighty waterfalls, along the boisterous waters of Ötztaler Ache brook and the silently flowing Waalwege, towards the quietly sparkling mountain lakes.

In Ötztal the element of water also shows a very special facet. Many nature treasures rank among the unique natural wonders of the valley such as the Stuiben Falls - Tirol‘s biggest waterfall, the natural jewel of Lake Piburger See - Tirol‘s warmest swimming lake or the sulfur springs from 1865 m inside the rock, which fill the floating pools on stilts of the AQUA DOME - Tirol Therme Längenfeld.

Ötztal boasts 86 glaciers and is therefore the Eastern Alps‘ largest glacier- covered area. Due to this high density of glaciers and icy giants, the fresh water bubbles from the steep slopes of the approx. 250 peaks higher than 3000 meters - through lush pastures into the deep river beds and lake basins of Ötztal‘s Water Striders.

The Water Strider Loop Trails are mostly of easy difficulty and are perfectly suitable as an adventurous experience for all the family. Especially on hot summer days they provide truly refreshing moments.

oetztal.com/wasserlaeufer Lake Wannenkarsee, Sölden 10 | Water Strider Loop Trails Water Strider Loop Trails | 11

Lake Piburger See, Oetz

Lake Piburger See Oetz – Weller Bridge – Lake Piburger See – Seejöchl – Piburg – Oetz

THE WHITE WATER OF ÖTZTALER ACHE easy 9.2 km 3:00 h 335 Hoehenmeter 335 Hoehenmeter IN CONTRAST TO THE SILENT WATER OF LAKE PIBURGER SEE

Carriage Surefooted- 1048 Meter Hiking path From Oetz you walk along the thunderous waters of the Ötztaler Ache on road ness a gravel road into the valley until you reach the hamlet of Habichen. Weller Bridge can be found in a wooded area - it leads over one of the most extreme Standard hiking equipment Village of Oetz stretches of white water sports, offering superb views of the white water. It has been hosting the „Adidas Sickline“ extreme kayaking world championship Gasthaus Seehäusl, Piburger See Hiking accommodations in Oetz for years. lakeside beach, inns in Piburg and Oetz On the other shore of the river you follow the signposted hiking trail and later a forest route towards lake Piburger See. Suddenly you reach a forest clearing and you enjoy a perfect view of the picture-book lake in its center. Keep left and walk up to Seejöchl, the highest point of this hike, with a breathtaking 1200 view of the fabulous Alpine landscape. Then the trail continues towards Seejöchl 1050 Piburg, further down again and around the scenic lake. Once arrived at the Piburg lakeside swimming center, keep to the left and follow the signposted trail to Piburger See 900 Oetz. 750 Oetz Oetz 600

Piburger See reaches up to 24° Celsius and is one of Tirol‘s warmest swimming lakes. km 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

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Stuiben Falls, Umhausen

STUIBEN FALLS ON THE TRACKS OF THE FALLING WATER MASSES Umhausen – Waalweg Arzwinkel – Stuiben Falls – Umhauser Höhenweg – OF TIROL‘S BIGGEST WATERFALL Steppsteig – Umhausen At Bischofsplatz car park in Umhausen you follow the trail behind the little Kneipp house, leading up to scenic Waalweg Arzwinkel. The leisurely path intermediate 9.2 km 3:30 h 607 Hoehenmeter 610 Hoehenmeter winds its way along the so-called „Waale“ (irrigation ditches) until you reach a gravel road. Keep to the right and follow the bubbling waters of Horlachbach Carriage Surefooted- 1547 Meter Hiking path up to the foot of the mighty Stuiben Falls. Always with a view of the fasci- road ness nating nature spectacle, you walk to the right of the falling water masses on a marked hiking trail. On your way up you also hike past a number of fabulous Standard hiking equipment Bischofsplatz Umhausen vantage platforms and the 80 meter long suspension bridge, always at eye level with the waterfall. Waldcafè Stuböbele, Gasthof Stuiben- Hiking accommodations in Nieder- fall, inns in Niederthai and Umhausen thai and Umhausen Some 700 steps take you up to the source of the Stuiben Falls. A picturesque mountain meadow leads to Gasthof Stuibenfall. From there the route leads down to the valley floor in Umhausen on Umhausen‘s high altitude trail. Down in the valley, you reach a huge intersection where you walk on the 1650 pleasant Steppsteig path towards popular Stuiben-Nannele. Cross the gravel 1500 Stuibenfall road and head towards a forest path that leads back to the starting point past the Ötzi Village and Umhausen‘s swimming lake. The Kneipp facilities at 1350 Waalweg Badesee Bischofsplatz make a perfect refreshment stop. Arzwinkel 1200 Umhausen Waldcafe Stuböbele 1050 Umhausen Umhausen

The fine water spray can increase your pulmonary function by 58 %. km 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 14 | Water Strider Loop Trails Water Strider Loop Trails | 15

Suspension bridge, Längenfeld

Brand-Burgstein Längenfeld – Brand – Suspension Bridge – Burgstein – Längenfeld

A VIEW OF LÄNGENFELD‘S ENORMOUS VALLEY BASIN, easy 6.7 km 2:30 h 394 Hoehenmeter 399 Hoehenmeter 220 METERS ABOVE THE VALLEY FLOOR

Carriage Surefooted- 1443 Meter Hiking path The starting point of this hiking tour is the village center of Längenfeld at the road ness height of Fischbach bridge. The first steps take walkers into the so-called Klamm (gorge) where some challenging altitude meters have to be made towards the Standard hiking equipment Village of Längenfeld hamlet of Brand. You take the forest road behind the church or you follow the newly built rocky footpath. After about 40 walking minutes you have conquered Brand Alm, s‘Dorfstüberl Burgstein, Hiking accommodations in the toughest part of this hike up to the hamlet of Brand. Up there you will be inns in Längenfeld Längenfeld rewarded with a wonderful view of Längenfeld‘s wide open basin.

Magnificent vista points accompany you all the way to the mountain hamlet of Burgstein. Shortly before Burgstein you cross the 84 m long suspension bridge, connecting the two sun-kissed balconies of Brand and Burgstein, at about 1650 220 m above the valley floor. The view from the steel bridge is the undisputed 1500 highlight of this hike. Once in Burgstein, you take the old Burgstein Road (forest Burgstein Brand trail) down to Längenfeld. In Längenfeld you cross the Fischbach dam and 1350 Hängebrücke return to the starting point. 1200 Längenfeld Längenfeld 1050

Längenfeld‘s valley basin was an Alpine lake until approx. 900 AD. km 1 2 3 4 5 6 16 | Water Strider Loop Trails Water Strider Loop Trails | 17

Waalweg Trail, Sölden

Waalweg Mooserstegle Sölden – Windachtal – Waalweg Mooserstegle – Sölden

DISCOVER THE PEACE AND BEAUTY OF SÖLDEN‘S SILENT PART ALONG easy 3.5 km 2:00 h 250 Hoehenmeter 250 Hoehenmeter THE WAALWEGE WATER TRAILS DEEPLY ROOTED IN HISTORY

Carriage Surefooted- 1607 Meter Hiking path From the Freizeit Arena leisure time center you hike along the meadow slopes road ness towards Windachtal, a scenic Alpine side valley. There you follow the Zentral- alpenweg route and walk along the old Windach Ache mountain brook. Here Standard hiking equipment Freizeit Arena Sölden you can admire the influence of water over the last centuries, deeply carved into rocks and stones. Following the valley, you walk past tempting hammocks and Moosalm, inns in Sölden Hiking accommodations in Sölden come closer to the water at the same time. Then turn right, downhill, and walk through the mystical forest to the waterbed of Windach Ache mountain brook.

There you cross the small bridge and continue on the opposite side along Mooserstegle, a drainage channel of Windach Ache from an earlier time. Enjoy this stretch, always accompanied by the reconstructed Waal which enchants 1800 especially the youngest hikers. Past quiet fairytale places you walk towards the 1650 barbecue area. Before descending you should take a deep breath and restore Waalweg Mooserstegle your energy. Then you return to the starting point - Freizeit Arena Sölden. 1500 Sölden Station: Naturpark Ötztal 1350 Station: Bike Republic Station: James Bond Sölden 1200

In the past, the so-called „Waale“ have irrigated the pastures. km 1 2 3 4 5 18 | Water Strider Loop Trails Water Strider Loop Trails | 19

Rotmoostal valley, Obergurgl View of the village, Obergurgl

Rotmoostal Obergurgl – Hohe Mut – Rotmoosferner – Rotmoostal – Stone Pine Forest – Obergurgl EXPLORE THE SOURCE OF ALPINE WATER IN THE GLACIER FOOTHILLS AND DISCOVER TRACES OF THE ICE AGE 12 km 4:00 h/ 100 Hoehenmeter 893 Hoehenmeter intermediate 14.8 km * 6:00 h * 889 Hoehenmeter* This magnificent journey of discovery starts with a leisurely ride on Hohe Mut Carriage Surefooted- 2701 Meter Hiking path mountain gondola. Once arrived at Hohe Mut saddleback, you can enjoy hi- road ness king in quite flat and easy terrain towards the glacier fields of Rotmoosferner. Then you continue on rough and rocky mountain trails to a distinctive glacier Standard hiking equipment Obergurgl center moraine, the highest point of this hike. At the Rotmoosferner stamp site you get in close touch with Rotmoosferner glacier. Hohe Mut Alm, Schönwieshütte, Hiking accommodations in Zirben Alm, inns in Obergurgl Obergurgl Besides this very imposing, natural world of stone you discover another histo- * without using Hohe Mut Bahn rical archive - the striking red Riedmoos moss typical of Rotmoostal. The trail continues on signposted paths towards the high Alpine world of flowers close to (serviced) Schönwieshütte. From there you hike through the ancient Stone 3.000 Pine Forest with trees that are older than 300 years. Very soon you also get to the splendid Rotmoos waterfall. Follow the hiking trail leading past Zirben 2.700 Hohe Mut Alm Alm, continue towards the village center and return to the starting point.

2.400 Schönwieshüe

2.100 Zirben Alm

Obergurgl Obergurgl High Alpine Rotmoostal is one of the Alps‘ most intensively researched areas. km 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

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Vent

Mutsbühel Vent – Mutsbühel – Ramolalm – Vent

VIA THE PASTURE AREAS OF SHEEP AND COW HERDS TO THE intermediate 4.6 km 2:00 h 495 Hoehenmeter 495 Hoehenmeter ENCHANTING PANORAMIC VISTA POINT OF THE SURROUNDING 3000 METER HIGH PEAKS Carriage Surefooted- 2372 Meter Hiking path road ness The wonderful hike starts at the base station of Wildspitze double chairlift in Vent. First you hike past the Mountaineering Chapel and, keeping to the left, Standard hiking equipment Base station of Wildspitze chairlift you cross the bridge over the Venter Ache mountain brook. Continue walking on the signposted trail towards Mutsbühel area. Right at the beginning there Inns in Vent Hiking accommodations in Vent are a few altitude meters to conquer but the truly varied route makes you for- get all the effort. Slowly you leave the wooded area and walk uphill through lush green meadows. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views.

From Mutsbühel you hike almost at the same height in the direction of Ramol- 2550 alm (not serviced), enjoying equally fantastic views. Walk straight across lush 2400 Aussichtspunkt Mutsbühel Alpine pastures and descend on a hiking path that branches off to the left. Hiking downhill through a wooded area, you soon reach the Zentralalpenweg 2250 Ramolalm trail which takes you back to Vent. 2100

1950 Vent Vent The Rofner Ache brook transports approx. 700,000 tons of debris annually. km 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 22 | Ötztaler Urweg Ötztaler Urweg | 23

Ötztaler Urweg HIKING, FROM VILLAGE TO VILLAGE Varied high Alpine landscapes, breathtaking rock formations and gently rolling meadows invite summer vacationers to experience culture, enjoy culinary delights and unique nature exploration. The focus is always on the Ötztaler Ache mountain brook with all its different facets, just as varied as Ötztal’s scenic landscape. Wild and fierce, calm and silent, authentic and full of peace!

This outstanding hiking route in 12 stages crisscrosses the valley and its mountain brooks and Alpine meadows stretching up to high-altitude vantage spots. It winds its way like a ribbon through holiday villages on the valley floor and wildly romantic mountain hamlets on the sunny slopes. The splendid trail takes passionate hikers from the lower entrance to the valley, embedded in sun-kissed and flower-strewn meadows, up to Austria’s highest parish village at 1930 m above sea level.

In the very heart of the valley, near the glacier areas, the trail is in close contact with countless mighty summits higher than 3000 meters, such as Wildspitze or Similaun - the true mountain stars of Ötztal. On the way back you descend again to more favorable climatic locations and fertile soil, where fruit cultiva- tion is the order of the day. The long-distance hiking trail can be started from any village and is particularly suitable for Alpine adventurers who want to get in close touch with the valley‘s hidden nature treasures, culture and history. The single stages of the long-distance hike require a certain amount of stamina.

Oetzerau oetztal.com/urweg 24 | Ötztaler Urweg Ötztaler Urweg | 25

Wake Area, Area 47

Stage 1 Ötztal Bahnhof – AREA 47 – Ambach – Auer Klamm – Oetzerau – Oetz

GENTLE GREEN MEADOWS AT THE FOOT OF THE easy 10.3 km 3:30 h 405 Hoehenmeter 310 Hoehenmeter 3000 METER HIGH SUMMIT

Carriage Surefooted- 1038 Meter Hiking path The stage starts at the main square in Ötztal-Bahnhof. There you hike along road ness Ambergstraße and Wassertalstraße and then turn right into a gravel path, un- derpassing the bridge over the river Inn. Cross Ötztaler Ache mountain brook Standard hiking equipment, hiking AREA 47, inns in Ambach and Oetz and turn left. At the AREA 47 outdoor playground you keep to the left, walking boots with grip sole from Ötztal‘s riverside road to the hamlet of Brunau. The trail continues to the info point of Ötztal Tourismus in Ambach. Hiking accommodations in Oetz Ötztal train station (return by bus: There you take the hiking trail on the left, leading along the unique Auer Oetz - Ötztal Bahnhof) Klamm - the Alps‘ undisputed canyoning paradise. High above the ravine you cross a wooden bridge which leads over the pristine Auer Klamm. Shortly before you reach the small hamlet of Oetzerau you walk past the hidden remains of the Auenstein castle ruins. In Oetzerau you cross the road and follow 1200 a meadow trail towards Oetz. Slightly downhill, you continue through wooded Burgruine Auenstein 1050 areas and past small hamlets. On the descent you also walk past „Hexenplatte“ located above Oetz, a beauti- 900 ful vantage point overlooking the central Lower Ötztal. The stage ends in the Auer Klamm Area 47 750 Oetz old village center of Oetz. 600 Ötztal Bahnhof The Tschirgant rockslide included some 300 million m³ of rock and reached even km 2 4 6 8 10 Ötztal‘s valley entrance. 26 | Ötztaler Urweg Ötztaler Urweg | 27

Lake Habicher See, Oetz Bergmahderweg trail, Niederthai

Stage 2 FROM THE PEACEFUL LAKE TO THE ROARING WATERFALL Oetz – Ebele – Habichen – Lake Habicher See – Elisabeths Höhe – Tumpen – Lehn Platzl – Wienersteig – Steppsteig – Stuiben Falls – Niederthai From the village hall in Oetz you walk uphill to the church. Then you follow the stations of the cross (Kalvarienberg). Above the Calvary Chapel, the forest trail winds its way uphill in serpentines until you finally reach the Ebele intermediate 17.3 km 6:30 h 1.255 Hoehenmeter 490 Hoehenmeter branch-off point. There you take the path on the right and walk to the Ebele vista point. From the vantage point the route leads down to Habichen. In Carriage Surefooted- Good physi- 1542 Meter Hiking path Habichen you take the trail to the left into the small village, walk through the road ness cal stamina underpass and cross the Ötztaler Ache mountain brook at the old, covered wooden bridge. Standard hiking equipment, hiking Waldcafe Stuböbele, Gasthof Stuiben- boots with grip sole fall, Jausenstation Bichl, inns in Um- Past Habichen‘s Ice Cellar you reach hidden lake Habicher See. From there you hausen and Niederthai walk slightly uphill, and later on a level trail, along the shore of Tumpenbach

brook. Branching off to the left, the route leads steeply uphill to Tumpen via Hiking accommodations in Umhau- Village of Oetz (return by bus: sen-Niederthai Niederthai - Umhausen; Umhausen - Elisabeth‘s Höhe. Followed by a leisurely walk along the forest path, past En- Oetz) gelswand rock face, the hamlets of Lehn Platzl and the Maria Schnee chapel. After the bridge crossing Farstrinne you turn left (uphill) into the dense forest 1800 to Wienersteig trail. Later Steppsteig takes you straight up to the foot of the Niederthai mighty Stuiben Falls - Tirol‘s biggest waterfall. Countless stairs in close vicinity 1500 Stuibenfall to the falling water masses finally take you up to the hamlet of Niederthai.

1200 Aussichtspunkt Ebele 900 Habicher See Oetz In Habichen a natural Ice Cellar, a small ice-cold rock cave, was used as a refrigera- tor until 1960. km 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

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Wiesle, Niederthai Hemerachalm, Längenfeld

Stage 3 Niederthai – Wiesle – Hemerachalm – Dorf – Ötztaler Ache – Fischbach – Längenfeld TWO RUSTIC PICTURE-BOOK PASTURE INNS

easy 11.4 km 4:00 h 450 Hoehenmeter 830 Hoehenmeter At the Information Niederthai you turn right and walk along the road to the sports field in the hamlet of Lehn. On the left, a wide forest road - quite steep Hiking path, Carriage Surefooted- 1831 Meter at the beginning - leads up to Mauslesattel. After crossing a plain you walk altitude trail road ness downhill through the dense forest. Suddenly you reach a forest clearing where you follow the route through lush mountain meadows to quaint Jausensta- Standard hiking equipment, hiking Jausenstation Wiesle, tion Wiesle located in an idyllic mountain meadow encircled by tree tops. boots with grip sole inns in Längenfeld From Wiesle you take the climbing trail through the dense forest on the right. Hiking accommodations in Längen- Niederthai (return by bus: Soon you reach the wildly romantic Alpine meadows of Hemerachalmen. feld-Gries Längenfeld - Umhausen; From there the route continues down the mountainside to Längenfeld. On Umhausen -Niederthai) the valley floor you get to the hamlet of Dorf-Espan via an underpass. In the

hamlet of Dorf you turn slightly to the right, past the houses of Espan to- 2100 wards Ötztaler Ache. Continue to Unterlängenfeld along the mountain brook Hemerachalm (geschlossen) 1800 through the flat valley basin. At Fischbach brook you turn left and follow the shores of Ötztaler Ache‘s largest feeder up to the main road in Längenfeld. 1500 Niederthai Wiesle Along the sidewalk you enjoy a stroll through the center of the village. Fischbach 1200 Längenfeld 900

Due to the hot thermal springs Längenfeld is known as a spa region. km 2 4 6 8 10 30 | Ötztaler Urweg Ötztaler Urweg | 31

Suspension bridge, Längenfeld Längenfeld

Stage 4 Längenfeld – Brand – Suspension Bridge – Burgstein – Aschbach – Höfle – Sölden PLACES OF STRENGTH AND ENERGY IN LÄNGENFELD

intermediate 17.5 km 6:00 h 1.147 Hoehenmeter 968 Hoehenmeter In Längenfeld you hike along the forest road behind the church up to Brand by climbing the so-called „Klamm“ (gorge). After approx. 40 minutes of strenu- Hiking path, Carriage Surefooted- Good physi- 1846 Meter ous ascent you reach the idyllic mountain farms of Brand. You cross a dense altitude trail road ness cal stamina forest, then the trail continues over the 220 m high suspension bridge, offering superb panoramic views of Längenfeld‘s valley basin. Standard hiking equipment, hiking Brand Alm, s´Dorfstüberl Burgstein, The hamlet of Burgstein, nestling on a sunny high Alpine plateau, offers boots with grip sole inns in Sölden authentic mountain farm idyll. There you follow the ascending Jadgweg trail

until you get to a secluded hunter‘s hut. Continue along the mountainside and descend to the hamlet of Winkle. At the huge quarry you turn left, then you Hiking accommodations in Sölden Längenfeld (return by bus: Sölden - Längenfeld) hike uphill through the forest and downhill again past the Winkle campsite and further on to Bruggen. Take the underpass at the end of Bruggen, cross the main road and follow the

2000 trail into the valley to Aschbach. After another underpass you reach the other Jagdhüe 1800 side of the road, following the signposts towards Sölden. Along the tree line 1600 you hike above the large hamlets of Sölden - Kaisers, Schmiedhof, Rechenau - Hängebrücke to the village center of Sölden. 1400 Sölden 1200 Längenfeld 1000 The thermal springs that supply the AQUA DOME were discovered at a depth of 1865 meters. km 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

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Adventure Mile, Sölden Sahnestüberl, Zwieselstein

Stage 5 TWO BLOOMING TOP-CLASS SKI RESORTS IN SUMMER Sölden – Mooserstegle – Zwieselstein – Sahnestüberl – Obergurgl From Freizeit Arena the trail leads along the Adventure Mile and past Sölden‘s social services center where it climbs steeply. On the panoramic hill you follow intermediate 14.3 km 5:00 h 837 Hoehenmeter 280 Hoehenmeter scenic Sonnenwinklweg which becomes a much narrower footpath. Hike down to the hamlet of Windau, cross the street and walk along the brook Carriage Surefooted- Good physi- 1908 Meter Hiking path shore of Ötztaler Ache (southwards). At the next fork you keep to the left and road ness cal stamina turn right behind the houses. Follow the trail leading into the forest, later it joins a section of Waalweg Mooserstegle. Continue walking above the hamlet Standard hiking equipment, hiking Moosalm, Sahnestüberl, inns in of Platte until you get to Moosalm. boots with grip sole Obergurgl and Zwieselstein Then walk along the mountainside in a slight arc towards Kühtrainschlucht Hiking accommodations in Obergurgl Postplatz Sölden (return by bus: ravine to the hamlet of Zwieselstein. From Zwieselstein a steeper, broad gravel Obergurgl - Sölden) trail takes you in serpentines uphill. Hike along the slightly rising and later sloping trail through the sparse forest, past the waterfall to Sahnestüberl. Here the trail follows the brook shore of Gurgler Ache, keep to the right and walk past lake Piller See to the gondola station of Hochgurgl Bahn. Cross the 2200 main road and follow the route from Untergurgl further along Gurgler Ache

2000 Obergurgl mountain brook and via Poschach to the village center of Obergurgl.

1800 Sahnestüberl 1600 Waalweg Mooserstegle

1400 Moosalm Sölden Obergurgl (1930 m above sea level) is the highest parish village in all Austria. km 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 34 | Ötztaler Urweg Ötztaler Urweg | 35

Ramolhaus, Obergurgl Piccard Bridge, Obergurgl

Stage 6 ENDLESS HEIGHTS - FROM GURGLER TAL TO VENTER TAL Obergurgl – Ramolhaus – Ramoljoch – Ramolalm – Vent From the village center you follow the signposted trail to Gurgler Ache mountain brook. Then follow the ascending route through steep grass slopes and difficult 15.0 km 6:30 h 1.337 Hoehenmeter 1.370 Hoehenmeter cross small glacier brooks several times. At about 2300 meters altitude you reach Küppelealm (refreshment stop). If you continue walking into the valley, you can Footpath, Carriage Surefooted- Good physi- 3187 Meter already see majestic Ramolhaus on a rocky outcrop. A little further, below Ra- hiking path road ness cal stamina molhaus, you reach the newly built trail towards Piccard Bridge. Take the rising High Alpine Good head footpath on the right and you reach Ramolhaus via a very steep path through experience for heights rock-strewn terrain. From Ramolhaus you continue to Ramolferner glacier and further on - very steep - to Ramoljoch col. Here you descend in serpentines past Hiking/mountaineering equipment, Ramolhaus, inns in Vent Spiegelferner glacier. Continue downhill to Ramolalm (not serviced). Follow the hiking boots with grip sole signposted hiking trail down to the mountaineering village of Vent.

Hiking accommodations in Vent Festkogel Gondola Obergurgl (return by bus: Vent - Obergurgl) Obergurgl – Stone Pine Forest – Langtalereck Hütte – Piccard Bridge – Obergurgl 3500 TIP OF Scenic Piccard Bridge spans the foothills of Gurgler Ferner glacier where Ramoljoch THE DAY the hot-air balloon emergency landing took place. On this hike you can 3000 Ramolhaus also explore the popular, more than 300 year old Stone Pine Forest. Alpine stone pines of such a high age are a true natural rarity, therefore 2500 Küppelealm this forest has been a natural monument since 1963. Ramolalm (geschlossen) 2000 Obergurgl Vent The Ötztal Alps are comprising more than 250 peaks higher than 3000 meters. km 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 36 | Ötztaler Urweg Ötztaler Urweg | 37

Seenplatte lake area, Obergurgl Lenzenalm, Zwieselstein

Stage 6 – Variant Obergurgl – Seenplatte Lake Area – Lake Nedersee – Lenzenalm – Zwieselstein

LAKE HOPPING AT A HIGH ALPINE PLATEAU intermediate 13.1 km 4:30 h 835 Hoehenmeter 1.280 Hoehenmeter From the village center of Obergurgl you hike northwards to the bridge over Footpath, Carriage Surefooted- Good physi- 2509 Meter the Ache brook in the hamlet of Pirchhütt. Crossing Gurgler Ache brook via hiking path road ness cal stamina the bridge, the beautiful hiking trail travels on the western side of the valley - along a somewhat steeper path - to the Alpine lake plateau at approx. 2500 m Hiking/mountaineering equipment, Lenzenalm, inns in Zwieselstein above sea level. The largest of the lakes is Soomsee, below which you will find hiking boots with grip sole the fork-off towards the next stage destination. From there you walk out of the valley on the right side, across the flat Soom plateau to picture-book lake Ne- Hiking accommodations in Sölden- Festkogel Gondola Obergurgl dersee located right below Nederkogl peak. Here you can indulge in the unique Zwieselstein (return by bus: Zwieselstein - glacier panorama, encircled by mighty three thousand meter high summits. Obergurgl)

From the northern shore of the lake you follow the descending route to Lenzen- alm, hiking over rock-strewn terrain and later on a switch-backing footpath 3000 through the densely wooded slope until you get to the pasture hut located 2700 in the north. From the hut you continue on a narrow footpath that joins a Soomsee Nedersee 2400 wide forest trail. Following the forest path you turn into a hiking trail towards Zwieselstein. Follow the descending trail through sparse forest to Gurgl‘s main 2100 Lenzenalm road and further on to the village center of Zwieselstein. 1800 Obergurgl 1500 Zwieselstein The lake area is located on a high Alpine plateau offering stunning views. km 2 4 6 8 10 12 38 | Ötztaler Urweg Ötztaler Urweg | 39

Tiefenbach Glacier, Sölden Almferienclub Silbertal

Stage 7 Vent – Weißenkar – Tiefenbach – Gaislach

THE MOUNTAINEERING VILLAGE AT THE REAR END OF THE VALLEY intermediate 14.9 km 6:00 h 1.024 Hoehenmeter 980 Hoehenmeter From the village center of Vent you hike along the winding forest road to Son- Carriage Surefooted- Good physi- 2806 Meter Hiking path nenberg until you reach the access point of the high alpine Panorama Trail. road ness cal stamina At the beginning you will quickly gain altitude as the ascent is very steep. Continue hiking on the trail, past the slopes of Weißkar and Mutboden. On Standard hiking equipment, hiking Tiefenbach Restaurant, Silbertal, the whole route you enjoy a magnificent view of the valley basin encircled by boots with grip sole Gaislachalm, inns in Zwieselstein majestic mountain peaks. The slightly ascending route takes you to the huge car park of Tiefenbach mountain gondola. Hiking accommodations in Sölden- Vent (Gaislach Shuttle to Sölden; Zwieselstein return by bus: Sölden - Vent) This also means that you have reached the highest point of this stage, the base station of Tiefenbach gondola in the foothills of Tiefenbach Glacier at 2800 meters. Leaving behind the rocky high Alpine terrain, you hike from the parking area of Tiefenbach gondola down to Gaislach on a panoramic trail. 3000 Again you enjoy the picture-book mountain panorama offering memorable Tiefenbach Gletscher Weißeskarsee views of Ventertal. 2700

2400

2100

Vent Gaislach In Vent Alpine tourism began as early as in the 18th century. km 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 40 | Ötztaler Urweg Ötztaler Urweg | 41

Gampealmen pasture huts, Sölden Hochsölden

Stage 8 Gaislach – Gampealmen – Hochsölden – Granstein

DELIGHTFUL ALMZEIT HIGH ABOVE SÖLDEN easy 12.8 km 4:00 h 265 Hoehenmeter 763 Hoehenmeter From the Gaislachalmen pasture huts you hike to Gasthof Sonneck. Here you Carriage Surefooted- 2121 Meter Hiking path turn left and walk - below Gaislachkogl middle station - towards Rettenbach- road ness alm hut along the mountainside. Above the toll booth of the Ötztal Glacier Road you cross the underpass in order to reach Hühnersteign mountain inn. Standard hiking equipment, hiking Sölden ALMZEIT gastronomy spots, From there a narrow hiking trail leads straight into the stone pine forest. boots with grip sole Gasthof Granstein At the end of the forest you reach an idyllic mountain meadow with quaint farmer‘s huts. Hiking accommodations in Sölden- Postplatz Sölden; Gaislach Shuttle to Granstein Gaislach (return by taxi / 7 min - Continue through the lush meadows down to Gampealmen pasture huts. The Granstein – Sölden) trail travels right in between the lift towers of Giggijoch mountain gondola

towards Gasthof Sonnblick and further on to Hochsölden. As soon as you reach the last houses, turn left towards Leiterbergalm. At Leiterbergalm you 2400 follow the wide forest trail out of the valley. After about 10 walking minutes 2200 there is a trail that branches off from the forest path. It takes you straight down to Granstein. 2000 Leiterbergalm Gaislach Gampealmen 1800

1600 Granstein In Silbertal you will find the largest Mineral Museum in western Austria. km 2 4 6 8 10 12 42 | Ötztaler Urweg Ötztaler Urweg | 43

Jausenstation Hochwald, Sölden View towards Längenfeld

Stage 9 Granstein – Hochwald – Aschbach – Huben – Duringweg – Längenfeld

LEGENDS AND TALES FROM THE LONG FIELDS intermediate 14.9 km 5:00 h 610 Hoehenmeter 912 Hoehenmeter From Granstein you reach Hochwald on the right via a connecting path. Later Carriage Surefooted- Good physi- 1568 Meter Hiking path the slightly descending trail leads through the dense forest to Ötztal‘s main road ness cal stamina road. Follow the Ötztal Cycle Trail out of the valley towards Aschbach where you cross the Ötztaler Ache mountain brook. Continue until you get to the Standard hiking equipment, hiking Gasthof Granstein, Jausenstation hamlet of Bruggen through an underpass. boots with grip sole Hochwald, inns in Huben and Län- genfeld Keeping left and following the gravel road, you enjoy a stroll through the hamlets of Bruggen and Winkle until you finally reach the next underpass. Then Hiking accommodations in Granstein (return by bus: Längen Längenfeld feld - Sölden - Taxi / 7 min to Gran- keep to the left and cross the Ötztaler Ache mountain brook. Continue to the stein) houses of Huben until you pass the sports field. Hike to the Ötztal Fun Park and the hamlet of Gottsgut. You always walk to the left of the Ötztaler Ache brook until you reach the branch-off into Duringweg on the left. The ascen- 1650 Jausenstation Hochwald ding and switch-backing trail leads up to lofty heights. Magnificent panoramic

1500 Teufelskanzel views await you at the Teufelskanzel. From Teufelskanzel the trail continues Granstein - moderately descending - to the Plague Chapel, down to the campsite and 1350 straight on to Fischbach bridge in Oberlängenfeld. Ötztaler Funpark 1200 Längenfeld 1050

An ancient peasant legend gave the „Teufelskanzel“ (devil‘s pulpit) its name. km 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 44 | Ötztaler Urweg Ötztaler Urweg | 45

Lake Winkelbergsee, Längenfeld Wurzbergalm, Köfels

Stage 10 Längenfeld – Lake Winkelbergsee – Wurzbergalm – Köfels – Umhausen

A SMALL PARADISE SHAPED BY THE BIG BANG intermediate 14.1 km 4:30 h 528 Hoehenmeter 663 Hoehenmeter This hiking tour leads past the campsite of Längenfeld, along the Ötztaler Carriage Surefooted- Good physi- 1575 Meter Hiking path Ache mountain brook towards the hamlet of Lehner-Au. Great views of the road ness cal stamina mighty Waterfall in Lehn accompany you on the trail that branches-off to the left, traveling over lush fields to the forest edge. Soon you turn left again and Standard hiking equipment, hiking Wurzbergalm, Alpengasthof Köfels, reach the forest trail that takes you up to lake Winkelbergsee. Following the boots with grip sole Jausenstation Edelweiß, inns in Um- signposts towards Wurzbergalm, you can either follow the wide forest trail hausen or the narrow mountain path which branches off to the left after about 25 walking minutes. Hiking accommodations in Umhausen Längenfeld (return by bus: Umhau- sen - Längenfeld) From lovely Wurzbergalm the route branches off to the right into an old forest trail which takes you to Köfels. In Köfels you descend in serpentines through a sparse forest, following the hiking trail until you reach Ötztaler Ache moun- 1800 tain brook. Crossing Ötztaler Ache and the main road, you get to Maurach. Walk steeply uphill - behind the small sawmill - to the hamlet of Arzwinkel. Wurzbergalm 1600 Then cross Niederthai‘s federal road and walk through a small forest to the bustling Bischofsplatz and further on to the village center of Umhausen. 1400

Ötztaler Heimatmuseum 1200 Köfels Winkelberg See Längenfeld Umhausen The world‘s third largest rockslide (the energy released was equivalent to 4.5 megatons of TNT) occurred in Köfels. km 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 46 | Ötztaler Urweg Ötztaler Urweg | 47

Lake Piburger See, Oetz

Stage 11 Umhausen – Tumpen – Habichen – Lake Piburger See – Piburg – Sautens

A NATURE TREASURE AMIDST THE DANCE OF ELEMENTS intermediate 14.8 km 5:00 h 531 Hoehenmeter 744 Hoehenmeter In the village center of Umhausen you turn left at the church and then take Carriage Surefooted- Good physi- 1233 Meter Hiking path the turnoff to the hamlet of Neudorf. Always follow the signs towards Ötz- road ness cal stamina taler Ache mountain brook. Cross the brook and take the forest trail towards the hamlet of Östen, always following the road until you reach the covered Standard hiking equipment, hiking Inns in Tumpen, Gasthaus Seehäusl, wooden bridge. You walk to the left of the single farmhouse, then you take boots with grip sole Piburger See lakeside beach, inns in the rising trail to the left. The permanently ascending trail becomes a narrow Piburg and Sautens footpath. In lofty heights you can enjoy a magnificent view of Umhausen and the valley basin. Hiking accommodations in Sautens Umhausen Mure (return by bus: Sautens - Umhausen) At the top you follow the forest trail out of the valley to Tumpen. Keep to the left and hike along Tumpen‘s Loop Trail until you get directly to the village. Then follow the signs to lake Habicher See and hike on the mountainside to 1350 lake Piburger See. Later you turn into the trail towards picturesque Seejöchl, 1200 located slightly above the small hamlet of Piburg, to the scenic hamlet of Haderlehn. Overlooking the village of Sautens, the trail continues to the local Umhausen Seejöchl 1050 community center. 900 Habicher See Piburger See 750 Sautens

After the Ice Age, lake Piburger See was formed and dammed by a rockslide. km 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 48 | Ötztaler Urweg Ötztaler Urweg | 49

Sautens Apple Mile, Haiming

Stage 12 Sautens – Schlierenzau – Apple Mile – Haiming – Ötztal Bahnhof

APPLE TREES IN THE GARDEN EDEN intermediate 19.1 km 5:00 h 161 Hoehenmeter 287 Hoehenmeter From the parish church in Sautens you walk along the main village road to Carriage Surefooted- Good physi- 892 Meter Hiking path Kreuzkapelle chapel. Leaving behind the chapel at the sports field, you hike road ness cal stamina past Kalkofen area and follow the forest road to Roppen. After about 300 meters the trail branches off into the forest at a fork to the right. There you hike Standard hiking equipment, hiking Inns in Roppen, Haiming and Ötztal along a section of the Sautens Forchet Loop Trail. Continue through the forest boots with grip sole Bahnhof and past the federal road. After a while you reach another forest clearing where you walk through the underpass towards the hamlet of Ötzbruck. Then Hiking accommodations in Haiming Sautens outdoor pool (return by bus: follow the hiking trail to Roppen. and Ötztal Bahnhof Ötztal Bahnhof - Sautens) You cross the river Inn and follow the Pilgrimage Route of St. James via the hamlet of Schlierenzau to Haiming/Magerbach. In the hamlet of Magerbach you walk towards the scenic Apple Mile which leads back to the small hamlet 1050 in a loop. But you can also take the direct trail towards Ötztal Bahnhof. Cross Kalkofen 900 the river Inn on the striking green iron bridge and turn into Magerbachweg. At the next fork off you turn right and proceed through the forest via Unterriede 750 Sautens Innsteg Apfelmeile Haiming area and past Western Tirol‘s transformer station until you finally reach the 600 Ötztal Bahnhof village of Ötztal Bahnhof.

450

About 25,000 farmers cultivate 180,000 fruit trees in Haiming. km 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 50 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 51

Ötztal Trek MOUNTAINEERING, FROM HUT TO HUT Explore splendid Ötztal also in its highest regions - the Ötztal Trek, a high Al- pine long-distance hiking trail, makes it possible! The 6 routes, comprising a to- tal of 22 stages, cover approximately 18,900 ascent meters and a distance of 246 kilometers. The Ötztal Trek leads from Ötztal-Bahnhof eastwards over crests, ridges and peaks from one hut to the next towards Obergurgl-Hochgurgl and Vent. On the western Geigenkamm ridge the Trek leads back to Ötztal Bahn- hof. The 6 routes include 2 to 5 day stages and promise truly unforgettable holidays at the Peak of Tirol amidst the superb Ötztal mountain world.

For all these routes prior mountaineering experience is necessary. Most stages are classified as „black mountain trails“ according to the „Tirolean hiking & mountain trail concept“, which are difficult routes. All other stages are classified as „red“ hiking routes (intermediate difficulty). Some stages lead across the eternal ice. However, if a path leads across a glacier blazing and signs will most likely be missing. Knowing the weather forecast for the area where you are hiking and detailed tour planning are also essential.

Proper Alpine hiking and mountaineering equipment is absolutely required: ankle-high hiking boots, wind and rain protection, sunscreen, a hat and gloves. First aid kits are vital pieces of hiking equipment. If you bring your dogs it is strongly recommended to keep them on a leash!

oetztal.com/oetztal-trek Trail to Erlanger Hütte, Umhausen 52 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 53

STAGE Ötztal-Bahnhof (704 Meter) – Dortmunder Hütte (1949 Meter) 1 – 5 Schweinfurter Hütte (2036 Meter) – Winnebachseehütte (2361 Meter)– Amberger Hütte (2136 Meter) – Hochstubaihütte (3174 Meter)

Route 1: AN OCEAN IN THE HIGH ALPINE MOUNTAINS 55.4 km 5141Hoehenmeter 2670Hoehenmeter ~ 22:00 h 3163Meter

This first route requires enough stamina and physical fitness but not a high level of Alpine experience as the ridges and crossings – except the last two stages – are free of ice. You can easily descend before you reach the glacier stages.

GETTING HERE By train – from Innsbruck or Bregenz to Ötztal-Bahnhof By car – A12 / exit Ötztal-Bahnhof, parking for a fee

RETURN TRANSFER Public bus lines: Ötztaler Verkehrsbetriebe | T +43 (0) 5254 3550, Postbus GmbH Imst | T+43 (0) 5412 6626 6 - www.vvt.at Hiking bus/Hut taxi: Längenfeld – Gries line | T +43 (0) 57200 300 Windach lines – Ötztaler Verkehrsbetriebe | T +43 (0) 5254 3550

MORE DETAILS Descent possible in Gries near Längenfeld (Stage 3 + 4). Glacier experience Zwieselbachtal, Umhausen absolutely required for Stage 4 + 5 (mountain guide recommended!) 54 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 55

Feldringböden, Haiming Feldringalm, Haiming

Stage 1 HAMLETS, A MOOR LAKE AND SECLUDED TRAILS Ötztal Bahnhof (704 Meter) – Marlstein – Mareil – Dortmunder Hütte (1949 Meter) The trailhead of the Ötztal Trek is at the construction deposit on the main road in Ötztal-Bahnhof, east of the village limits. Follow the signs to “Larchet, Höpperg”. intermediate 17.9 km 6:30 h 1522 Hoehenmeter 276 Hoehenmeter Before you reach the chapel you keep to the right towards „Grün“, then right again to Höpperg. Walk through meadows up to the houses, then follow the unsealed Carriage Surefooted- Good physi- 1949 Meter Hiking path road and continue on it until it starts descending. Turn into the trail to your road ness cal stamina left which takes you straight to the stage‘s secret highlight: Lake Brandsee - also known as Amberger See. Continue towards “Sattele” where you take the eastern Standard hiking equipment, hiking Berghotel & Gasthof Marlstein, path to Marlstein (approx. 45 walking minutes). From Marlstein walk on a slightly boots with grip sole Almhof Mareil, Dortmunder Hütte - descending trail to Mareil. Take Kaiser-Franz-Josef Trail left of the road. From in close vicinity (Issalm, Feldringalm: there it’s another 200-meter climb to Dortmunder Hütte. Option: spend the night no overnight stay) Public bus line from Oetz to in Marlstein or Mareil. Kühtai

Sattele (1690 Meter) – Feldringalm – Faltengartenköpfl (2184 Meter) – Feldringer Böden – Marlstein – Sattele

2500 TIP OF From Sattele along the forest trail to Feldringalm at 1888 m. Continue THE DAY on the footpath towards Feldringer Böden to the summit cross of Falte- Dortmunder Hüe 2000 gartenköpfl. Beautiful vantage peak! Descend via Grünwaslkreuz to Almhof Mareil Issalm Marlstein. Back to Sattele starting point on the forest trail. 1500 4 h 500 Hoehenmeter 500 Hoehenmeter easy 1000

Ötztal Bahnhof Lake Amberger See nestles in a wide basin shaped by the glacier. km 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 56 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 57

Finstertal water reservoir, Kühtai Schweinfurter Hütte, Umhausen

Stage 2 Dortmunder Hütte (1949 Meter) – Schweinfurter Hütte (2036 Meter)

LIKE AN OCEAN IN THE HIGH ALPINE MOUNTAINS intermediate 10.7 km 4:00 h 898 Hoehenmeter 801 Hoehenmeter At the entrance to Kühtai you follow the signs to “Finstertaler Scharte” or Footpath, Good head Surefooted- 2778 Meter “Schweinfurter Hütte”. The route climbs through lush meadows east of the hiking path for heights ness access road to Finstertal water reservoir - with the mighty, 149-meter tall dam always in sight. After a steep stretch you continue along the access road to the Standard hiking equipment Dortmunder Hütte, crest of the dam. Follow the footpath along the eastern shore of the reservoir Schweinfurter Hütte which has a capacity of 60 million cubic meters. At the southern end of the reservoir the trail climbs steeply towards Finstertaler Scharte. Public bus line from Oetz to Kühtai, from Niederthai - Sennhof car park (information office, parking for a fee) to Schweinfurter Hütte (ascent approx. 2 h / descent approx. 1.5 h) The 2777 meter high ridge affords spectacular views of the surrounding peaks including Wildspitze, Tirol’s highest mountain, in the south. From the top the trail weaves down through Alpine pastures and then switchbacks along the brook to Schweinfurter Hütte which is beautifully nestled in the area where 3000 Horlachtal joins Zwieselbachtal. Finstertaler Scharte 2700

Finstertaler Stausee 2400

2100 Schweinfurter Hüe Dortmunder Hüe The dam of the water reservoir was filled with 4.5 million m³ of rock. km 2 4 6 8 10 58 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 59

Zwieselbachtal, Umhausen Winnebachseehütte, Längenfeld

Stage 3 Schweinfurter Hütte (2036 Meter) – Winnebachseehütte (2361 Meter)

THROUGH ZWIESELBACHTAL VALLEY intermediate 10.4 km 4:00 h 841 Hoehenmeter 509 Hoehenmeter Take the marked forest trail into Zwieselbachtal, following the signs to Winne- Footpath, Carriage Good physi- 2871 Meter bachseehütte. Hike past Zwieselbacher Sennhütte and continue through the hiking path road cal stamina verdant Zwieselbachtal Alpine side valley. The forest trail ends at 2150 meters altitude - then continue on the footpath through rubble and boulders. The Standard hiking equipment, hiking Schweinfurter Hütte, trail eventually climbs through a scree slope on the right, which can be a bit boots with grip sole Winnebachseehütte difficult and tiring as there is no signposted route leading across the gravel field. Good stamina required! From Niederthai – Sennhof car park (information office, parking for a fee) to Schweinfurter Hütte (ascent approx. 2 h / descent 1.5 h); from Gries im Sulztal (Längenfeld) to Winnebachseehütte (ascent approx. 2.25 h / descent 1.75 h) In the summer months there is no ice or snow on the way to Zwieselbachjoch ridge which is located to the right of the glacier. To the west you can see the glacier-topped peak of Grieskogel. Once you have crossed the saddle, the trail descends quickly through Winnebachkar cirque until you reach Winnebach- 3300 seehütte.

3000 Zwieselbachjoch

2700

2400 Zwieselbach Alm Winnebachseehüe 2100 Schweinfurter Hüe Above Winnebachseehütte there is a rock climbing garden at 2360 Meter altitude. km 2 4 6 8 10 60 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 61

Amberger Hütte, Längenfeld

Stage 4 Winnebachseehütte (2361 Meter) – Bachfallenferner – Amberger Hütte (2136 Meter)

ACROSS GLACIERS, RIDGES AND STEEP SLOPES difficult 8.9 km 4:00 h 802 Hoehenmeter 1035 Hoehenmeter From Winnebachseehütte the climbing trail leads in switchbacks up to the Footpath, Carriage Surefooted- Good physi- 3058 Meter hiking path road ness cal stamina peak of Ernst-Riml-Spitze. Right before you reach the glacier fields of Bachfal- lenferner you climb the steeply winding route along the glacier moraine. The Good head High Alpine Glacier Mountain view of Bachfallenferner glacier and the crossing itself are really amazing. The for heights experience crossing guide almost level path becomes a bit steeper up to the ridge of Gaislehnscharte, the highest point. A short climb awaits you but you will be rewarded with awe-in- Standard hiking equipment, ice pick, Winnebachseehütte, Amberger crampons, rope Hütte, Vordere Sulztalalm (no over- spiring vistas. Steep descent through Schrankar down to Hinteres Sulztal night stay) valley and Amberger Hütte.

From Gries to Winnebachseehütte (ascent approx. 2.25 h / descent 1.75 h); from Gries to Amberger Hütte (ascent approx. 2 h / descent 1.5 h) Winnebachseehütte – Gries (1569 Meter) – Winnebachseehütte TIP OF A sidestep to the lovely hiking village of Gries which is always worth a 3300 THE DAY visit, following the scenic trail past several platforms. Here you get to Geißlehnscharte know interesting details on the village‘s lively history. 3000 Ernst- Bachfallenferner Riml- 2:30 h 800 Hoehenmeter 800 Hoehenmeter 2700 Spitz easy 2400 Winnebachseehüe 2100 Amberger Hüe Bachfalle is a spectacular waterfall close to Winnebachseehütte. km 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 62 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 63

Wilde Leck, Sölden Hochstubaihütte, Sölden

Stage 5 GLACIER TOUR TO HOCHSTUBAIHÜTTE Amberger Hütte (2136 Meter) – Wütenkarsattel (3103 Meter) – Hochstubaihütte (3174 Meter) You first follow the flat valley trail along the Sulze brook in southern direction and then turn right into the ascending path. Keep to the right at the trail fork. The route continues climbing gently along the lateral (western) moraine until difficult 8.1 km 3:30 h 1106 Hoehenmeter 72 Hoehenmeter you reach Sulztalferner glacier. Time to rope up! Continue along the right edge of the glacier to the foot of Wilde Leck area and further uphill to Wütenkarsat- Footpath, Surefooted- Good physi- Good head 3169 Meter tel (watch out for crevasses!). hiking path ness cal stamina for heights Once you have crossed the saddle you descend through crumbly, sliding rock High Alpine Glacier Mountain rubble to Wütenkarferner glacier and a small lake. Keep slightly to the right experience crossing guide when crossing the glacier which you leave at its western edge - where you meet the trail from Sölden to Hochstubaihütte. Don‘t miss out on the truly Standard hiking equipment, ice pick, Amberger Hütte, Hochstubaihütte breathtaking views of the Alpine scenery, which can be enjoyed from this crampons, rope vantage point. From there it’s an easy ridge walk of about 100 altitude meters to the Alpine refuge hut. From Gries to Amberger Hütte (ascent approx. 2 h / descent 1.5 h); from Sölden via Kleblealm and Lake Laubkarsee to Hochstubaihütte (ascent approx. 5 h / descent 4 h); from Sölden via Fiegl‘s Hütte and Lake Seekarsee to Hochstubai- hütte (ascent approx. 5.5 h / descent 4.5 h); or by public bus to Kleblealm and 3600 Fiegl‘s Hütte (ascent to Hochstubaihütte approx. 3.5 h / descent 2.5 h) 3300 Wütenkarsee Hochstubaihüe 3000 Sulztalferner 2700

2400 On Sulztalferner glacier you can still find the rare green alga species Amberger Hüe „mesotaenium berggreni“. km 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

64 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 65

STAGE Hochstubaihütte (3174Meter) – Hildesheimer Hütte (2899Meter) – 6 – 9 Siegerlandhütte (2710Meter) – Gasthaus Hochfirst (1860Meter) – Brunnenkogelhaus (2738Meter)

Route 2: SÖLDEN‘S SILENT PART 35.9 km 2797Hoehenmeter 3253Hoehenmeter ~ 15:00 h 3174Meter

There is also silence in Sölden, nature‘s endless beauty is mirrored in scenic Wind- achtal side valley. You can explore it along Ötztal‘s peak routes and glaciers, on wide open meadows and Alpine pasturelands. Where there used to be smugglers‘ routes, today you will find an excellent network of hiking trails from hut to hut!

GETTING HERE By train – from Innsbruck or Bregenz to Ötztal-Bahnhof, then by public bus through Ötztal to Sölden By car – via A12 /exit Ötztal towards Sölden – Postplatz car park (parking for a fee – ticket available at Information Sölden) Access route – Sölden via Fiegl‘s Hütte – Seekarsee – Hochstubaihütte approx. 5.5 h; alternatively by bus from Sölden – Fiegl‘s Hütte – ascent to Hochstubai- hütte approx. 3.5 h

RETURN TRANSFER Public bus line: Ötztaler Verkehrsbetriebe | T +43 (0) 5254 3550 ÖBB-Postbus GmbH Imst | T +43 (0) 5412 6626 6 - www.vvt.at Hut taxi: Windach line – Ötztaler Verkehrsbetriebe | T +43 (0) 5254 3550, Public bus line: Timmelsjoch – Ötztaler Verkehrsbetriebe | T +43 (0) 5254 3550

MORE DETAILS This high Alpine route leads across a marked glacier field - mountain guide Windachscharte, Sölden strongly recommended! 66 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 67

Zuckerhütl, Sölden Hildesheimer Hütte, Sölden

Stage 6 CONQUERING THE ETERNAL ICE SAFELY Hochstubaihütte (3174Meter) – Scharte/Windachferner – Hildesheimer Hütte (2899Meter) From the hut you take the ascending route in reverse direction above lake Seekar- see. You reach the winding and steeply descending Himmelsleiter footpath which is difficult 7.4 km 3:30 h 640Hoehenmeter 909Hoehenmeter secured with ropes and stone steps, leading along the exposed and boulder-strewn Footpath, Surefooted- Good physi- Good head mountain flank. After this challenging section you continue on a level path towards 3170Meter hiking path ness cal stamina for heights the small shelter (the key can be found right next to the door), and further on to lake Seekarsee along the precipitous path. Leaving behind the lake, you turn left High Alpine Glacier experience crossing into the trail which follows the grass-covered slopes in eastern direction. A winding route ascends to the higher ridge and continues in switchbacks to the steep edge of Standard hiking equipment, no Hochstubaihütte, Restaurant Joch- Windachferner. You head towards the glacier, following the path leading up to Joch- glacier hiking equipment required for dohle (no overnight stay), Hildes- dohle Restaurant in the ski area. Cross Gaiskarferner on the south-eastern side and Windachferner and Gaiskarferner heimer Hütte walk along the crevasse-free route down to Hildesheimer Hütte. Sölden - Fiegl‘s Hütte - lake Seekarsee - Hochstubaihütte (ascent approx. 5.5 h /

descent 4.5 h); Sölden - Windachtal - Aschenbrennerweg or Gaiskarweg (steep) Himmelsleiter (sky ladder) gives you the feeling of climbing the sky. trails - Hildesheimer Hütte (ascent approx. 5 h / descent 4 h); or by public bus to Fiegl‘s Hütte - ascent to Hochstubaihütte approx. 3.5 h / descent 2.5 h or ascent to Hildesheimer Hütte approx. 3 h / descent 2 h 3400 Hochstubaihüe 3200 Jochdohle Hildesheimer Hütte – Zuckerhütl (3507 Meter) – Hildesheimer Hütte Windachferner Ascent via Pfaffenferner glacier up to Pfaffenjoch at 3212 m. Right admist 3000 Gaiskarferner TIP OF the glacier world you cross Sulztalferner, proceeding towards Pfaffen- THE DAY 2800 Hildesheimer Hüe sattel and further on to the peak of Zuckerhütl at 3507 m. Adjacent Wilde Seekarsee Pfaff (3456 m) summit can be climbed easily from the saddleback! 2600 difficult 5:00 h 600Hoehenmeter 600Hoehenmeter Mountain-

guide km 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 68 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 69

Hildesheimer Hütte, Sölden Siegerlandhütte, Sölden

Stage 7 Hildesheimer Hütte (2900Meter) – Gamsplatzl (3018Meter) – Siegerlandhütte (2710Meter)

SPELLBOUND BY MAJESTIC ZUCKERHÜTL intermediate 5.3 km 2:00 h 340 Hoehenmeter 537 Hoehenmeter From the hut you walk down Windachtal valley until a trail branches off to Footpath, Surefooted- Good head 3017Meter the left, towards the rushing Gaiskarbach mountain brook. Continue across hiking path ness for heights the moraine of famous Pfaffenferner glacier and – steeply ascending in part – through boulders and rubble to Gamsplatzl area. There is a short section with Standard hiking equipment Hildesheimerhütte, Siegerlandhütte fixed cables for your safety. This small plateau provides marvelous views of the Stubai Alps with Zuckerhütl at 3507 meters and the breathtaking Ötztal Sölden - Windachtal - Aschenbrennerweg or Gaiskarweg (steep) trails - Hildes- Alps. heimer Hütte (ascent approx. 5 h / descent 4 h); Sölden - Windachtal - Siegerland- hütte (ascent approx. 5 h / descent 4 h); alternatively by public bus Sölden - Fiegl‘s The trail switchbacks steeply down to lake Triebenkarsee below the glacier Hütte. ascent to Hildesheimer Hütte or Siegerlandhütte approx. 3 h / descent 2 h snout of Triebenkarlasferner. The next stretch is easy and has only little elevation change. The trail crosses the precipitous slopes of Scheiblehn area and then gently climbs up to Siegerlandhütte. 3150 Gamsplatzl 3000 Hildesheimer Hüe 2850 Triebenkarsee Siegerlandhüe 2700

2550

In Windachtal valley the golden eagles feel at home. km 1 2 3 4 5 70 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 71

Siegerlandhütte, Sölden Windachscharte, Sölden

Stage 8 ALONG THE SMUGGLERS‘ TRAILS Siegerlandhütte (2710Meter) – Windachscharte – Gasthaus Hochfirst (1860Meter) Following the secret smugglers‘ routes you walk towards the ridge of Win- dachscharte at 2862 meters. Here you cross the border between Austria and intermediate 9.3 km 3:30 h 274 Hoehenmeter 1163 Hoehenmeter Italy on a trail deeply rooted in history. Overlooking scenic Passeiertal valley, a descending path leads down to Timmelsalm hut. Right below you also reach Footpath, Surefooted- Good head 2877Meter Cart trail the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road, a famous panoramic route leading from hiking path ness for heights the rear Ötztal to South Tyrol. Nearby Gasthof Hochfirst is located right on the Timmelsjoch Road. Standard hiking equipment Siegerlandhütte, Gasthof Hochfirst

Sölden - Windachtal - Siegerlandhütte (ascent approx. 5 h / descent 4 h); Moos/ Siegerlandhütte – Schneeberghaus (2355 Meter) – Gasthof Hochfirst Passeier - Gasthof Hochfirst (ascent approx. 3.5 h / descent 3 h); Timmelsjoch TIP OF Those who want to extend the tour can take the fork-off to Schneeberg Road - Timmelsalm (ascent/descent approx. 30 min); by public bus from Sölden - THE DAY haus (T +39 (0) 473 6470 45) mountain hut at the height of lake Schwarz- Timmelsjoch – walking tour to Gasthof Hochfirst (descent approx. 1.5 h) see. Enjoy a rewarding journey back in time to South Tyrol‘s deeply rooted mining history. Also renowned for excellent lunchtime meals.

intermediate 500 Hoehenmeter 1610 Hoehenmeter 3000 Windachscharte Siegerlandhütte – Schneeberghaus: 4–5 h; 2700 Großer Schwarzsee Siegerlandhüe Schneeberghaus – Gasthof Hochfirst: 2,5 h 2400

2100 Timmelsalm Gasthaus Hochﬁrst 1800

Goods were smuggled to Ötztal via the hidden smugglers‘ trails. km 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 72 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 73

Timmelsjoch Pass, Sölden Brunnenkogelhaus, Sölden

Stage 9 AN EXCEPTIONAL HIGH ELEVATION TRAIL Gasthaus Hochfirst (1860Meter) – Timmelsjoch – Brunnenkogelhaus (2738Meter) First you ascend from Gasthof Hochfirst to Timmelsjoch pass. From Rasthaus Timmelsjoch the trail leads past several small lakes, gently ascending to Wan- difficult 12.9 km 6:00 h 1523 Hoehenmeter 606 Hoehenmeter nenkar cirque. Crossing Wannenkar and also scenic Rötenkar and Wietenkar, you switchback up through steep and boulder-strewn terrain until you reach Narrow High Alpine Good physi- Good head 2961Meter Wannenkarsattel. Follow the constantly climbing trail on the ridge to the summit footpath experience cal stamina for heights of Wilde Rötespitz, the tour‘s highest point. Awe-inspiring views include Ötztal’s Wildspitze, North Tirol’s highest mountain, majestic Weißkugel and splendid Zu- Standard hiking equipment Brunnenkogelhaus, Rasthaus ckerhütl in the Stubai Alps! A slightly descending path takes you down to Brun- Timmelsjoch (no overnight stay), nenkogelhaus nestling at the peak of Vorderer Brunnenkogel. Hiking down to Gasthof Hochfirst Sölden you follow the trail to Fiegl‘s Hütte in Windachtal (approx. 2 h): here you can take the Windach bus line to Sölden (you save about 2 hours). You reach the Sölden - Fiegl‘s Hütte -Brunnenkogelhaus (ascent approx. 5 h / descent 4 h); or by public bus Sölden - Fiegl‘s Hütte (ascent to Brunnenkogelhaus approx. 3 h / descent trailhead of the next stage by taking the public bus from Sölden to Obergurgl. 2 h); Timmelsjoch bus line - ascent to Brunnenkogelhaus approx. 4 h / descent 3 h;

Fiegl‘s Hütte – Information Sölden | T +43 (0) 57200 200; Timmelsjoch - Obergurgl, Information Obergurgl-Hochgurgl | T +43 (0) 57200 100 Alternative: public bus - 3300 Gasthof Hochfirst - Timmelsjoch (mid-June to mid-September) | T +43 (0) 57200 100 Wilde Rötespitze 3000

2700 Timmelsjoch Brunnenkogelhaus 2400

2100 Gasthaus Hochﬁrst

Timmelsjoch is the highest Alpine pass crossing in Austria. Altkaser km 2 4 6 8 10 12 74 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 75

STAGE Obergurgl (1930Meter) – Langtalereckhütte (2430 m) – 10 – 12 Ramolhaus (3005Meter) – Martin-Busch-Hütte (2501Meter) – Similiaunhütte (3017 m)

Route 3: ÖTZTAL LOOP TOUR 31.7 km 2933Hoehenmeter 1820Hoehenmeter ~ 15:30 h 3187Meter

This scenic route takes hikers to Obergurgl in the rear Ötztal. You follow the tracks of stratosphere expert Auguste Piccard and Ötzi - The Iceman. From Aus- tria‘s highest parish village you also explore the glacier world high above Vent.

GETTING THERE By train – from Innsbruck or Bregenz to Ötztal-Bahnhof, then by public bus through Ötztal to Obergurgl By car – A12/exit Ötztal towards Obergurgl – Piccardsaal hall (parking for a fee)

RETURN TRANSFER Public bus line: Ötztaler Verkehrsbetriebe | T +43 (0) 5254 3550 ÖBB-Postbus GmbH Imst | T +43 (0) 5412 6626 6 - www.vvt.at

MORE DETAILS Glacier experience absolutely required – a mountain guide is strongly recommended. Ramolhaus, Obergurgl 76 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 77

Langtalereckhütte, Obergurgl

Stage 10 Obergurgl (1900Meter) – Langtalereckhütte (2430Meter) – Ramolhaus (3005Meter)

STONE PINE FOREST, PICCARD AND EAGLE‘S EYRIE intermediate 11.1 km 4:30 h 1408 Hoehenmeter 321 Hoehenmeter In the center of Obergurgl you hike into the valley and follow the Alpine Footpath, Good physi- Good head 2993Meter Cart trail adventure path through the Stone Pine Forest starting at the Zirben Alm hut. hiking path cal stamina for heights The route joins the road to Schönwieshütte in a left-hand loop and leads on a climbing trail high above Gurgler Tal valley to Langtalereckhütte. Then the Standard hiking equipment Zirben Alm (no overnight stay), trail takes you to Langtal, crossing the valley and heading to the moraine of Schönwieshütte (no overnight stay), Gurgler Ferner glacier. Langtalereckhütte, Ramolhaus

At approx. 2700 m altitude you descend via glacier slabs to the Piccard suspen- from Obergurgl along Ramolweg trail to Ramolhaus (ascent approx. 4 h / descent 3 h) sion bridge that leads over the remains of the Gurgler Ferner glacier snout. Follow the rising route up to Ramolhaus on the ridge. The last section is a demanding climb and very challenging due to the steep terrain.

3300 Ramolhaus 3000

2700 Langtalereckhüe 2400 Schönwieshüe Piccard Hängebrücke 2100 Obergurgl In 1931 Auguste Piccard made an emergency landing in his hot-air balloon at km 2 4 6 8 10 Gurgler Ferner. 78 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 79

Ramoljoch, Obergurgl Martin-Busch-Hütte, Vent

Stage 11 ACROSS RAMOLJOCH TO NIEDERTAL Ramolhaus (3005Meter) – Ramoljoch (3189Meter) – Martin-Busch-Hütte (2501Meter) From Ramolhaus you climb up to the dead ice of Ramolferner glacier. Continue on the very steep section up to Ramoljoch by using fixed cables and metal rungs difficult 11.9 km 5:00 h 705 Hoehenmeter 1210 Hoehenmeter to assist your ascent through boulders, slabs and rubble areas. From here the trail switchbacks down quickly, then runs along the lateral moraine of Spiegel- Footpath, Carriage Surefooted- 3171Meter Cart trail ferner glacier. Continue until you get to a trail junction at approx. 2800 meters hiking path road ness above sea level. There you turn left towards Martin-Busch-Hütte, following Good physi- Good head High Alpine Diemweg Trail. The trail then climbs moderately to a saddle and continues cal stamina for heights experience through gentle pasturelands and the slopes without much elevation change above Niedertal. Follow the signposted trail and cross Niedertalbach brook, then Standard hiking equipment, fixed Ramolhaus, Martin-Busch-Hütte take the winding footpath towards the valley floor and Martin-Busch-Hütte. ropes, steel rungs

Obergurgl - Ramolweg trail - Ramolhaus (ascent approx. 4 h / descent 3 h); from Vent (1900Meter) – Rofenhöfe (2014Meter)

Vent through Niedertal to Martin-Busch-Hütte (ascent approx. 2.5 h / descent 2 h) At the rear end of Vent, to the right, you pass the B-ART-EB‘NE High TIP OF Alpine Open-Air Gallery towards Rofen. Admire masterpieces of inter- 3300 Ramoljoch THE DAY national artists, visit Ötzi‘s pre-historic hunting base and take a glimpse of the old Wildspitze summit cross overlooking the peak. Walking past 3000 Ramolhaus the rare Alpine moorland and two small lakes, you reach the suspen- 2700 sion bridge. Back to Vent on the same route or along the asphalt road.

2400 Schäferhüe easy 0:45 h 100 Hoehenmeter 100 Hoehenmeter Niedertal Martin- 2100 Busch- Hüe An ancient Stone Age hunting base was discovered in Vent. km 2 4 6 8 10 80 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 81

Similaunhütte, Vent Ötzi‘s finding place, Tisenjoch/South Tyrol

Stage 12 A SIDE TRIP TO SOUTH TYROL Martin-Busch-Hütte (2501Meter) – Similaunhütte (3017Meter) Similaunhütte is located at 3017 meters above sea level on the South Tyrolean side of Niederjoch, a mountain pass between Tirol’s Ötztal and South Tyrol’s intermediate 4.8 km 2:00 h 591 Hoehenmeter 68 Hoehenmeter Schnalstal. Similaunhütte and Similaun owe their fame to Ötzi - The Iceman who was discovered at nearby Tisenjoch saddle (about 1.25 walking hours). Footpath, Surefooted- Good physi- 3078Meter This scenic tour to Similaunhütte leads into Niedertal valley along Nieder- hiking path ness cal stamina jochbach brook. The trail then climbs gently through glacier moraines. From Seibach brook you stay on the moraine ridge all the way until you reach the Standard hiking equipment Martin-Busch-Hütte, Similaunhütte „Bild“ area. Afterwards the route continues without much elevation change. Usually hikers had to cross Niederjochferner but since 2008 there is a new from Vent through Niedertal to Martin-Busch-Hütte (ascent approx. 2.5 h / trail bypassing the glacier. The signposted and quite steep trail leads west of descent 2 h) Niederjochferner towards Similaunhütte.

Similaunhütte (3017 Meter) – Similaun (3599Meter) Similaun peak from Similaunhütte: glacier tour, surefootedness, good TIP OF 3200 THE DAY head for heights, high Alpine experience; rope is a must on the glacier Niederjochferner (crevasses!) and ridges. Ice pick and crampons required. 3000 Similaunhüe 4:00 h 580 Hoehenmeter 580 Hoehenmeter Mountain intermediate 2800 guide

2600 Niederjochbach

Martin-Busch-Hüe From Schnalstal sheep were driven via Similaunhütte into the rear Ötztal. km 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 82 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 83

Similaunhütte (3017Meter) – Hochjoch-Hospiz (2412Meter) – Branden- STAGE burger Haus (3274Meter) – Vernagthütte (2755Meter) – Breslauer 13 – 17 Hütte (2844Meter) – Restaurant Tiefenbach (2789Meter) –Retten- bachjoch (2990Meter) – Braunschweiger Hütte (2758Meter)

Route 4: FOLLOWING ÖTZI‘S TRACES 45.6 km 3125Hoehenmeter 3388Hoehenmeter ~ 18:00 h 3482Meter

The glacier region surrounding Vent ranks among the most popular mountaineering areas in Ötztal. Route 4 follows the tracks of Ötzi, the glacier mummy. Alpine experience and all safety measures plus appropriate Alpine equipment are absolutely required for these glacier crossings.

GETTING THERE By train – from Innsbruck or Bregenz to Ötztal-Bahnhof, then by public bus through Ötztal to Vent By car – A12/exit Ötztal towards Vent – lift station (car park) Access route – from Vent through Niedertal to Martin-Busch-Hütte and further on to Similaunhütte (ascent approx. 4.5 h)

RETURN TRANSFER Public bus line: Ötztaler Verkehrsbetriebe | T +43 (0) 5254 3550 ÖBB-Postbus GmbH Imst | T +43 (0) 5412 6626 6 - www.vvt.at

MORE DETAILS Brandenburgerhaus, Vent Glacier experience absolutely required – mountain guide strongly recommended! 84 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 85

Seikogel, Vent Hochjoch-Hospiz, Vent

Stage 13 ÖTZI - THE ICEMAN AND GLACIER MUMMY Similaunhütte (3017Meter) – Hauslabjoch (3283Meter) – Hochjoch-Hospiz (2412Meter) From the refuge hut a trail climbs steeply up a wide ridge which later turns into a moderately steep boulder ridge that features some fixed cables for difficult 8.5 km 3:30 h 388 Hoehenmeter 995 Hoehenmeter assistance. The last section of the trail to Tisenjoch saddle in South Tyrol takes you through wider and flatter terrain. Ötzi‘s finding place here at Tisenjoch Footpath, Surefooted- Good physi- Good head 3279Meter ranks among the tour‘s highlights. Once you have reached Tisenjoch, the trail hiking path ness cal stamina for heights climbs for another 100 meters to Hauslabjoch before descending in northern High Alpine Glacier Mountain direction on the glacier fields of Hochjochferner. experience crossing guide Leaving behind the glacier at approx. 3000 m, the trail joins the path coming down from Seikogel peak at approx. 2950 m. Continue on this path to Rofental valley, which descends moderately at the beginning and steeply at the end. Standard hiking equipment, crampons, Similaunhütte, Hochjoch-Hospiz ice pick acc. to conditions; rope is a Cross Hochjochbach brook at 2500 m. You descend in steep switchbacks to the must, roping absolutely required on brook coming down from Hintereisferner. Another challenging 100 meters of the glacier elevation gain have to be conquered before you reach Hochjoch-Hospiz.

From Vent through Niedertal to Martin-Busch-Hütte and Similaunhütte (ascent approx. 4.5 h / descent 3.75 h); from Vent through Rofental to Hochjoch-Hospiz 3600 Tisenjoch (ascent approx. 2.5 h / descent 2 h) Ötzi-Fundstelle Hauslabjoch 3300

3000 Similaunhüe 2700 Hochjoch-Hospiz 2400

At Tisenjoch saddleback a 5250 year old mummified corpse was found! km 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 86 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 87

Weißkugel, Vent Brandenburger Haus, Vent

Stage 14 A MAJESTIC GLACIER CASTLE Hochjoch-Hospiz (2412Meter) – Brandenburger Haus (3274Meter) The trail first climbs in leisurely switchbacks through rather steep meadows before it gets really precipitous. Brandenburger Haus at 3274 meters above sea difficult 6.3 km 3:00 h 1024 Hoehenmeter 172 Hoehenmeter level is perched on the edge of a rock above Kesselwandferner glacier, amid spectacular mountain scenery. Up to approx. 3000 meters you follow Deloret- Footpath, Surefooted- Good physi- Good head 3262Meter teweg Trail before you reach countless crevasses spread over the glacier area. hiking path ness cal stamina for heights The route through the glacier is fairly easy to follow as it is marked with long High Alpine Glacier Mountain poles. Nonetheless: roping-up is essential here! It takes about an hour to cross experience crossing guide the glacier fields in a western/northwestern direction. The last section of the tour takes you through boulders up to Brandenburger Haus which affords Standard hiking equipment, crampons, Hochjoch-Hospiz, spectacular panoramic views. Weißkugel, Tirol’s most beautiful mountain ice pick acc. to conditions; rope is a Brandenburger Haus according to some, is only one of the many awe-inspiring peaks. must, roping absolutely required on the glacier

From Vent through Rofental to Hochjoch-Hospiz (ascent approx. 2.5 h / descent 2 h) Brandenburger Haus (3274 Meter) – Dahmannspitze (3397 Meter) Surefootedness and a good head for heights are an absolute must. The TIP OF 3600 THE DAY hiking route mainly travels on snow-covered but crevasse-free ice fields. Crampons, ice pick and rope usually not required. A fabulous sunset Brandenburger Haus 3300 hiking tour. Kesselwandferner 3000 intermediate 0:50 h 120 Hoehenmeter 120 Hoehenmeter Dolereeweg

2700

Hochjoch-Hospiz Brandenburger Haus is the highest Alpine refuge hut run by the DAV (German Alpine Club). km 1 2 3 4 5 6 88 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 89

Fluchtkogel, Vent Vernagthütte, Vent

Stage 15 SUPERB SUMMIT OFFERING SPECTACULAR VIEWS Brandenburger Haus (3274Meter) – Fluchtkogel (3497Meter) – Vernagthütte (2755Meter) From Brandenburger Haus the trail descends (some 50 meters of altitude change) through boulders and rubble to Kesselwandferner and crosses the difficult 6.5 km 2:30 h 332 Hoehenmeter 845 Hoehenmeter glacier in a northeastern direction towards Oberes Guslarjoch. From 3497 m tall Fluchtkogel peak it’s only another 150 meters up to Oberes Guslarjoch Footpath, Surefooted- Good physi- Good head 3482 Meter ridge - which offers fabulous views and is an absolute must! hiking path ness cal stamina for heights

High Alpine Glacier Mountain Continue to the summit along the right edge of the moderately steep glacier experience crossing guide slope. Backtrack to Oberes Guslarjoch and through steep terrain down to Gus- larferner glacier. The trail levels out and continues flat across the first glacier field until you reach a hill which has to be climbed (beware of crevasses here!). Crampons, ice pick required; rope is Brandenburger Haus, Vernagthütte a must, roping absolutely required on After crossing a steep slope the route descends in a south-eastern direction, the glacier leaving behind the glacier. The last part of the trail takes you through moraine terrain and along the moraine ridge down to Vernagthütte. From Vent through Rofental to Hochjoch-Hospiz, from Hochjoch-Hospiz via Deloret- teweg and Kesselwandferner to Brandenburger Haus (ascent approx. 6 h / descent 4.5 h); from Vent via Vernagtegg to Vernagthütte (ascent approx. 3.5 h / descent 2.5 h) 3800

3600 Fluchtkogel Oberes Guslarjoch 3400 Brandenburger Haus

3200 Kesselwandferner 3000 Guslarferner 2800 Vernagthüe Despite the glacier meltdown, Kesselwandferner has increased in size since 1971. km 1 2 3 4 5 6 90 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 91

Wildspitze, Vent Breslauer Hütte, Vent

Stage 16 ALONG SEUFERTWEG IN THE FOOTHILLS OF WILDSPITZE Vernagthütte (2755Meter) – Breslauer Hütte (2844Meter) From Vernagthütte you walk down and continue on a trail that branches off to the left, descending towards Vernagtbach brook. From here you enjoy intermediate 6.9 km 2:30 h 330 Hoehenmeter 246 Hoehenmeter superb views of Großer Vernagtferner glacier including Hochvernagtspitze to the north/northwest. Cross Vernagtbach brook and continue to the flat mea- Footpath, Surefooted- Good head 2864 Meter dows on opposite Platteiberg slope towering high above Rofental valley. hiking path ness for heights The trail crosses Platteikar cirque and rolls up and down through Mitterkar. Standard hiking equipment Vernagthütte, Breslauer Hütte Just above Mitterkar you can see Ötztal’s Wildspitze, which looks unusually rocky from this angle. From here it’s only a few more meters down to the Vent - Vernagtegg - Vernagthütte (ascent approx. 3.5 h / descent 2.5 h); Stablein refuge hut that affords fabulous views of Kreuzspitze, Hochjochferner in the top terminal of Wildspitze chairlift (Vent) - Breslauer Hütte (ascent approx. 1.5 h / south-west and majestic Weißkugel. descent 1.25 h)

Breslauer Hütte (2844 Meter) – Urkundholm (3134 Meter) TIP OF 3000 THE DAY Short ascent from the hut to Urkundholm peak. Surefootedness and a Mierkar Plaeikar good head for heights required. 2850 Vernagthüe Breslauer Hüe intermediate 1:45 h 290 Hoehenmeter 290 Hoehenmeter 2700 Seufertweg 2550

2400 The glacier waters of Vernagtferner even reached the Inntal valley during km 1 2 3 4 5 6 expansion times. 92 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 93

Braunschweiger Hütte, Sölden

Stage 17 ABOVE VENTERTAL IN THE ETERNAL ICE Breslauer Hütte (2844Meter) – Restaurant Tiefenbach (2789Meter) – Rettenbachjoch (2990Meter) – Braunschweiger Hütte (2758Meter) The trail drops steeply and levels out in the foothills of Rofenkar cirque. A bit further down you take the new High Elevation Trail to your left, running high above Ventertal. Later it joins the scenic Panorama Trail connecting Vent and difficult 17.6 km 6:00 h 864 Hoehenmeter 986 Hoehenmeter Tiefenbach Glacier.

Footpath, Surefooted- Good physi- Good head 3225 Meter The path descends for a short stretch - overlooking Venteral valley - before hiking path ness cal stamina for heights climbing gently to Restaurant Tiefenbach on Tiefenbach glacier. At the restau- High Alpine Glacier Mountain rant you make a left turn in front of the tunnel and hike up the ski slope to experience crossing guide Seiterjöchl (simply follow Seiterjöchl chairlift). From Seiterjöchl you head in a northern direction down to Rettenbach glacier (crampons required!). You circle Standard hiking equipment; crampons, Breslauer Hütte, Braunschweiger the rocky promontory to the left and continue in a northwestern direction to ice pick if necessary; rope is a must, Hütte, Restaurant Tiefenbach the icefalls and Rettenbachjoch. From Rettenbachjoch saddleback the trail drops roping absolutely required on the (no overnight stay) down steeply and levels out before reaching scenic Braunschweiger Hütte. glacier

From Stablein top terminal of Wildspitze chairlift (Vent) to Breslauer Hütte (ascent 3600 approx. 1.5 h / descent 1.25 h); Rettenbach base terminal via Rettenbachjoch or Pitz- taler Jöchl to Braunschweiger Hütte (walking time approx. 1.75 h / return 1.5 h) 3300

3000 Reenbachferner Breslauer Hüe 2700 Tiefenbachferner Braunschweiger Hüe 2400

Rofental valley was settled by shepherds from Schnalstal (South Tyrol). km 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 94 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 95

Braunschweiger Hütte (2758 m) – Mainzer Höhenweg – STAGE Rüsselsheimer Hütte (2328Meter) – Luibisscharte (2914Meter) – 18 – 20 Hauerseehütte (2383Meter) – Felderjöchl (2797Meter) – Frischmann- hütte (2192 Meter)

Route 5: ACROSS GEIGENKAMM – MAINZER HÖHENWEG TRAIL 29.1 km 2637Hoehenmeter 3205Hoehenmeter ~ 13:00 h 2912Meter

Mainzer Höhenweg high-altitude trail ranks among the undisputed cult hiking tours. Geigenkamm ridge promises quiet and authentic mountaineering. This route is quite demanding but offers extremely beautiful stages.

GETTING THERE By train – from Innsbruck or Bregenz to Ötztal-Bahnhof, then by public bus through Ötztal to Sölden By car – A12/exit Ötztal towards Sölden – Postplatz square (car park) Access route – from Rettenbach glacier via Rettenbachjoch to Braunschweiger Hütte (ascent approx. 1.75 h); glacier bus line Sölden – Rettenbach Glacier

HUTS Braunschweiger Hütte | T +43 (0) 664 2012 013 Rüsselsheimer Hütte | T +43 (0) 5413 2030 0 Hauerseehütte | T +43 (0) 664 7828 637 Frischmannhütte | T +43 (0) 664 8638 935

RETURN TRANSFER Public bus line: Ötztaler Verkehrsbetriebe | T +43 (0) 5254 3550 ÖBB-Postbus GmbH Imst | T +43 (0) 5412 6626 6 - www.vvt.at

MORE DETAILS Mainzer Höhenweg Glacier experience absolutely required – mountain guide strongly recommended! 96 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 97

Mainzer Höhenweg Trail, Sölden

Stage 18 IBEX GOULASH AFTER A STRENUOUS ALPINE HIKE Braunschweiger Hütte (2758Meter) – Mainzer Höhenweg – Rüsselsheimer Hütte (2328Meter) The hike along Geigenkamm takes you across three 3000 meter high mountains, all of which command magnificent views of the Alpine scenery. The hike starts with a short uphill section from Braunschweiger Hütte towards Pitzta- difficult 9.5 km 4:30 h 979 Hoehenmeter 1408 Hoehenmeter ler Jöchl. Follow the trail to your left down to Silbergrube. Then climb up to a wide ridge along which the route travels for a while, climbing and descending Footpath, Surefooted- Good physi- Good head 3241 Meter frequently. The first splendid peaks along the hiking route are Wurmsitzkogel hiking path ness cal stamina for heights (3079 m), Gschrappkogel (3197 m) and scenic Wassertalkogel (3252 m). On top of High Alpine Glacier Mountain Wassertalkogel mountaineers find an orange bivouac which accommodates experience crossing guide up to 12 people (accessible for all mountaineers). From Wassertalkogel the trail descends through three glacier fields. After some easy scrambling the path Standard hiking equipment; depen- Braunschweiger Hütte, Rüsselshei- continues to Weißmaurachjoch ridge and joins the hiking trail – once there, ding on conditions also ice pick, mer Hütte you have mastered all the difficult parts of this tour. From here it’s an easy crampons, rope walk down to Rüsselsheimer Hütte after quite many challenging hiking hours. From Rettenbach Glacier base terminal via Rettenbachjoch to Braunschweiger Hütte (to the hut approx. 1.75 h / return 1.5 h); from Plangeross (St. Leonhard im Pitztal) to Rüsselsheimer Hütte (ascent approx. 2 h / descent 1.5 h) 3600

3300 Wassertalkogel Mainzer Höhenweg Weißmaurachjoch 3000

2700 Braunschweiger Hüe 2400 Rüsselsheimer Hüe Mainzer Höhenweg high elevation trail leads across five peaks higher than 3000 meters and three glaciers. km 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 98 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 99

Luibiskogel, Längenfeld Hauerseehütte, Längenfeld

Stage 19 SADDLES AND SMALL GLACIERS Rüsselsheimer Hütte (2328Meter) – Kapuzinerjöchl (2710Meter) – Breitlehnjöchl (2637Meter) – Sandjöchl (2826Meter) – Luibisscharte (2914Meter) – Behind the hut you walk down in an eastern direction, turn left towards the Hauerseehütte (2383Meter) Gahwinden vista point. From Gahwinden the trail descends through scree fields to Rötkarle and then ascends to Kapuzinerjöchl where the trail drops down through steep and rocky terrain - there are fixed cables to hold on to for difficult 11 km 5:00 h 1246 Hoehenmeter 1187 Hoehenmeter safety - before leveling out and climbing leisurely towards Breitlehnjöchl. The Footpath, Surefooted- Good physi- Good head route first climbs, then descends, then climbs again towards Sandjöchl col. 2911 Meter hiking path ness cal stamina for heights The very exhausting path through a steep scree and boulder field takes you to Luibisscharte and further on to crevasse-free Hauerferner glacier. There is High Alpine Glacier experience crossing also a footpath on the right, descending to the glacier field! You cross it in the upper, flatter part in an eastern direction. The trail between the glacier and Hauerseehütte has been closed off due to a rockslide – a bypass trail follows Standard hiking equipment, ice pick, Rüsselsheimer Hütte, crampons, rope Hauerseehütte (self-catering) the glacier in a north-eastern direction and descends to the right of a rocky knoll to Hauerseehütte. From Plangeross (St. Leonhard im Pitztal) to Rüsselsheimer Hütte (ascent approx. 2 h / descent 1.5 h); from Unterried or Oberried (Längenfeld) to Hauer- seehütte (ascent approx. 3.75 h / descent 2.5 h) 3200

3000 Lubisscharte Sandjöchl 2800 Kapuzinerjöchl Breitlehnjöchl 2600 Hauersee 2400 Hauerseehüe Rüsselsheimer Hüe Ibexes feel particularly at ease in the Alpine area surrounding Rüsselsheimer Hütte. km 2 4 6 8 10 100 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 101

Hauersee, Längenfeld Frischmannhütte, Umhausen

Stage 20 LAKE HIKE ON MITTLERER GEIGENKAMM Hauerseehütte (2383Meter) – Felderjöchl (2797Meter) – Frischmannhütte (2192Meter) The first awe-inspiring mountain lake can be found right next to Hauersee- hütte and also gave its name to the hut. Here the trail descends moderately intermediate 6.4 km 3:00 h 610 Hoehenmeter 825 Hoehenmeter past lake Unterer Spitzigsee, then climbs gently in a north-western direction through picture-book Innerbergtal side valley and crosses the slopes above Footpath, Surefooted- Good physi- Good head 2795 Meter hiking path ness cal stamina for heights Felderkar cirque. Then a more strenuous section is on the program: the trail switchbacks steeply up to lake Weißer See below Felderjöchl (2800 m), the saddle you have to cross to get to Frischmannhütte. Standard hiking equipment, enough Hauerseehütte (self-catering), to eat and drink Frischmannhütte The footpath travels to the right of the lake and climbs in switchbacks through very steep and rocky terrain towards scenic Felderjöchl (fixed ca- From Unterried or Oberried (Längenfeld) to Hauerseehütte (ascent approx. 3.5 h / descent 2.5 h); from Umhausen to Frischmannhütte (ascent approx. 3.5 h / des- bles). From the saddle the trail drops steeply at the beginning and then levels cent 2.5 h; or by taxi from Umhausen to Hintere Fundusalm from where it’s a out and continues through Fernerkar below Ploderferner glacier. Later the 30-minutes hike to Frischmannhütte); from Köfels (Umhausen) to Frischmann- route descends quickly east of Griesköpfe peaks and through high Alpine hütte (ascent approx. 2.5 h / descent 2 h); Taxi Scharfetter T +43 (0) 5255 5858 meadows and pasturelands in full bloom to Frischmannhütte.

3000

2800

2600 Weißen See Felderjöchl Hauerseehüe 2400

2200 Frischmannhüe Geigenkamm mountain range is surrounded by thirty summits higher than 3000 meters. km 1 2 3 4 5 6 102 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 103

Frischmannhütte (2192Meter) – Fundusfeiler (3079Meter) – Erlanger STAGE Hütte (2541Meter) – Forchheimer Weg – Maisalm (1631Meter) – 21 – 22 Ötztal-Bahnhof (704 Meter)

Route 6: ACROSS GEIGENKAMM – FORCHHEIMER WEG TRAIL 36.1 km 1906Hoehenmeter 3417Hoehenmeter ~ 14:00 h 3059Meter

The last Ötztal Trek Route covers 2 stages, on the last stage an overnight stay is strongly recommended. Otherwise you descend some 2518 meters on a single day! From Erlanger Hütte you hike on the scenic Forchheimer Weg high elevation trail!

GETTING THERE By train – from Innsbruck or Bregenz to Ötztal-Bahnhof, then by public bus through Ötztal to Umhausen By car – via A12 / exit Ötztal towards Umhausen – „Mure“ parking area (past the church, then cross the bridge on the left) Access route – from Umhausen to Frischmannhütte (ascent approx. 3.5 h; alternatively by taxi shuttle from Umhausen to Hintere Fundusalm – followed by a 30-minute ascent to Frischmannhütte), Taxi Scharfetter | T +43 (0) 5255 5858

HUTS Frischmannhütte | T +43 (0) 664 8638 935 Erlanger Hütte | T +43 (0) 664 3920 268 Maisalm | T +43 (0) 664 9855 181

RETURN TRANSFER Public bus line: Ötztaler Verkehrsbetriebe | T +43 (0) 5254 3550 Fundusfeiler, Umhausen ÖBB-Postbus GmbH Imst | T +43 (0) 5412 6626 6 - www.vvt.at 104 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 105

Fundustal, Umhausen Erlanger Hütte, Umhausen

Stage 21 THREE THOUSAND METER AIR AND A MOUNTAIN LAKE Frischmannhütte (2192Meter) – Fundusfeiler (3079Meter) – Erlanger Hütte (2541Meter) From the refuge hut the trail leads to Funduskar cirque and then switchbacks up steeply below Fundusfeilerrinne and further on towards Feilerscharte ridge. difficult 9.4 km 4:30 h 1270 Hoehenmeter 925 Hoehenmeter A scenic ridge walk takes you to the panoramic peak of Fundusfeiler (3079 m) Footpath, Carriage Surefooted- Good physi- featuring only 150 meters of altitude gain - this is an absolute must for passionate 3067 Meter hiking path road ness cal stamina hikers! Head in northern direction through scree areas down to „Schwarzes Loch“ area. At the fork you keep to the right and continue hiking westwards through Good head for heights the gently rolling pasturelands of Leierstal. Later the trail climbs in switchbacks to a mountain dip past which you can already see crystal-clear Wettersee, one Standard hiking equipment Frischmannhütte, Erlanger Hütte of Ötztal’s most pristine mountain lakes. It‘s only a short descent down to the fabulous lake and within a few more minutes you also reach Erlanger Hütte. Umhausen - Frischmannhütte (ascent approx. 3.5 h / descent 2.5 h; alternatively by taxi from Umhausen to Hintere Fundusalm from where it’s a 30-minutes hike to Frischmannhütte); Köfels (Umhausen) - Frischmannhütte (ascent Frischmannhütte (2192 Meter) – Waalweg Fundus approx. 2.5 h / descent 2 h); Umhausen - Erlanger Hütte (ascent approx. 4.5 h / descent 3.5 h; alternatively by taxi from Umhausen to crossroads of Vordere From Frischmannhütte the trail leads towards the rear Fundustal side Leierstalalm from where it’s another 2 hour hike to Erlanger Hütte /descent TIP OF valley, traveling eastwards to Köfler Scharte at 2088 meters, then in approx. 1.5 h); Taxi Scharfetter T +43 (0) 5255 5858 THE DAY north-eastern direction to Hintere Fundusalm. The Waalweg water trail 3300 Fundusfeiler through Fundustal promises unique nature exploration above the tree 3000 line due to its exposed location and the unique terrain (some 50% made

2700 Weersee of primary rocks). Funduskar 2400 easy 1:35 h 120 Hoehenmeter 120 Hoehenmeter Erlanger Hüe 2100 Frischmannhüe

Fundus Waalweg, a former irrigation ditch, once supplied Köfels with water. km 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 106 | Ötztal Trek Ötztal Trek | 107

Erlanger Hütte, Umhausen Mutkopf, Oetz

Stage 22 TWO DAYS ON VORDERER GEIGENKAMM Erlanger Hütte (2541Meter) – Forchheimer Weg – Maisalm (1631Meter) – Ötztal-Bahnhof (704Meter) If it wasn’t for Maisalm where you can spend the night on your way between Erlanger Hütte and Ötztal-Bahnhof you would be forced to climb down 2518 meters in only one day. From Erlanger Hütte the trail descends northwards, intermediate 21.6 km 8:00 h 675 Hoehenmeter 2518 Hoehenmeter crosses a few slopes, climbs up to a ridge and drops steeply down into Tum- pental valley. You ascend to Murmentenkarjoch col where the route descends Footpath, Good physi- Good head 2667 Meter Cart trail in a northern direction and travels along a ridge down to the small Forch- hiking path cal stamina for heights heimer Bivouac (a basic mountain shelter left unlocked; sleeps four persons).

Standard hiking equipment, Erlanger Hütte, Maisalm The trail contours along the ridge to Hahnenkamm which is bypassed through two-day hiking tour a scree field to the east. Then the route heads towards Vorderer Geigenkamm and continues to Mutkopf peak and Muthütte (not serviced). Follow a descen- Umhausen - Erlanger Hütte (ascent approx. 4.5 h / descent 3.5 h; alternatively by taxi from Umhausen to crossroads of Vordere Leierstalalm from where it’s ding cart road until you reach Maisalm hut (approx. 6 hours from Erlanger another 2 hour hike to Erlanger Hütte /descent approx. 1.5 h); Taxi Scharfetter Hütte) where you spend the night (advance booking absolutely required). T +43 (0) 5255 5858 The next day you continue along cart roads and trails down to Roppen where 3000 Forchheimer you follow the road parallel to the rail tracks in an eastern direction. From Weg 2500 Ötztaler Ache mountain brook you continue on the Ötztal Cycle Trail until Erlanger Hüe Mutkopf 2000 Maisalm you get to the village of Ötztal-Bahnhof. 1500 1000 500 Ötztal Bahnhof Forchheimer Weg Trail has been connecting Geigenkamm ridge with Inntal km 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 valley since 1930. Ötztal. Tirol at its Best.

DE WIEN

MÜNCHEN SALZBURG

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AT

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BOZEN IT

Distance Ötztal

Zurich 250 km Memmingen/München Bozen 165 km Munich 160 km DE Salzburg 240 km Garmisch/München Vienna 530 km DE Fernpass Friedrichshafen Telfs DE A ÖTZTAL HAIMING Zürich Imst Innsbruck BAHNHOF CH A OCHSENGARTEN Arlberg Zirl A Salzburg/Wien München SAUTENS Kühtai OETZ

NIEDERTHAI UMHAUSEN

GRIES LÄNGENFELD

HUBEN

HOCHSÖLDEN SÖLDEN ZWIESELSTEIN

HOCHGURGL Bozen

VENT Timmelsjoch/ IT OBERGURGL Wintersperre

ÖTZTAL TOURISMUS

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