Toprecommended route
Hiking Trail
· Ötztal
E BIKE - HIKE - CLIMB Rosskopf round 1600 m elevation gain!
Ötztal Verified partner
-
Photo: Ötztal Tourismus Büro Oetz, Ötztal
OETZ -> Klingenburg -> Ötzerberg -> Acherberg Alm -> Panorama Restaurant -> Rosskopf -> Panorama Restaurant -> Kühtaile Alm -> Balbach Alm -> Ochsengarten -> OETZ
BIKE, HIKE & CLIMB. 1600 m elevation gain all in one day! Take on the challenge.
The route starts with the ascent via the notorious Kühtai High Alpine Road, a well-known section of the Ötztal Bike Marathon. At the bus stop, turn towards Klingenburg, continue to Ötzerberg, and then follow the gravel road to Acherberg Alm. Here, a first break on the sun terrace with a magnificent panorama is worthwhile, inviting you to recharge your energy.
Then continue cycling to the panorama restaurant Hochoetz, where the bike can be safely parked. From here, the hike to the Rosskopf via ferrata starts. Follow the well-signposted hiking trail towards Schäfer Kreuz. From the cross, an old sheep track leads to the start of the via ferrata, where wearing a helmet is mandatory.
Now begins the alpine highlight of the route. The Rosskopf via ferrata runs along the impressive northern side of the 2,399 m high summit and offers a spectacular panorama over the Ötztal. The route is mostly at difficulty level B to B/C, with a short section at grade C. It impresses with varied passages including slabs, short steep sections, and scenic ridge sections. Surefootedness and a head for heights are absolutely required. About halfway, a bench on a wide rock plateau invites a short break with a view. The climb ends just below the summit; the descent starts not far from there. On the south side of the Rosskopf, a marked hiking trail leads back to the upper station of the Acherkogel cable car (approx. 1 hour walking time, 390 meters descent). If you have not yet stopped at the Bielefelder Hut, you now have the opportunity to take a break either at the panorama restaurant, at Kühtaile Alm, or at Balbach Alm along the return path. Before cycling back down to the valley, a quick brake check is recommended. The descent leads via a wide forest road to Ochsengarten, from there to the Kühtai state road, and finally back to Oetz.
Author’s recommendation
Start early to have enough time for breaks at the alms, to enjoy the via ferrata calmly, and to make the return trip relaxed.
Ötztal Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Rest stops
Posthotel KasslAcherberg Alm
Panoramarestaurant Hochoetz
Hotel Burkert
Safety information
Preparation and Equipment: The ascent via the Kühtai High Alpine Road is demanding and well-known among cyclists. Make sure your bike is technically in perfect condition. Always wear a bike helmet during the entire bike ride. For the via ferrata, a via ferrata set, climbing helmet, and suitable mountain or approach shoes are recommended. Take enough water and provisions with you.
Helmet requirement: From the start of the Rosskopf via ferrata onwards, wearing a helmet is mandatory.
Route Character: The Rosskopf via ferrata is alpine and requires surefootedness, a head for heights, and good physical condition. The difficulty is mostly B to B/C, with a short C section – only suitable for experienced via ferrata climbers.
Weather: Be sure to check the weather forecast before starting the route. Do not attempt the via ferrata in case of thunderstorms, rain, or wet conditions – crampons and wet rocks greatly increase the risk.
Breaks and Orientation: Use Acherberg Alm and the panorama restaurant Hochoetz for breaks to recharge. Pay attention to the well-signposted hiking trails, especially when transitioning from the hiking trail to the via ferrata.
Other: Inform someone about your planned route and estimated return time. Emergency equipment and a charged mobile phone for emergencies should always be with you.
Tips and suggestions
More info about biking, hiking and climbing in the Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com
Roadbook
The route starts with the ascent via the notorious Kühtai High Alpine Road, a well-known section of the Ötztal Bike Marathon. At the bus stop, turn towards Klingenburg, continue to Ötzerberg, and then follow the gravel road to Acherberg Alm. Here, a first break on the sun terrace with a magnificent panorama is worthwhile, inviting you to recharge your energy.
Then continue cycling to the panorama restaurant Hochoetz, where the bike can be safely parked. From here, the hike to the Rosskopf via ferrata starts. Follow the well-signposted hiking trail towards Schäfer Kreuz. From the cross, an old sheep track leads to the start of the via ferrata, where wearing a helmet is mandatory.
Now begins the alpine highlight of the route. The Rosskopf via ferrata runs along the impressive northern side of the 2,399 m high summit and offers a spectacular panorama over the Ötztal. The route is mostly at difficulty level B to B/C, with a short section at grade C. It impresses with varied passages including slabs, short steep sections, and scenic ridge sections. Surefootedness and a head for heights are absolutely required. About halfway, a bench on a wide rock plateau invites a short break with a view. The climb ends just below the summit; the descent starts not far from there. On the south side of the Rosskopf, a marked hiking trail leads back to the upper station of the Acherkogel cable car (approx. 1 hour walking time, 390 meters descent). If you have not yet stopped at the Bielefelder Hut, you now have the opportunity to take a break either at the panorama restaurant, at Kühtaile Alm, or at Balbach Alm along the return path. Before cycling back down to the valley, a quick brake check is recommended. The descent leads via a wide forest road to Ochsengarten, from there to the Kühtai state road, and finally back to Oetz.
Ski school MALI
Parking area center parking place
Posthotel Kassl
Ötztal Museums - Turmmuseum
Galerie Rieder
Alter Dorfkern Oetz
Parking area Brandach bridge
Erlebnis Werkstattl
Acherberg Alm
Panoramarestaurant Hochoetz
Bielefelder Hütte
WIDIs kids parcours
Kühtaile Alm
Balbach Alm
Hotel Burkert
Burgruine Auenstein
Hexenplatte - Lookout point
Public transport
Travel comfortably and safely by train to the Ötztal train station. The final stop or exit point is the ÖTZTAL station. From there, you can travel conveniently and quickly by public transport or local taxi companies through the entire valley to your desired destination! The current bus schedule is available at: http://fahrplan.vvt.at
Directions
The car journey into the ÖTZTAL. Located in Tyrol, the ÖTZTAL branches off to the south as the longest side valley of the Eastern Alps. Traveling by car, visitors go through the Inn Valley to the valley entrance and then continue along the Ötztal. Besides the toll motorway, country roads can also be used. You can quickly and conveniently plan your drive with the route planner.
To the route planner: https://www.google.at/maps.
Parking
The following parking options are available in Oetz:
Central parking lot Oetz, chargeable, €0.50 per car / 30 minutes
Coordinates
Equipment
Appropriate equipment such as breathable clothing and weather-appropriate outdoor wear, bike helmet, gloves, sunglasses, and a GPS device or map material. For bike tours without opportunities to stop, sufficient provisions are necessary.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Statistics
- Content
- Show images Hide images