Hiking Trail

Sautner Forchet - red route

Sautens
Top
Easy
Key facts
1:30 h Duration
3.51 km Length
124 m Ascent
124 m Descent
863 m Max. altitude
802 m Min. altitude
Stamina
Landscape
Quality of Experience
Best Season
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Description

SAUTENS -> Kreuzkapelle Sports Field -> Sautner Forchet -> SAUTENS

Map & elevation profile

SAUTENS -> Kreuzkapelle Sports Field -> Sautner Forchet -> SAUTENS

Over 3,000 years ago, mighty parts of the Tschirgant collapsed into the valley and buried the exit of the Ötztal. Today, the area is a small, originally preserved natural oasis in the otherwise densely populated Tyrolean Inn Valley. The mostly forested area offers quiet places to linger, rich biodiversity, and is surrounded by legends and myths. Two circular hiking paths lead through this mystical landscape across the Sautner Forchet, passing exciting cultural points (lime kiln, dwelling cave, ...) and several educational boards about the animal kingdom and geology.

depicted here, the red route:

The start is at the Kreuzkapelle Sautens. After about 100 m following the road, the red route turns right into the forest. Beautiful hiking trail to the Tschirgantblick viewpoint. Then continue to the board about birds and geology. Especially in spring and autumn, it is a very nice hike. This round is also available for children as a geocaching route with a treasure map.

Walking time 1 1/2 to 2 hours

Author's tip
In the summer months, it is advisable to take plenty of drinks with you.

Regions & Places

Austria (Country)
Tyrol (Province)
Bezirk Imst (District)
Ötztal (Tourism area)
Sautens (Commune)

Mountain areas

Alps (Mountain area)
Ötztal Alps (Mountain area)
Modified at 24.03.2026 · Created at 07.09.2017

Characteristics

Out and back
Round trip
Family-friendly
Cultural/historical interest
Geological highlights
Flora
Fauna

Way types

Unbekannt 3.51 km

Safety guidelines

Easy hiking trail; suitable for beginners and walkers. Please check the current weather report at: https://www.oetztal.com/en/summer.html

Additional information

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

Recommended maps

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

Red Route

The start is at the Kreuzkapelle Sautens. After about 100 m following the road, the red route turns right into the forest. Beautiful hiking trail to the Tschirgantblick viewpoint. Then continue to the board about birds and geology. Especially in spring and autumn, it is a very nice hike. This round is also available for children as a geocaching route with a treasure map.

Walking time 1 1/2 to 2 hours

Public transit

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

Starting point

Kreuzkapelle Sautens

Getting there

The car trip into the ÖTZTAL. Located in Tyrol, the Ötztal branches off to the south as the longest side valley of the Eastern Alps. Traveling by car takes visitors via the Inn Valley to the entrance of the valley and further along the Ötztal. In addition to the toll motorway, country roads can also be used. With the route planner, your journey can be quickly and conveniently determined: To the route planner: https://www.google.at/maps

Parking

The following parking options are available in Sautens:

  • directly in front of the town hall - free
  • immediately after the large bridge (turnoff from B186) to the right on the large gravel parking lot - free
  • at the sports field/Kreuzkapelle/adventure facility Kalkofen - free
  • in front of the elementary school/kindergarten, 3-Kirchblickweg – free

Coordinates

10.846132, 47.212914
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

The tour is within these protected areas.

Tschirgant-Bergsturz (Protected area)

Appropriate equipment such as breathable and weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, ankle-high hiking shoes, 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 on hikes without refreshment options, is necessary.