Long-distance hiking in the uppermost region

The high-alpine Ötztal Trek provides plenty of crisp and clean mountain air: 6 routes with a total of 22 stages, covering about 18,900 altitude meters on a distance of 246 km, require a really a huge amount of stamina. However, there is nothing more beautiful for mountaineering aficionados than hiking from Ötztal-Bahnhof eastwards over ridges and peaks, from hut to hut to Obergurgl and Vent and back again on the western mountain ridge.

Mountaineering from hut to hut

This high Alpine route leads all around Ötztal. From one hut to the next, across ridges and cols. A mountain exploration of a very special kind. 6 route sections with 2 - 5 day stages are just perfect for a memorable holiday amidst the awe-inspiring Ötztal Alps. Each stage offers the opportunity to get in and out - you can experience and enjoy the Ötztal Trek in fine pieces.

 

Prior mountain experience is an absolute must

Explore splendid Ötztal also in its highest regions - the Ötztal Trek, a high Alpine long-distance hiking trail, makes it possible! The 6 routes, comprising a total of 22 stages, cover approximately 18,900 ascent meters and a distance of 246 kilometers. The Ötztal Trek leads from Ötztal-Bahnhof eastwards over crests, ridges and peaks from one hut to the next towards Obergurgl-Hochgurgl and Vent. On the western Geigenkamm ridge the Trek leads back to Ötztal Bahnhof.

For all these routes prior mountaineering experience is necessary. Most stages are classified as „black mountain trails“ according to the „Tirolean hiking & mountain trail concept“, which are difficult routes. All other stages are classified as „red“ hiking routes (intermediate difficulty). Some stages lead across the eternal ice. However, if a path leads across a glacier blazing and signs will most likely be missing. Knowing the weather forecast for the area where you are hiking and detailed tour planning are also essential.

Proper Alpine hiking and mountaineering equipment is absolutely required: ankle-high hiking boots, wind and rain protection, sunscreen, a hat and gloves. First aid kits are vital pieces of hiking equipment. If you bring your dogs it is strongly recommended to keep them on a leash!

Long Distance Hiking recommended route Multi-stage route

Ötztal Trek

Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
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  • Amberger Hütte
    Amberger Hütte
    Photo: Katharina Nösig, Ötztal
The splendid long-distance Ötztal Trek allows hikers and mountaineers to experience Ötztal's highest regions and pristine natural beauty!
Distance 246.4 km
84:25 h
18,910 m
18,910 m
3,482 m
678 m
6 route sections comprise 22 hiking stages and 15 variations offering a total elevation gain of some 30,000 meters on a distance of 400 kilometers. The scenic Ötztal Trek travels from its trailhead in Ötztal-Bahnhof in eastern direction from hut to hut and across saddles, ridges and peaks to Obergurgl and Vent, before it heads back westwards along the Geigenkamm ridge to Ötztal-Bahnhof.

6 route sections with 2 - 5 day stages are just perfect for a memorable holiday at the Peak of Tirol, amidst the awe-inspiring Ötztal Alps. Of course, prior hiking experience is needed for all routes. The trails are signposted according to the "Tirolean Mountain Trail Concept": most of the routes are "black mountain trails" which are difficult and demanding while other sections have "red" trail markers and are of intermediate difficulty.

However, if a path leads across a glacier blazing and signs will most likely be missing. Knowing the weather forecast for the area where you are hiking and detailed tour planning are also essential. Proper hiking equipment is required for all tours: ankle-high boots with sturdy soles, wind and rain protection, sunscreen, possibly hiking poles, and a hat and gloves for the higher regions. First aid kits are vital pieces of hiking equipment.

 

Author’s recommendation

Best season: July - September

 

Highest point
3,482 m
Lowest point
678 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Track types

Asphalt 4.12%Dirt road 3.84%Forested/wild trail 6.18%Path 56.99%Road 2.12%Traces of trail 0.22%Unknown 26.49%
Asphalt
10.2 km
Dirt road
9.5 km
Forested/wild trail
15.2 km
Path
140.4 km
Road
5.2 km
Traces of trail
0.6 km
Unknown
65.3 km
Show elevation profile

Tips and suggestions

A luggage transport is not offered

 

More details about hiking In Ötztal: www.oetztal.com/hiking 

Start

Coordinates:
DD
47.238179, 10.859442
DMS
47°14'17.4"N 10°51'34.0"E
UTM
32T 640733 5233309
w3w 
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Turn-by-turn directions

6 route sections comprise 22 hiking stages and 15 variations offering a total elevation gain of some 30,000 meters on a distance of 400 kilometers. The scenic Ötztal Trek travels from its trailhead in Ötztal-Bahnhof in eastern direction from hut to hut and across saddles, ridges and peaks to Obergurgl and Vent, before it heads back westwards along the Geigenkamm ridge to Ötztal-Bahnhof.

6 route sections with 2 - 5 day stages are just perfect for a memorable holiday at the Peak of Tirol, amidst the awe-inspiring Ötztal Alps. Of course, prior hiking experience is needed for all routes. The trails are signposted according to the "Tirolean Mountain Trail Concept": most of the routes are "black mountain trails" which are difficult and demanding while other sections have "red" trail markers and are of intermediate difficulty.

However, if a path leads across a glacier blazing and signs will most likely be missing. Knowing the weather forecast for the area where you are hiking and detailed tour planning are also essential. Proper hiking equipment is required for all tours: ankle-high boots with sturdy soles, wind and rain protection, sunscreen, possibly hiking poles, and a hat and gloves for the higher regions. First aid kits are vital pieces of hiking equipment.

Public transport

Travel safe and comfortable with the train to the Ötztal Bahnhof train station. Last stop and exit point is the train station Ötztal Bahnhof. Afterwards you can travel smoothly and quick with the public transport or our local taxi companies through the valley to your desired destination. Please find the current bus timetable here: http://fahrplan.vvt.at

 

Directions

The car drive to the Ötztal valley. Situated in Tirol, the Ötztal valley set off in southerly direction and is the longest side valley in the Eastern Alps. The journey with the car leads you through the Inntal valley to the entrance of the valley and further on through the valley. Among the toll motorways you can also use the country roads. A route planner will show you the easiest and most convenient way: https://www.google.at/maps

Parking

At each stage, the parking spaces are indicated.

Coordinates

DD
47.238179, 10.859442
DMS
47°14'17.4"N 10°51'34.0"E
UTM
32T 640733 5233309
w3w 
///accustom.choppy.less
Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

Author’s map recommendations

Kompass Hiking Map (available at the Ötztal Tourism information offices)

Equipment

It is recommended to wear hiking equipment such as breathable and weather-adapted outdoor clothing, ankle-high mountain boots, wind, rain and sun protection, cap and possibly gloves. It is also important to have enough food, as well as a first-aid package, a cell phone and a hiking map.

 

Similar routes nearby

  • Ötztal Trek Stage 1
  • Ötztal Trek Route 1
  • Ötztaler Urweg E1 Ötztal Bhf - Oetz
  • Ötztaler Urweg
  • Ötztaler Urweg E12 Sautens - Haiming - Ötztal Bhf
 These suggestions were generated by our system
Distance
246.4 km
Duration
84:25 h
Ascent
18,910 m
Descent
18,910 m
Highest point
3,482 m
Lowest point
678 m

Statistics

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Features
Maps and trails
  • 22 Stages
Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
Ötztal Trek Stage 1
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 1
Distance 18.6 km
Duration 6:30 h
Ascent 1,561 m
Descent 305 m

Ötztal Bahnhof (704 m) –> Marlstein –> Mareil –> Dortmunder Hütte (1.949 m)

from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
Ötztal Trek Stage 2
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 2
Distance 10.7 km
Duration 4:00 h
Ascent 926 m
Descent 843 m

Dortmunder Hütte (1.949 m) - Schweinfurter Hütte (2.028 m)

1
from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
Ötztal Trek Stage 3
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 3
Distance 10.4 km
Duration 4:00 h
Ascent 842 m
Descent 510 m

Schweinfurter Hütte (2.036 m) –> Winnebachseehütte (2.361 m)

1
from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
Ötztal Trek Stage 4
recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 4
Distance 8.9 km
Duration 4:00 h
Ascent 802 m
Descent 1,035 m

Winnebachseehütte (2.361 m) –> Bachfallenferner -> Amberger Hütte (2.136 m)

1
from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
Ötztal Trek Stage 5
recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 5
Distance 8.1 km
Duration 3:30 h
Ascent 1,125 m
Descent 91 m

Amberger Hütte (2.136 m) –> Wütenkarsattel (3.103 m) –> Hochstubaihütte (3.174 m)

from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
Ötztal Trek Stage 6
recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 6
Distance 7.6 km
Duration 3:30 h
Ascent 640 m
Descent 909 m

Hochstubaihütte (3.174 m) –> Scharte / Windachferner –> Hildesheimer Hütte (2.899 m)

from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Sölden
Ötztal Trek Stage 7
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 7
Distance 5.3 km
Duration 2:00 h
Ascent 376 m
Descent 573 m

Hildesheimer Hütte (2.900 m) -> Gamsplatzl (3.018 m) -> Siegerlandhütte (2.710 m)

from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Sölden
Ötztal Trek Stage 8
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 8
Distance 9.3 km
Duration 3:30 h
Ascent 274 m
Descent 1,163 m

Siegerlandhütte (2.710 m) -> Windachscharte -> Gasthaus Hochfirst (1.860 m)

from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
Ötztal Trek Stage 9
recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 9
Distance 12.8 km
Duration 6:00 h
Ascent 1,623 m
Descent 715 m

Gasthaus Hochfirst (1.860 m) - Timmelsjoch - Brunnenkogelhouse (2.738 m)

from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
Ötztal Trek Stage 10
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 10 Open
Distance 11.1 km
Duration 4:30 h
Ascent 1,476 m
Descent 381 m

Obergurgl (1.900 m)  –> Langtalereckhütte (2.430 m)  –> Ramolhaus (3.005 m)

from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Sölden
Ötztal Trek Stage 11
recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 11
Distance 12 km
Duration 5:00 h
Ascent 705 m
Descent 1,209 m

Ramolhaus (3.005 m) -> Ramoljoch (3.189 m) -> Martin-Busch-Hütte (2.501 m)

from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
Ötztal Trek Stage 12
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 12
Distance 4.8 km
Duration 2:00 h
Ascent 592 m
Descent 74 m

Martin-Busch-Hütte (2.501 m) –> Similaunhütte (3.017 m)

1
from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
Ötztal Trek Stage 13
recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 13
Distance 8.5 km
Duration 3:30 h
Ascent 390 m
Descent 997 m

Similaunhütte (3.017 m) –> Hauslabjoch (3.283 m) –> Hochjoch-Hospiz (2.412 m)

from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
Ötztal Trek Stage 14
recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 14
Distance 6.3 km
Duration 3:00 h
Ascent 1,004 m
Descent 168 m

Hochjoch-Hospiz (2.412 m) -> Brandenburger Haus (3.274 m)

from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
Ötztal Trek Stage 15
recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 15
Distance 6.5 km
Duration 2:30 h
Ascent 332 m
Descent 845 m

Brandenburger Haus (3.274 m) –> Fluchtkogel (3.497 m) –> Vernagthütte (2.755 m)

from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
Ötztal Trek Stage 16
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 16
Distance 6.9 km
Duration 2:30 h
Ascent 358 m
Descent 274 m

Vernagthütte (2.755 m) –> Breslauer Hütte (2.844 m)

from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
Ötztal Trek Stage 17
recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 17
Distance 16.4 km
Duration 6:00 h
Ascent 1,080 m
Descent 1,164 m

Breslauer Hütte (2.844 m) –> Restaurant Tiefenbach (2.789 m) –> Rettenbachjoch (2.990 m) –> Braunschweiger Hütte (2.758 m)

from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
Ötztal Trek Stage 18
recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 18
Distance 9.5 km
Duration 9:30 h
Ascent 979 m
Descent 1,408 m

Braunschweiger Hütte (2.758 m) –> Mainzer Höhenweg –> Rüsselsheimer Hütte (2.328 m)

from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
Ötztal Trek Stage 19
recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 19
Distance 11 km
Duration 5:00 h
Ascent 1,246 m
Descent 1,187 m

Rüsselsheimer Hütte (2.328 m) –> Kapuzinerjöchl (2.710 m) –> Breitlehnjöchl (2.637 m) –> Sandjöchl (2.826 m) –> Luibisscharte (2.914 m) –> ...

from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
Ötztal Trek Stage 20
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 20
Distance 6.4 km
Duration 3:00 h
Ascent 610 m
Descent 825 m

Hauerseehütte (2.383 m) –> Felderjöchl (2.797 m) –> Frischmannhütte (2.192 m)

from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Umhausen
Ötztal Trek Stage 21
recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 21
Distance 9.4 km
Duration 4:30 h
Ascent 1,270 m
Descent 925 m

Frischmannhütte (2.192 m) –> Fundusfeiler (3.079 m) –> Erlanger Hütte (2.541 m)

from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
Ötztal Trek Stage 22
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 22
Distance 21.5 km
Duration 8:00 h
Ascent 647 m
Descent 2,491 m

Erlanger Hütte (2.541 m) –> Forchheimer Weg –> Maisalm (1.631 m) –> Ötztal-Bahnhof (704)

from Roland Grüner,   Ötztal
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 m Lowest point

Bookable stage: Hut hikes on the Ötztal Trek

  • 3 nights (1x accommodation in the valley, 2x overnight stay in a hut)
  • Get-together evening with dinner
  • Start package
  • Hiking guide to accompany you on the tour
  • Hut taxi
  • Final gift
  • Min. 4 / max. 10 people per tour

Per person from € 689,-