Piccard Loop Trail
The highlight is waiting at the valley’s rear end
Four places of longing inspired our tour: Gurgler Ferner, as the glaciers are called here, Ramolhaus and Langtalereckhütte. For now. They are always in sight, right from the start of the Piccard Loop Trail that stretches on almost 18 kilometers to both sides of Gurgler Ache brooklet. Only the undisputed highlight is still hidden and only surprises at the last minute: the bold construction of the Piccard Bridge at the very end of the valley, directly at the glacier field.
Like a fata morgana Ramolhaus seems to move into the unreachable distance. At some point we stand directly below the huge rock ledge on which the DAV “Section Hamburg and Niederelbe” hut sits enthroned. Like a painting framed by immense clouds … cloud cuckoo land! What a magical moment. Marco advises: “You underestimate the distance - we still have a long way to go.” I would now like to have as many legs as the funny millipedes that cross our path. Instead, I promise to reduce the number of photo stops. But there is too much to see at every step, at every bend.
Informations Piccard Loop trail
🥾 Length: 18 km
🏔️ Altitude difference: 1111 m
⏳ Duration: approx. 8 h
⚠️ Difficulty: difficult
❤️ Fun factor: 10/10
If you have any further questions or concerns about the Piccard Loop Trail, please feel free to contact us! We’re here for you by phone or email to make sure nothing stands in the way of your high-alpine adventure.
Guest author Dagmar explored the Piccard Loop Trail in September 2017
Images: © Ötztal Tourismus, Dagmar Gehm
This article was updated on June 29, 2026.
Dagmar Gehm
The Hamburg-based journalist and athletic globetrotter has been a long-time fan of the Ötztal valley because she cannot resist its fascinating contrasts: action – seclusion, the thrill of speed – relaxation in tranquillity, ancient rituals – trendy hotspots.