Walkopedia Magazine
See our latest online magazine:
- Mustang in Nepal – the world’s second-best walk?
Beauty
|
35 |
Natural interest |
15.5 |
Human interest
|
4 |
Charisma |
34 |
Negative points |
(0) |
Total rating |
88.5 |
Vital statistics
| Length: | 65km |
From 1 to 8+ days |
|
| Maximum Altitude: | 2,890m (or more) |
| Level of Difficulty: | Strenuous |
Contents
Follow us on Facebook for regular doses of beauty and delight.
-
Alpine Creek, Stubai -
Alpine Creek, Stubai
 "Flickr user dorena-wm")
Key information: Stubai Hohenweg
- This magnificent trek follows a horseshoe of excellent huts in the Austrian Tyrol's beautiful Stubai Alps.
- Superb views of snowy peaks, mountain lakes, shimmering glaciers and typical Alpine meadows massed with flowers.
- Once you are up in the high country, this is a delightful, and not excessively demanding, walk. Altitude varies between 2200m 2900m. Some parts are more suitable for experienced walkers. Come prepared.
- Welcoming mountain huts, offering traditional hospitality and food, simple, yet comfortable accommodation, sunny balconies on which to take in the peace after the days exertions, and the ability to re-stock with lunch for the following day.
- This famous walk can be varied in length to suit your fitness and timescale, taking in optional side trips or shortening it by descending on access paths, from each of the huts, to the bus route.
Walk summary
This marvellous walk follows a horseshoe-shaped circuit along the mountains that now straddle the border between Austria and Italy, but was formerly the South Tyrol and part of Austria prior to the Treaty of Saint Germaine in 1919. It usually takes between 6-9 days, depending on where you start, with between 2-6 hours of walking each day (5-15km) varying in difficulty, leading you from hut to hut though a wide spectrum of landscape from flower strewn grassy slopes to narrow snow-covered ledges. The scenery is spectacular, from vast craggy peaks to tiny alpine flowers, with far reaching views from the Swiss Alps to the Dolomites.
From any start point on the valley floor, the path takes you up through the steep lower landscape of pine forests to the gentler green mountain pastureland above. Here you walk through classic alpine scenery complete with grazing animals, traditional farming methods and verdant meadows, decorated by a profusion of wild flowers, streams and waterfalls. As the route continues and reaches higher altitudes the green gives way to harsher mountain scenery. The rocky tracks cross boulder fields and can climb steeply over slippery shale and loose stone, but afford magnificent views over ridges towards awe-inspiring peaks, or down onto turquoise alpine lakes. Here the most strenuous parts of the walk negotiate narrow, steep ledges, cross patches of snow covered ground and pass directly beside the formidable beauty of vast blue glaciers.
An early start each day is advised to allow you to complete the majority of the days walking before midday. The sun can be strong in the higher altitude, although the possibility of a sudden snow storm should not be discounted at any time. The route is punctuated by frequent cairns and the most challenging parts are well signed as such, with cables at the steepest parts. A variety of wildlife can be seen, the marmot for example, a small beaver-like creature responsible for the myriad of tiny tracks seen in the snow during the winter months.
The traditional mountain huts where you can rest, enjoy the views, and spend the night, are staffed and welcoming. Accommodation is basic, either in dormitory or twin rooms, and food is simple but plentiful and good. The huts provide a welcome place to relax and meet other walkers, and to plan the next days journey.
Other accounts: share your experiences
Your comments on this walk, your experiences and suggestions, and your photos are very welcome. Where appropriate, you will be credited for your contribution.
Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more
Research essentials
Here are some essential tools for your travel research:
Equipment & Clothing
If you enjoy and value our site, please help us (at no cost to yourself) by using these links.
And by telling friends about Walkopedia.
Follow us on Facebook for regular doses of beauty and delight.
Practical information for walking in Austria, Stubai Hohenweg
We have a lot of helpful practical information and tips about this walk, covering everything from the best books and maps, to timing and weather, geting there, possible problems, whether you need a guide and where to find them, and useful websites. This section is only open to members.
Membership is FREE AND JOINING TAKES 30 SECONDS. To login or sign up click here
Community comments and photos
Name: Rudi
Posted on: 25/12/2010
Really great walk which can be done in fewer days than the classical 8. Not to technical, yet some ladders and somewhat difficult passages.
Add your experiences, suggestions and photos. We would be delighted to receive your writing and ideas (which will be attributed appropriately where published).
See our Fun page for some entertainment and to read about our travel writing and other competitions.
Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.
Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more