Stage 15

Brandenburger Haus (3274 m) – Oberes Guslarjoch (3361 m) – Fluchtkogel (3497 m) - Vernagthütte (2755 m)

Information:
Route:	steep path, footpath
Requirements:	surefootedness, good head for heights, high alpine experience; black mountain trail
Difficulties:	sections across Kesselwandferner, Guslarferner and a glacier slope from the saddle to Fluchtkogel (crevasses!); guide recommended
Equipment:	crampons, icepick, rope
Walking time:	approx. 4 1/2 hrs.
Changes in elevation:	approx. 250 meters climbing, 800 meters descending
Highest point:	3497 m
Distance:	approx. 5.5 km
Lodging, refreshment stops:	Brandenburger Haus, Vernagthütte
Access/Exit points:	from Vent through Rofental to Hochjochhospiz, from Hochjochhospiz along Deloretteweg via Kesselwandferner to Brandenburger Haus (approx. 6 hrs. hrs. up and 4 ½ hrs. down); from Vent via Vernagtegg to Vernagthütte (approx. 3 ½ hrs. up and 2 ½ hrs. down)

The Glacier Castle and a Spectacular

This tour in the Vent region leads almost entirely through glacier ice and up to a spectacular summit: from Oberes Guslarjoch it’s only another 150 meters up to 3497-meter tall Fluchtkogel which offers views you really shouldn’t miss!
From Brandenburger Haus the trail descends through boulders and rubble to Kesselwandferner and crosses the glacier in a northeastern direction towards Oberes Guslarjoch – the last part is a bit steep. From Guslarjoch you continue up along the right edge of the moderately steep glacier slope. After about 30 minutes you will reach the summit of Fluchtkogel where you are rewarded with awe-inspiring views and a new summit cross. Backtrack to Oberes Guslarjoch and through steep terrain down to Guslarferner. The trail levels out and continues flat across the first glacier until you reach a hill which has to be climbed (beware of crevasses here!). After another steep slope the trail descends in a south-eastern direction and leaves Guslarferner at approx. 3000 meters above sea level. The last part of the trail takes you through moraine terrain and along the moraine ridge down to Vernagthütte.