Welser Höhenweg – Access Variant Stage 2

Walking time: approx. 5 - 6 h

Since we do not want to underestimate the length of this stage or possible time for route finding, we start this day hike early in the morning. After a hearty breakfast, we set off at 08:00 am for the ascent towards Fleischbanksattel. After about 30 minutes of ascent, we reach an old snowfield, which in July can take on a serious character due to its steepness and the exit on the cable-protected steep section above. Caution is required here as well as good step-cutting with the shoe tips! Shortly after this steep section, the path gradually flattens and about 1.5 h after leaving the hut we reach the Fleischbanksattel (2122 m). Here a magnificent view opens over the central and highest part of the Totes Gebirge! From here,

if in very good condition

and with an early start, a climb of the Große Priel (2515 m, approx. + 2.5 h) is also possible. About 15 minutes before this junction, a well-signposted turn to the right would also allow to include the Schermberg (2396 m, approx. +1.5 h) in the route. But beware – the way to the Pühringerhütte is still far!

At this junction, we follow the signs of the Welser Höhenweg further towards the Pühringerhütte. The path now gently leads towards Rotschirr, and after another 20 minutes of walking, our access variant merges with the main variant, the ascent from Hinterstoder via the Prielschutzhaus. From here, continue to follow the signs towards the Pühringerhütte until we finally reach the Rotkogelsattel (2000 m) (approx. 2 h from Fleischbanksattel).

From the saddle, it goes steeply downhill, partly through dwarf pines, into the green. Turning left at a fork in the path, we reach the Pühringerhütte (1637 m) after another approx. 1.5 h from Rotkogelsattel, which lies idyllically by Elmsee.