Toprecommended route
Alpine Tour
· Vent
From Vent to Fluchtkogel at 3,500 m
Ötztal Verified partner
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FluchtkogelPhoto: Ötztal
The Fluchtkogel, at 3,500 m, lies in the middle of the largest contiguous glacier surface in Austria. Surrounded by a silver-white mantle of snow and shimmering ice, the mountain presents itself as an impressive natural wonder.
Those who intend to ascend it truly embark on a spectacular glacier route: every step on this path is marked by breathtaking beauty and alpine challenge alike. The crunching of snow beneath the boots and the distant low rumbling of glaciers already create a special, almost mystical atmosphere during the ascent. From the summit, the Fluchtkogel rewards all efforts with stunning views of the highest peaks of the Ötztal Alps. Here, amidst the icy splendor, time seems to stand still, and nature reveals its sublime beauty in all its untouched purity.
Because of its graceful and secluded aura, the mountain is also regarded as a secret tip among alpinists. Not too many venture across the seemingly endless ice landscape, and when they do, it should certainly be accompanied by a mountain guide and with appropriate equipment!
As a base camp for an overnight stay or a refreshing rest, there are three excellent options along the way: the Hochjoch Hospiz, far away in the innermost Rofen valley near the Hintereisferner glacier, the Brandenburger Haus amid the glaciers at the jump to the Fluchtkogel, and the Vernagthütte on the return route to Vent.
Author’s recommendation
Glacier equipment necessary. Mountain guide recommended.
Reservation of hut sleeping places necessary.
Ötztal Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Rest stops
Gasthof RofenhofHochjoch Hospiz
Brandenburger Haus
Vernagthütte
Safety information
For those free from dizziness, sure-footed and highly experienced in high alpine climbing; excellent physical condition, extensive mountain experience, alpine climbing equipment, securing and navigation tools, good weather conditions recommended. Please check the current weather report at: https://www.oetztal.com/de/sommer.html
Tips and suggestions
More information about hiking in the Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com/wandernRoadbook
Vent - Hochjoch Hospiz
From Vent follow the constructed path to Rofen and cross the spectacular Rofen suspension bridge. From Rofen continue through the very impressive scenic Rofen valley to the material cable car of the Vernagthütte. From here continue through the impressive Rofen Gorge, then on a path that first ascends moderately, then steeply, up to the Hochjoch Hospiz (2,413 m); walking time: approx. 3 hours.
Hochjoch Hospiz - Brandenburger Haus
From there follow the signposts to the Brandenburger Haus, keeping left and ascending steeper hairpin bends up the slope to the rugged tongue of the Kesselwandferner glacier. To the right lie the Middle and Rear Guslarspitze peaks. The last part of the path leads over the Kesselwandferner (glacier equipment required, mountain guide recommended!) to the Brandenburger Haus (3,277 m); walking time: approx. 3 hours.
Brandenburger Haus - Fluchtkogel at 3,500 m
From the Brandenburger Haus over the Kesselwandferner glacier in a northeasterly direction to the Upper Guslarjoch (3,361 m). From here steeply over the firn slope (sometimes icy). Finally, flattening off again at the summit of the Fluchtkogel (3,500 m). Walking time: approx. 2 hours
Fluchtkogel - Vernagthütte
From the summit descend the same way to the Upper Guslarjoch, from here a descent into the southeastern glacier basin of the Fluchtkogel down to the glacier end of the Guslarferner. From the Obrometer steeply downhill over a moraine and further down to the Vernagthütte (2,755 m). Walking time: approx. 3 hours.
Vernagthütte - Vent
From the Vernagthütte follow a moderately steep descent through the Vernagtbach valley and the Plattei mountain. Down to the material cable car of the Vernagthütte through the Rofen valley out via the hamlet of Rofen back to Vent (1,900 m). Walking time: approx. 3 hours.
Total distance
Ascent: From Vent to the summit approx. 8 hrs walking time
Descent: Via the Vernagthütte to Vent approx. 6 hrs walking time
Gasthof Rofenhof
Hochjoch Hospiz
Brandenburger Haus
Fluchtkogel
Vernagthütte
Public transport
Travel comfortably and safely by train to the Ötztal train station. The final stop or exit point is the ÖTZTAL train station. Afterwards, travel conveniently and quickly by public transport or local taxis through the entire valley to your desired destination. The current bus timetable is available at: http://fahrplan.vvt.at
Directions
The car journey to the ÖTZTAL. Located in Tyrol, the ÖTZTAL branches southward as the longest side valley of the Eastern Alps. Car travelers reach the valley via the Inn Valley to the valley entrance and then along the Ötztal. Besides the toll motorway, country roads can also be used. With the route planner, your journey can be quickly and conveniently determined: Route planner: https://www.google.at/maps
Parking
In the mountain climbing village of Vent, the following parking options are available:
- In summer, in front of the village (parking meter, coins or EC card only) and at the base station of the chairlift (at the cash desk of the cable cars)
- In winter, only at the base station of the chairlift
Charges apply!
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Ötztal Hiking Book | Helga Marberger | Publisher: Tyrolia
Author’s map recommendations
Kompass #042 | Inner Ötztal and Pitztal, Gurgler Tal, Venter Tal | 1:25,000
Kompass #43 | Ötztal Alps, Ötztal, Pitztal | 1:50,000
Freytag&Bernd WK 251 | Ötztal, Pitztal, Kaunertal, Wildspitze | 1:25,000
Kompass | Bike & Hiking Map Ötztal | 1:35,000
Equipment
Appropriate equipment such as breathable and weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, ankle-high hiking boots, wind, rain and sun protection, hat, possibly gloves, is required for all hikes and routes. Carrying a first aid kit, a mobile phone and possibly a hiking map, as well as sufficient provisions for hikes without a possibility to stop for refreshments, is necessary.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
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