Thematic Trail

Knappenweg - Nature Park Anniversary route - with audio guide

Oetz
Top
Hard
Key facts
6:00 h Duration
7.6 km Length
571 m Ascent
852 m Descent
2,583 m Max. altitude
1,732 m Min. altitude
Stamina
Landscape
Quality of Experience
Best Season
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Description

PANORAMARESTAURANT HOCHOETZ -> Bielefelder Hut -> Wetterkreuz -> Wörgetal -> Pocher Lake -> Knappenhaus -> Obere Issalm -> Iss Bridge

Map & elevation profile

PANORAMARESTAURANT HOCHOETZ -> Bielefelder Hut -> Wetterkreuz -> Wörgetal -> Pocher Lake -> Knappenhaus -> Obere Issalm -> Iss Bridge

The starting point of the hike is the Panoramarestaurant Hochoetz at 2,020 m above sea level. From there, a wide forest path initially leads towards the Bielefelder Hut. Then a steep ascent begins, which shortly below the Brunnenkopf summit transitions into a gently flowing high path. This winds impressively along the mountainside.

At a fork in the path, the ascent to Rosskopf branches off to the left, while the trail continues to the Wetterkreuz, which you reach after a moderate climb. From the summit, there is an impressive panorama of the Stubaier Alps and the Mieminger Chain, ideal for a short rest with a view.

The descent takes place on the backside of the Wetterkreuz down into the romantically wild Wörgetal. A narrow trail winds through this remote valley section to the Knappenhaus with the stamping mill – an faithfully reconstructed ore processing facility. Here you delve deep into the region's over 350-year mining history. A real highlight of the route.

A little further, the path leads past the idyllic Pocher Lake, then over the now dilapidated Obere Issalm down to the Iss Bridge, where you can conveniently take the bus back to Oetz.

Tip: Explore the Knappenweg with the free audio guide from Hearonymus!

Author's tip

A rest is especially recommended at Pocher Lake below the Knappenhaus! The idyllic lake invites you to dream and let your soul dangle!

Regions & Places

Austria (Country)
Tyrol (Province)
Bezirk Imst (District)
Ötztal (Tourism area)
Innsbruck region (Tourism area)
Oetz (Commune)
Silz (Commune)

Mountain areas

Stubai Alps (Mountain area)
Alps (Mountain area)
Modified at 24.03.2026 · Created at 29.11.2016

Characteristics

Round trip
Scenic
Refreshment stops available
Family-friendly
Cultural/historical interest
Cableway ascent/descent
Insider tip
Summit route

Way types

Schotterweg 73.43 m
Naturweg 376.29 m
Pfad 7.14 km
Unbekannt 3.02 m

Safety guidelines

Challenging mountain route, suitable for sure-footed and experienced mountain hikers. Good physical condition, mountain experience and mountain equipment (see equipment section) are necessary. Please note the current weather report at: https://www.oetztal.com/de/sommer.html

Hiking difficulty

Hiking trail - sometimes steep or narrow. Danger of falling cannot be ruled out. Basic surefootedness and orientation skills are an advantage.

Additional information

More information about hiking in Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com/wandern 

Recommended maps

Kompass #043 | Ötztal Alps Ötztal, Pitztal | 1:50,000

The starting point of the hike is the Panoramarestaurant Hochoetz at 2,020 m above sea level. From there, a wide forest path initially leads towards the Bielefelder Hut. Then a steep ascent begins, which shortly below the Brunnenkopf summit transitions into a gently flowing high path. This winds impressively along the mountainside.

At a fork in the path, the ascent to Rosskopf branches off to the left, while the trail continues to the Wetterkreuz, which you reach after a moderate climb. From the summit, there is an impressive panorama of the Stubaier Alps and the Mieminger Chain, ideal for a short rest with a view.

The descent takes place on the backside of the Wetterkreuz down into the romantically wild Wörgetal. A narrow trail winds through this remote valley section to the Knappenhaus with the stamping mill – an faithfully reconstructed ore processing facility. Here you delve deep into the region's over 350-year mining history. A real highlight of the route.

A little further, the path leads past the idyllic Pocher Lake, then over the now dilapidated Obere Issalm down to the Iss Bridge, where you can conveniently take the bus back to Oetz.

Tip: Explore the Knappenweg with the free audio guide from Hearonymus!

Public transit

Travel comfortably and safely by train to the Ötztal train station. The final stop or exit point is ÖTZTAL station. Afterwards, travel conveniently and quickly by public transport or local taxi companies throughout the entire valley to your desired destination! The current bus schedule is available at: http://fahrplan.vvt.at

Starting point

Panoramarestaurant Hochoetz

Getting there

Oetz is located in the west of Austria in the state of TIROL, in a southern side valley of the Inn valley - the ÖTZTAL. For your car arrival, plan your optimal route from your hometown with the route planner online now: https://www.google.at/maps

Parking

The following parking options are available:

  • Parking lot Acherkogelbahn (fee-based)
  • Parking lot rafting entry point (at the outskirts of Oetz on the right side) (fee-based)
  • Oetz central parking lot (fee-based)
  • Overnight parking during multi-day routes: Oetz central parking lot, ticket available at the Oetz information office.

Coordinates

10.931983, 47.211944
Plan arrival

Saturday, 13.06.
Increasingly sunny -
Warmer than recently
Morning
12 °C
30%
Rainfall risk
Afternoon
27 °C
20%
Rainfall risk
Sunday, 14.06.
Often sunny and warm
Good weather for outdoor activities
Morning
14 °C
10%
Rainfall risk
Afternoon
26 °C
30%
Rainfall risk

Appropriate equipment such as breathable and weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, ankle-high hiking boots, wind, rain and sun protection, a 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 dining possibilities, is necessary.