Mountain Hike

Hochfirst - Obergurgl

Gurgl
Top
Hard
Key facts
4:00 h Duration
14.92 km Length
974 m Ascent
1705 m Descent
3,403 m Max. altitude
1,915 m Min. altitude
Stamina
Best Season
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Description

OBERGURGL -> Gaisbergtal -> Gaisbergferner -> Hochfirstferner -> HOCHFIRST

Map & elevation profile

OBERGURGL -> Gaisbergtal -> Gaisbergferner -> Hochfirstferner -> HOCHFIRST

From Obergurgl, head south on a gravel road to the middle station of the Hohe Mut Bahn and then steeply up into the Gaisbergtal. Continue to the Gaisbergferner (end of the markings!). Now cross the glacier to the left, very steeply up to the orographically right lateral moraine, follow it to the small Hochfirstferner. Now rope up and, along the northern edge of the glacier (crevasses!), proceed up to the summit flank, cross the bergschrund (often problematic when melting!) and ascend the 45-55 degree steep slope to the uncomplicated summit rocks of Hochfirst.

Regions & Places

Austria (Country)
Tyrol (Province)
Bezirk Imst (District)
Ötztal (Tourism area)
Gurgl (Tourism area)
Gemeinde Sölden (Commune)

Mountain areas

Ötztal Alps (Mountain area)
Alps (Mountain area)
Modified at 10.06.2026 · Created at 24.08.2016

Characteristics

Linear route
Summit route
Exposed sections

Way types

Unbekannt 14.92 km

Safety guidelines

For climbers free of dizziness, sure-footed and highly alpine experienced. Excellent physical condition, comprehensive mountain experience, alpine climbing equipment, securing and orientation aids, good weather conditions recommended. Please check the current weather report at https://www.oetztal.com/en/summer.html

From Obergurgl, head south on a gravel road to the middle station of the Hohe Mut Bahn and then steeply up into the Gaisbergtal. Continue to the Gaisbergferner (end of the markings!). Now cross the glacier to the left, very steeply up to the orographically right lateral moraine, follow it to the small Hochfirstferner. Now rope up and, along the northern edge of the glacier (crevasses!), proceed up to the summit flank, cross the bergschrund (often problematic when melting!) and ascend the 45-55 degree steep slope to the uncomplicated summit rocks of Hochfirst.

Public transit

Travel comfortably and safely by train to the Ötztal station. The final stop or exit point is the ÖTZTAL station. Afterwards, you can conveniently and quickly travel 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

Starting point

Obergurgl center

Getting there

Car trip into the ÖTZTAL. Located in Tyrol, the Ötztal branches off southward as the longest side valley of the Eastern Alps. Traveling by car takes visitors along the Inntal to the valley entrance and then further along the Ötztal. Besides the toll motorway, country roads can also be used. The route planner allows you to quickly and conveniently determine your journey: To the route planner: https://www.google.at/maps.

Parking

The following parking options are available in Gurgl:

  • Parking garage village center Obergurgl (down to the right in front of the church), paid | € 2.00 per hour
  • Parking garage village entrance – Festkoglbahn valley station, paid | € 2.00 per hour
  • Parking lot Hochgurglbahn valley station, free – no overnight parking
  • Parking lot Top Mountain Crosspoint, free
  • Parking lot Hochgurgl, free (very small parking lot)

Coordinates

11.029491, 46.84863
Plan arrival

Saturday, 13.06.
Increasingly sunny -
Warmer than recently
Morning
5 °C
40%
Rainfall risk
Afternoon
17 °C
20%
Rainfall risk
Sunday, 14.06.
Often sunny and warm
Good weather for outdoor activities
Morning
6 °C
10%
Rainfall risk
Afternoon
17 °C
30%
Rainfall risk

The tour is within these protected areas.

Naturpark Ötztal (Protected area)
Ruhegebiet Ötztaler Alpen (Protected area)
Ötztaler Alpen (Protected area)
Texelgruppe (Protected area)

Wearing hiking gear such as breathable and weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, ankle-high mountain boots, wind, rain and sun protection, a hat and possibly gloves is recommended! It is also important to bring sufficient provisions, a first aid kit, a mobile phone, and possibly a hiking map.