Ötztal Trek Route 5

Suitable for those free from dizziness, surefooted, and alpine experienced mountaineers; very good physical condition, alpine experience, and mountain equipment (see equipment section), sometimes alpine safety gear, good weather conditions recommended. Please observe the current weather report.

Access – from the Rettenbach glacier over Rettenbachjoch to the Braunschweiger Hut (approx. 1.75 h approach); Glacier bus line Sölden – Rettenbach glacier

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

Kompass hiking map (available at the Ötztal Tourism information offices)

Stage 18:

Three peaks over 3000 meters are crossed here on the Geigenkamm, and the route guarantees distant views in all directions. We hike a short way uphill from the Braunschweiger Hut and then follow the route downhill to the left below the Pitztaler Jöchl into the Silbergrube. The route leads to the ridge and runs ascending or descending on or beside the broad ridge crest. The Wurmsitzkogel (3,079 m) and the Gschrappkogel (3,197 m) are the first three-thousanders climbed during the route, followed by the Wassertalkogel (3,252 m). There stands the orange Rheinland-Pfalz bivouac for 12 people (accessible without a key). From the Wassertalkogel, the path descends over a glacier field, then crosses another glacier field, and after a final glacier crossing, a scramble awaits. The path leads to the Weißmaurachjoch, and after hiking down the Weißmaurachkar, we reach the Rüsselsheimer Hut after about 10 hours.


Stage 19:

We first follow the trail a short distance east behind the hut, then turn left to the Gahwinden viewpoint. From Gahwinden, we descend through scree into the Rötkarle, through which the trail ascends, continuing to the Kapuzinerjöchl. There, one descends steep terrain secured by a rope. We hike up to the Breitlehnjöchl. From there, the trail leads slightly upwards, then downhill. Finally, the route ascends to the Sandjöchl. At a trail fork begins an extremely strenuous passage– it goes steeply to the Luibisscharte. Soon, one enters the crevasse-free Hauerferner glacier. A footbridge also leads down on the right side of the glacier field! It is crossed in its shallow upper part heading east. Due to rockfall, the further path between the glacier and the Hauersee Hut is officially closed; an alternative route leads along the glacier to the northeast and then descends to the right of a rock summit to the Hauersee Hut after the glacier passage.


Stage 20:

The first mountain lake is already at the starting point and has given the small Hauersee Hut its name. We first descend gently past the Lower Spitzigsee. Then the rear Innerbergtal is walked down northwest. The trail runs on the slopes above the Felderkar. Then, some effort is required: In switchbacks, the route ascends to the Weißer See below the nearly 2,800 m high Felderjöchl, which forms the barrier to the Frischmann Hut. One passes the lake on the right, then the secured trail soon winds in rocky, very steep terrain and again in switchbacks uphill to the Felderjöchl. Beyond, one descends quite steeply at first and then comfortably crosses the Fernerkar beneath the Ploderferner glacier. Later, the route generally leads down quickly to the east below the Griesköpfen. The last meters finally lead across alpine pastures to the Frischmann Hut.