Venter Runde (Ötztal Alps) clockwise

The Ötztal Alps are among the most extensive mountain groups in Austria and here is the largest contiguous glacier area of the Eastern Alps. The circular hike described on these pages leads through the heart of this mountain group. In the sections from Hochjoch-Hospiz to Brandenburger Haus and from there to Vernagthütte, the route reaches glacier terrain. Those lacking training and equipment for this can bypass from Hochjoch-Hospiz directly to Vernagthütte. Those who do not want to miss the incomparable impressions of the glacier world should choose a mountain guide's accompaniment.

Vent

Due to its altitude of 1,890 m, Vent is the ideal starting point for routes into the heart of the Ötztal Alps, as it has retained the character of a high mountain village.

Vent was the place of activity of the “glacier pastor” Franz Senn. Many of the peaks that we will see or even climb on our circular route were first ascended by Senn. At the same time, he was committed to careful tourist development to secure the people of Vent an additional income alongside the sparse agriculture. The expansion of the parsonage into the first mountaineering accommodation and the training of mountain guides were Senn’s first steps, soon followed by the establishment of paths and huts.

In 1869, Senn initiated the founding of an Alpine Club that should be open to all mountain enthusiasts. The Alpine Club feels obliged to this tradition and wants to support the people of Vent in carrying out environmentally compatible tourism in summer and winter.