Hiking Trail
Sautner Forchet - black path
Sautens
Top
Medium
Key facts
3:00 h
Duration
7.63 km
Length
156 m
Ascent
156 m
Descent
839 m
Max. altitude
714 m
Min. altitude
Best Season
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Description
SAUTENS -> Kreuzkapelle -> black marker -> lower Forchet -> Kreuzkapelle -> SAUTENS
Map & elevation profile
The Tour
SAUTENS -> Kreuzkapelle -> black marker -> lower Forchet -> Kreuzkapelle -> SAUTENS
Over 3000 years ago, massive parts of the Tschirgant fell into the valley, blocking the outlet of the Ötztal. Today, the area is a small, originally preserved natural oasis in the otherwise densely populated Tyrolean Inntal. The largely forested area offers quiet places to relax, rich biodiversity, and is entwined with legends and myths. Two circular hiking trails lead through this mystical landscape in the Sautner Forchet, passing exciting cultural points (lime kiln, dwelling cave, ...) and some informational boards about the animal kingdom and geology.
Start at the Kreuzkapelle Sautens (sports field) and then follow the black markers. Walking time 3 hours
Author's tip
Take the time to explore the information boards about the landslide area!
Take the time to explore the information boards about the landslide area!
Regions & Places
Austria (Country)
Tyrol (Province)
Bezirk Imst (District)
Ötztal (Tourism area)
Sautens (Commune)
Mountain areas
Ötztal Alps (Mountain area)
Alps (Mountain area)
Modified at 24.03.2026 · Created at 29.11.2016
Details
Characteristics
Round trip
Scenic
Geological highlights
Flora
Way types
Safety guidelines
Moderately difficult mountain path; suitable for sure-footed and experienced mountain hikers; good physical condition, mountain experience, and mountain equipment (see equipment section) necessary. Please check the current weather report at: https://www.oetztal.com/de/sommer.html
Additional information
More information about hiking in Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com/wandern
Recommended maps
Kompass #043 | Ötztal Alps Ötztal, Pitztal | 1:50,000
Directions
Start at the Kreuzkapelle Sautens (sports field). After 100 m on the road, enter the forest and follow the black markers through the Sautner Forchet nature reserve.
Arrival
Public transit
Travel comfortably and safely to the Ötztal train station by train. The final stop or getting off point is the ÖTZTAL station. Afterwards, you can conveniently and quickly travel by public bus 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
Sautens Kreuzkapelle
Getting there
Driving into the ÖTZTAL. Located in Tyrol, the ÖTZTAL branches south as the longest side valley of the Eastern Alps. Traveling by car takes visitors through the Inntal to the valley entrance and further along the Ötztal. In addition to the toll motorway, country roads can also be used. With the route planner, your drive can be quickly and conveniently determined: Route planner: https://www.google.at/maps
Parking
- Parking at the sports field / Kreuzkapelle
Current information
Saturday, 13.06.
Increasingly sunny -
Warmer than recently
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
Good weather for outdoor activities
Morning
14 °C
10%
Rainfall risk
Afternoon
26 °C
30%
Rainfall risk
The tour is within these protected areas.
Tschirgant-Bergsturz (Protected area)
Equipment
Appropriate equipment such as breathable and weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, ankle-high hiking boots, wind, rain and sun protection, a hat, and 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 on hikes without refreshment possibilities, is necessary.