Stage 18

Braunschweiger Hütte (2758 m) – Mainzer Höhenweg – Rüsselsheimer Hütte (2328 m)

Information:
Route:	steep path, footpath
Requirements:	surefootedness, good head for heights, good physical condition, high alpine experience; black mountain trail
Difficulties:	extremely long tour, crevasses on the glacier, some sections are equipped with fixed ropes; stable weather conditions essential; guide recommended
Equipment:	standard hiking equipment; rope, crampons and icepick depending on snow conditions
Walking time:	approx. 10 hrs.
Changes in elevation:	approx. 800 meters climbing, 1200 meters descending
Highest point:	3252 m
Distance:	approx. 9 km
Lodging, refreshment stops:	Braunschweiger Hütte, Rüsselsheimer Hütte
Access/Exit points:	from the base terminal of Rettenbachferner via Rettenbachjoch to Braunschweiger Hütte (approx. 1 ¾ hrs. up and 1 ½ hrs. down); von Plangeross (St. Leonhard im Pitztal) to Rüsselsheimer Hütte (approx. 2 hrs. up and 1 ½ hrs. down)

Ibex Goulash & A Strenuous Hike

This scenic high elevation trail from Braunschweiger Hütte to Rüsselsheimer Hütte allows you to “collect” several summits in one go: the hike takes you across 3 three-thousand meter high peaks, all of which command magnificent views. One mountain that remains within sight all times is Ötztal’s Wildspitze, Tirol’s tallest mountain.

The hike starts with a short uphill from Braunschweiger Hütte. Follow the new trail to your left down to Silbergrube (a small corn-snow field). The trail now climbs up to a wide ridge along which it travels for a while, climbing and descending frequently. The first peaks along the way are Wurmsitzkogel (3079m) and Grschrappkogel (3197m), and last comes Wassertalkogel (3252m), the tour’s undisputed highlight. On top of Wasserkogel is an orange bivouac which accommodates up to 12 people. From Wassertalkogel the trail descends through a glacier field (at the beginning you can – and should – circumvent the glacier to the left). Soon after the first glacier field the trail crosses another one, then climbs steeply through a chute and crosses a third, very flat and easy, glacier field. After some easy scrambling the trail continues to Weißmaurachjoch (2953m) – once there you have mastered all the difficult parts. From Weißmaurachkar it’s an easy walk down to Rüsselsheimer Hütte where you can refuel with a culinary specialty: ibex goulash!