Variation 4

Winnebachseehütte (2361 m) – Gries im Sulztal (1569 m) – Brand (1385 m) – Burgstein (1424 m)

Information:
Route:	steep path, road
Requirements:	surefootedness, good head for heights; red mountain trail
Difficulties:	none
Equipment:	standard hiking equipment
Walking time:	approx. 3 3/4 hrs.
Changes in elevation:	approx. 150 meters climbing, 1100 meters descending
Highest point:	2361 m
Distance:	approx. 11 km
Lodging, refreshment stops:	Winnebachseehütte, Jausenstation Brand (Brandalm)
Access/Exit points:	from Gries im Sulztal (Längenfeld) to Winnebachseehütte (approx 2 ¼ hrs. up and 1 ¾ hrs. down); from Längenfeld on the old road to Burgstein (approx. 1 hr. up and 45 min. down)

A Hut, A Mountain Village and Two

From quaint Winnebachseehütte the trail descends in switchbacks to the valley where a waterfall cascades down into the swiftly flowing Winnebach River. The trail continues to descend gently. Look out for strange stone formations which were carved by glaciers. Once you reach the forest the trail drops rather steeply to the houses of Winnebach where you continue on an asphalted road to the charming mountain village of Gries im Sulztal (approx. 1 ¾ hrs.). In Gries walk westwards, cross Fischbach and head out of the valley along Nederweg, an old cartroad which descends gently through a forest. Just before Längenfeld a road takes you up to Brand plateau where you find Brandalm, a single farmhouse with a snack station attached. It’s a great place to take a break and revel in the views of Ötztal. The trail then continues towards Burgstein and through a forest to a small gorge. After the gorge you will soon see the first houses of Burgstein. Continue through meadows to the settlement which, like Brand, is located on a plateau above central Ötztal and affords great views.

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