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Long Distance Hiking recommended route

Ötztal Trek Route 1

Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
Logo Ötztal
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  • Dortmunder Hütte
    Dortmunder Hütte
    Photo: Roland Grüner, Ötztal

ETAPPE 1 – 5

Ötztal-Bahnhof (704 m) – Dortmunder Hütte (1.949 m) – Schweinfurter Hütte (2.036 m) – Winnebachseehütte (2.361 m) – Amberger Hütte (2.136 m) – Hochstubaihütte (3.174 m)

moderate
Distance 55.4 km
22:00 h
5,141 m
2,670 m
3,163 m
688 m

An Ocean in the Alps

 

ETAPPE 1 – 5

Ötztal-Bahnhof (704 m) – Dortmunder Hütte (1949 m) – Schweinfurter Hütte (2028 m) – Winnebachseehütte (2361 m) – Amberger Hütte (2136 m) – Hochstubaihütte (3.174 m)

Changes in elevation: ascent 4950 m / descent 2500 m

Distance in kilometers: 55 km

This first stage 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. Of course you can descend before you reach the glacier.

 

STAGE 1:

ÖTZTAL-BAHNHOF (704 m) –> MARLSTEIN –> MAREIL –> DORTMUNDER HÜTTE (1949 m)

Route: steep path, footpath, road

Requirements: surefootedness, good physical condition, stamina; red mountain trail

Difficulties: none

Equipment: standard hiking equipment

Walking time: approx. 6.5 hrs

Changes in elevation: ascent approx. 1450 meters / descent 200 meters

Highest point: 1949 m

Distance in kilometers: approx. 17 km

Lodging, refreshment stops: Familiengasthof Marlstein, Almhof Marail, Dortmunder Hütte, in close vicinity (Issalm, Feldringalm)

Access/exit points: public bus from Oetz to Kühtai

Hamlets, Moor Lake & Secluded Trails

The trailhead is at the construction deposit on the main road in Ötztal-Bahnhof, east of the village limits. Follow the signs to “Larchet, Höpperg”. Before you reach the chapel you make a right towards „Grün“, another right to Höpperg. Walk through meadows up to the houses, then follow the unsealed road and continue on it until it starts descending. Pick up the trail to your left which climbs through the forest before joining the road to Lake Brandsee - also known as Amberger See. Continue towards “Sattele” where you pick up the eastern path to Marlstein (approx. 45 minutes). From Marlstein walk in the same direction down to Mareil. Take Kaiser-Franz-Josef Trail left of the road. From here it’s another 200-meter climb to Dortmunder Hütte. Option: spend the night in Marlstein or Mareil. Walking time Ötztal-Bahnhof - Marlstein: approx. 4.75 hrs, add 30 minutes to get to Mareil.

 

STAGE 2:

DORTMUNDER HÜTTE (1949 m) –> SCHWEINFURTER HÜTTE (2028 m)

Route: steep path, footpath

Requirements: surefootedness, good head for heights; red mountain trail

Difficulties: none

Equipment: standard hiking equipment

Walking time: approx. 4 hrs

Changes in elevation: ascent approx. 850 meters / descent 800 meters

Highest point: 2777 m

Distance in kilometers: approx. 10 km

Lodging, refreshment stops: Dortmunder Hütte, Schweinfurter-Hütte

Access/exit points: public bus from Oetz to Kühtai; from Niederthai – Sennhof car park or parking area at the Information Office (parking ticket required) to Schweinfurter Hütte (ascent approx. 2 hrs / descent 1.5 hrs)

Like an Ocean in the Alps

At the entrance to Kühtai you follow the signs to “Finstertaler Scharte” or “Schweinfurter Hütte”. At first the route travels almost flat through beautiful pasturelands, later it climbs through the meadows east of the access road to Finstertaler Reservoir of which you can see the mighty, 149-meter tall dam. After a short but steep stretch you continue along the access road to the crest of the dam. Follow the footpath along the eastern shore of the reservoir which has a capacity of 60 million cubic meters. At the southern end of the reservoir the trail climbs steeply towards Finstertaler Scharte. The 2777 meter high ridge affords spectacular views of the surrounding peaks including Wildspitze, Tirol’s highest mountain, in the south. From the top of the pass the trail weaves down through meadows and pasturelands and then switchbacks down to Schweinfurter Hütte which is beautifully nestled in the meeting point of Horlachtal and Zwieselbachtal valleys.

 

STAGE 3:

SCHWEINFURTER HÜTTE (2028 m) –> WINNEBACHSEEHÜTTE (2361 m)

Route: road, steep path

Requirements: stamina; red mountain trail

Difficulties: none

Equipment: standard hiking equipment

Walking time: approx. 4.25 hrs

Changes in elevation: ascent approx. 850 meters / descent 500 meters

Highest point: 2868 m

Distance in kilometers: approx. 10 km

Lodging, refreshment stops: Zwieselbacher Sennhütte, Schweinfurter Hütte, Winnebachseehütte

Access/exit points: from Niederthai – Sennhof car park or parking area at the Information Office (parking ticket required) to Schweinfurter Hütte (ascent approx. 2 hrs / descent 1.5 hrs); from Gries im Sulztal (Längenfeld) to Winnebachseehütte (ascent approx. 2.25 hrs / descent 1.75 hrs)

Through Zwieselbachtal

Take the road into Zwieselbachtal, following the signs to “Winnebachseehütte”. Pass Zwieselbacher Sennhütte and continue through the woodless but verdant Zwieselbachtal Valley. The road ends at 2150 meters - continue on the footpath through rubble and boulders. The trail eventually climbs through a scree slope which can be a bit difficult and tiring as there is no signposted route leading across the gravel field. In the summer 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 mighty Breiter Grieskogel with its glacier. Once you have crossed the saddle the trail descends quickly and then levels out as it reaches Winnebachkar basin. Cross the basin to get to Winnebachseehütte and the rushing mountain brook which meanders into the scenic high Alpine lake.

 

STAGE 4:

WINNEBACHSEEHÜTTE (2361 m) –> BACHFALLENFERNER –> AMBERGER HÜTTE (2136 m)

Route: steep path, footpath, road

Requirements: surefootedness, good head for heights, excellent physical condition, high Alpine experience; black mountain trail, partly high Alpine route

Difficulties: glacier fields on Bachfallferner (crevasses!), guide recommended

Equipment: standard hiking equipment, (if necessary) icepick, crampons, rope; roping absolutely required on the glacier

Walking time: approx. 5 hrs

Changes in elevation: ascent approx. 700 meters / descent 900 meters

Highest point: 3054 m

Distance in kilometers: approx. 10 km

Lodging, refreshment stops: Winnebachseehütte, Vordere Sulztalalm, Amberger Hütte

Access/exit points: from Gries im Sulztal (Längenfeld) to Winnebachseehütte (ascent approx. 2.25 hrs / descent 1.75 hrs); from Gries im Sulztal (Längenfeld) to Amberger Hütte (ascent approx. 2 hrs / descent 1.5 hrs)

Along the Gries Glacier Hike Route

From Winnebachseehütte the trail leads in switchbacks towards the peak of Ernst-Riml-Spitze. Right before you reach the glacier fields of Bachfallenferner we climb the steeply winding route. The view of Bachfallenferner Glacier and the crossing itself are really amazing. The almost level path becomes a bit steeper up to the ridge of Gaislehnscharte, the highest point. A short climbing section awaits you but you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas. Steep descent through Schrankar down to Hinteres Sulztal Valley and Amberger Hütte.

 

STAGE 5:

AMBERGER HÜTTE (2136 m) –> WÜTENKARSATTEL (3103 m) –> HOCHSTUBAIHÜTTE (3174 m)

Route: steep path, footpath

Requirements: surefootedness, good head for heights, good physical condition, high Alpine experience; black mountain trail, partly high Alpine route

Difficulties: glacier fields on Sulztalferner and Wütenkarferner (crevasses!), guide recommended

Equipment: standard hiking equipment, (if necessary) icepick, crampons, rope; roping absolutely required on the glacier

Walking time: approx. 4.5 hrs

Changes in elevation: ascent approx. 1100 meters / descent 100 meters

Highest point: 3174 m

Distance in kilometers: approx. 8 km

Lodging, refreshment stops: Amberger Hütte, Hochstubaihütte

Access/exit points: from Gries im Sulztal (Längenfeld) to Amberger Hütte (ascent approx. 2 hrs / descent 1.5 hrs); from Sölden via Kleblealm and Lake Laubkarsee to Hochstubaihütte (ascent approx. 5 hrs / descent 4 hrs); from Sölden via Fiegl‘s Hütte in Windachtal and Lake Seekarsee to Hochstubaihütte (ascent approx. 5.5 hrs / descent 4.5 hrs); alternatively by public bus to Kleblealm and Fiegl‘s Hütte (ascent to Hochstubaihütte approx. 3.5 hrs / descent 2.5 hrs)

Glacier Tour to Hochstubaihütte

You first follow the flat valley trail along the brook in southern direction and then turn right into the ascending trail. Keep to the right at the trail fork. The route continues climbing gently along the lateral moraine until you reach Sulztalferner Glacier. Time to rope up! Continue along the right edge of the glacier to the foot of Wilde Leck area and on to Wütenkarsattel (watch out for crevasses in this section!). Once you have crossed the saddle you descend through crumbly, sliding rock rubble to Wütenkarferner Glacier and a small lake. Keep slightly to the right when crossing the glacier which you leave at its western edge where you meet the trail from Sölden to Hochstubaihütte. From here it’s an easy ridge walk (100 meters climbing) to the Alpine hut on Wildkarspitze. Don‘t miss out on the truly breathtaking views of the Alpine scenery, which can be enjoyed from this vantage point.

Profile picture of Roland Grüner
Author
Roland Grüner 
Update: December 22, 2021
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
3,163 m
Lowest point
688 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Track types

Show elevation profile

Tips and hints

More details about hiking In Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com/wandern 

Start

Öztal Bahnhof
Coordinates:
DD
47.238215, 10.859505
DMS
47°14'17.6"N 10°51'34.2"E
UTM
32T 640738 5233313
w3w 
///fans.secret.remedies

Destination

Hochstubaihut

Turn-by-turn directions

Etappe 1:

Los geht’s in Ötztal-Bahnhof an der Hauptstraße östlich der Ortseinfahrt bei der Bauschuttdeponie Richtung „Larchet, Höpperg“. Vor der Kapelle rechts Richtung „Grün“, bis wir bei der Abzweigung nach Höpperg erneut rechts abbiegen. Bei den Häusern angelangt halten wir uns am nicht asphaltierten Fahrweg, bis er abwärts läuft und zweigen links zum Steig ab. Bald ist das versteckte Highlight dieser Etappe erreicht, der Brandsee – auch als Amberger See bekannt! Weiter Richtung „Sattele“, dort nehmen wir östlich der Straßeden mit 45 min angeschriebenen Steig nach Marlstein. Von Marlstein geht es leicht hinunter nach Mareil und anschließend auf dem Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Weg links der Straße folgen. Nur noch 200 hm bis zur Dortmunder Hütte. Eine Option ist freilich eine Übernachtung in Marlstein oder Mareil; Gehzeit Ötztal Bahnhof – Marlstein: 4,75 h, weitere 30 min nach Mareil.



Etappe 2:

Am Ortsbeginn von Kühtai orientieren wir uns an der „Finstertaler Scharte“ bzw. „Schweinfurter Hütte“. Östlich der Straße zum Finstertaler Stausee führt der Steig dann durch Wiesen aufwärts, dabei hat man stets den mächtigen, 149 m hohen Steinschüttdamm vor Augen. Nach einem Steilhang erreichen wir die Dammkrone des Stausees, der ein Fassungsvermögenvon 60 Mio. Kubikmetern hat. Weiter geht es östlich des Sees entlang bis der Steig am südlichen Seeufer recht steil in einen Kesselempor- und in Folge steil hinauf zur Finstertaler Scharte führt. Auf der Scharte, auf 2.777 m, hat man eine tolle Aussicht: Gegen Süden hin zeigt sich die Wildspitze, Tirols höchster Berg. Beim Abstieg leitet die Route durch Almgelände, ehe sie in Serpentinen und meist neben dem Bach hinab zur Schweinfurter Hütte führt. Diese steht an der Stelle, wo das Horlachtal und das Zwieselbachtal aufeinander treffen.


Etappe 3:

Wir orientieren uns an der „Winnebachseehütte“ und wandern auf dem Forstweg das Zwieselbachtal einwärts, vorbei an der Zwieselbacher Sennhütte und weiter sanft empor im grünen Zwieselbachtal. Auf 2.150 m endet der Forstweg und wir wandern auf einem Steig voran. Wir erreichen in der Folge ein großes Geröllfeld, das wir am rechten Rand ansteigend durchschreiten – Ausdauer ist erforderlich, weil die Strecke vielfach weglos durch die Steine verläuft. Die Route führt im Hochsommer eis- und schneefrei auf das Zwieselbachjoch – zuletzt rechts neben dem Zwieselbachferner. Westlich über dem Joch ist der Grießkogel mit seinem Gletscher zu sehen. Jenseits des Sattels geht es zügig hinunter und durch das Winnebachkar erreichen wir schließlich die Winnebachseehütte.


Etappe 4:

Von der Winnebachseehütte zieht der Steig in Serpentinen hinauf, vorbei an der Ernst-Riml-Spitze. Kurz vor dem Bachfallenferner, müssen wir nochmals steil und in kleinen Kehren über die Moräne hoch steigen. Aufregend ist der Anblick und der Übergang über den Bachfallenferner, zuerst sehr flach, später ein bisschen steiler. Auf die Gaislehnscharte, dem höchstem Punkt, muss noch gekraxelt werden, doch es lohnt sich auf alle Fälle. Steiler Abstieg durch das Schrankar ins Hintere Sulztal und zur Amberger Hütte.


Etappe 5:

Wir wandern zunächst im flachen Talboden der Sulze nach Süden und weiter rechts den Hang hinauf, wo sich bald der Steig teilt und wir die rechte Variante nehmen. Über die westliche Randmoräne geht es südlich empor, bis sich der Blick zum Sulztalferner öffnet. Am Sulztalferner heißt es anseilen, dann steigen wir am rechten Gletscherrand gemächlich auf und passieren den Fuß der Wilden Leck. Zuletzt geht’s etwas zügiger hinauf zum Wütenkarsattel (Achtung Spalten!). Jenseits steigen wir in brüchigem Gelände hinab auf den Wütenkarferner und kommen an einem kleinen See vorbei. Der Gletscher wird in einem Rechtsbogen überquert und am westlichen Rand verlassen – hier mündet der Pfad in die Zustiegsroute von Sölden zur Hochstubaihütte. Die Aussichtswarte der Sonderklasse wird rasch erreicht und ein Steig leitet auf einem breiten Grat einfach die letzten 100 Höhenmeter empor zum Schutzhaus.

Public transport

Enjoy a both comfortable and relaxing train ride to the train station in Ötztal Bahnhof. You get off the train in ÖTZTAL Bahnhof where you change to a public bus or local taxi. The current bus schedule can be found at: http://fahrplan.vvt.at

 

Directions

Ötztal Bahnhof is located in the western part of Austria in the state TYROL in the Inn valley. For your arrival by car, you can plan the best route from your home town with the route planner online at https://www.google.at/maps

 

Parking

The following parking facilities are available in Ötztal Bahnhof:
  • Parking Train station - subject to charges
  • Ötztaler Höhe - free of charge

Coordinates

DD
47.238215, 10.859505
DMS
47°14'17.6"N 10°51'34.2"E
UTM
32T 640738 5233313
w3w 
///fans.secret.remedies
Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

Equipment

It is recommended to wear hiking equipment such as breathable and weather-adapted outdoor clothing, ankle-high mountain boots, wind, rain and sun protection, cap and possibly gloves. It is also important to have enough food, as well as a first-aid package, a cell phone and a hiking map.

Similar routes nearby

  • Ötztal Trek Stage 1
  • Ötztal Trek
  • Ötztaler Urweg E1 Ötztal Bhf - Oetz
  • Ötztaler Urweg
  • Ötztaler Urweg E12 Sautens - Haiming - Ötztal Bhf
 These suggestions were generated by our system
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
55.4 km
Duration
22:00 h
Ascent
5,141 m
Descent
2,670 m
Highest point
3,163 m
Lowest point
688 m
Multi-stage route

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