Ötztal trek - High huts deep valleys

In the Tirol special of Hoogtelijn 2/2018 on page 48, you can read the article about this trek. And there is virtually nothing that you can overcome with mechanical assistance. Except for a small part after stage 9 (between Sölden and Obergurgl), everything is unpaved, and you only cross a few stretches of asphalt. It's actually a wonder that you can undertake a trek around such a touristic valley and encounter so few people.

Six subroutes

The six subroutes with two to five day stages each are ideal in the mountains of the Ötztal. Mountain experience is required for these routes: most stages are classified as "black route" according to the "Tyrolean Hiking and Mountain Trail Concept" and are therefore hard; the remaining stages are "red" (medium difficulty).

Challenging route for experienced persons

The highest point of the route is the Fluchtkogel, a real summit at 3497 meters. Even if you skip that, you reach above 3000 meters several times, sleeping at the respectable heights of the Hochstubaihütte (3174 meters) and the Brandenburger Haus (3274 meters). The route is "challenging," which is often indicated by black in Austria. For five days, glacier equipment and corresponding experience are necessary. In theory, you can complete the route in one go, so you only come into the valley after day 9. Food and accommodation are available in huts. Only the Hauerseehütte is self-catering: you need to bring your own food for that day. Of course, you can also complete the trek in sections, so you don't have to carry crampons, rope, and ice axe for the entire trek.

Detailed information

Go to the tourist office website for the complete route and detailed descriptions and tips. There you can also get a Dutch booklet from the tourist office on site. https://www.oetztal.com/urlaub/NL/OT/SO/aktivitaeten/wandern_bergsteigen/oetztal_trek/index.html