Mountain Hike

Smuggler Hike - Obergurgl

Gurgl
Top
Medium
Key facts
5:00 h Duration
9.69 km Length
915 m Ascent
769 m Descent
2,825 m Max. altitude
1,895 m Min. altitude
Stamina
Landscape
Quality of Experience
Best Season
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Description

OBERGURGL FESTKOGLBAHN -> Hochgurgl Höhenweg -> Königstal -> Königsjoch -> OBERGLANEGG ALM

Map & elevation profile

OBERGURGL FESTKOGLBAHN -> Hochgurgl Höhenweg -> Königstal -> Königsjoch -> OBERGLANEGG ALM

On the way from Obergurgl or Hochgurgl to the bridge at the entrance to the Königstal. From there, inward toward the valley, first right and then left along the Königsbach to the valley background, slightly ascending to the customs hut. Then over shale slopes, ascent to the Königsjoch. From there, on the South Tyrol side, initially somewhat exposed downhill to the Glanegg Alm (2,060 m) in South Tyrol. The bus stop is only a five-minute walk away, with buses returning to Obergurgl 4 times daily (until 25.09.). 

Author's tip

You can find the bus timetable here: www.oetztaler.at

Regions & Places

Austria (Country)
Italy (Country)
Tyrol (Province)
South Tyrol (Province)
Bezirk Imst (District)
Ötztal (Tourism area)
Gurgl (Tourism area)
Merano and surroundings (Tourism area)
Gemeinde Sölden (Commune)
Moos in Passeier (Commune)

Mountain areas

Ötztal Alps (Mountain area)
Alps (Mountain area)
Modified at 25.03.2026 · Created at 24.08.2016

Characteristics

Linear route
Scenic
Refreshment stops available
Exposed sections

Way types

Schotterweg 5.88 m
Pfad 3.42 km
Unbekannt 6.26 km

On the way from Obergurgl or Hochgurgl to the bridge at the entrance to the Königstal. From there, inward toward the valley, first right and then left along the Königsbach to the valley background, slightly ascending to the customs hut. Then over shale slopes, ascent to the Königsjoch. From there, on the South Tyrol side, initially somewhat exposed downhill to the Glanegg Alm (2,060 m) in South Tyrol. The bus stop is just a five-minute walk away, with buses returning to Obergurgl 4 times daily (until 25.09.). 

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 with 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

Obergurgl Festkoglbahn

Getting there

Driving into the ÖTZTAL. Located in Tyrol, the ÖTZTAL branches off to the south as the longest side valley of the Eastern Alps. Car travelers arrive via the Inn valley to the valley entrance and continue along the Ötztal. In addition to the toll motorway, country roads can also be used. Your trip can be quickly and conveniently planned using the route planner: To the route planner: https://www.google.at/maps

Parking

The following parking options are available in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl:

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

Coordinates

11.027301, 46.870452
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)
Texelgruppe (Protected area)
Ötztaler Alpen (Protected area)
Ruhegebiet Ötztaler Alpen (Protected area)

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 if there is no opportunity to stop for food during hikes, is necessary.