Stubai

Get off at the Abzweigung Elferbahn bus stop, cross the road carefully, and walk downhill northeast along Moosstraße, passing between the many hotels and guesthouses that line the valley. On your right, you’ll see the lower station of the Elfer cable car system. About 200 metres later, cross the small bridge over the Ruetz River. To your left lies a large grassy field used as a paragliding landing zone during the summer season.

Continue along the road until you reach another cluster of guesthouses on Wiesenweg. From there, join Pinnisweg and follow it until you arrive at a small wooden bridge joining from the left. Ahead, a small sign marked “Schmieden” points toward a paved road closed to vehicles. Nearby, several yellow hiking signs mark the beginning of the official trail. This is where the route finally leaves civilization behind and enters the mountains.

[For shortcut options on this day, see “Plan It Yourself” → “Good to Know.”]

Trail no. 123 crosses a bridge over the Pinnisbach stream and continues gradually uphill along a quiet secondary road through the valley. After roughly 2 kilometres, you’ll reach the mountain restaurant Issenangeralm, the first of three alpine stops in this valley.

The trail continues gently upward, crossing the stream twice via small wooden bridges before reaching the next restaurant, Pinnisalm, and then the alpine hut restaurant Karalm. Here, a trail descending from the slopes of Östlicher Elferturm (2,499 m) joins the Stubai route. Hikers who chose the cable car shortcut will reconnect with the main trail at this point after descending steeply from above.

From Karalm onward, the character of the hike changes completely. The broad valley paths and mountain restaurants are left behind as the route begins its steep ascent toward the first overnight stop: Innsbrucker Hütte.

The wide gravel road soon narrows into a proper alpine trail. Shortly after crossing another bridge over the stream, the path enters a small alpine forest. Before long, however, the trail zigzags upward out of the trees and climbs above the treeline approximately 1.15 kilometres beyond Karalm.

From here, the ascent becomes steadily steeper. To your left rises the imposing peak of Kalkwand (2,564 m), its dramatic scree slopes spilling down toward the valley below. The well-constructed mountain path continues climbing across the open mountainside until, finally, it reaches Innsbrucker Hütte, perched high on a saddle along the ridge with breathtaking views eastward across the sweeping Gschnitz Valley.

The route begins by heading south from Innsbrucker Hütte, beneath the slopes of Habicht. From the hut, hikers also have the option of making a relatively straightforward round-trip ascent to the summit of Habicht at 3,277 metres.

The trail starts with a gentle climb, circling the western side of the Alfaier See. Although this stage involves slightly less total elevation gain than the first day, much of the route follows an exposed and moderately technical balcony trail along the mountainside.

After approximately 4 kilometres, the trail reaches a mountain pass near the summit of Pramarspitze (2,511 m). The summit itself is only a short detour from the main path and can be reached easily.

From the pass, descend carefully using fixed cables and steel rungs anchored into the rock. The route then continues along an exposed balcony trail high above the valley, passing beneath several large scree slopes. Continue descending until reaching the Bockgrubenbach stream.

From here, a fairly steep ascent leads to another mountain pass with impressive views over the Simmingsee. A further descent of around 150 metres over approximately 25 minutes brings you to a trail junction.

The right-hand path climbs to the Lauterer See, an excellent place for a coffee break or picnic with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. However, this optional detour is demanding and includes additional sections with fixed cables, metal pegs, and steel rungs.

If you've had enough for the day, take the left-hand path which continues directly toward the overnight stop. After a short but steep climb, you will reach Bremer Hütte, beautifully located beside a small alpine lake high above the Gschnitz Valley. It's the perfect place to soak your tired feet.

As with the previous stage, there is an optional summit climb directly from the hut. A trail leads from Bremer Hütte to the summit of Innere Wetterspitze, which rises to 3,053 metres.

The main route begins with a relatively short ascent toward the Simmingjöchl mountain pass at 2,764 metres, located just below the summit of Innere Wetterspitze. The climb gains approximately 336 metres and, for hikers in good condition, usually takes around 30 minutes. At the pass stands an old customs house with magnificent views across the Stubai Alps.

From here, the trail descends gradually for most of the day toward the next overnight stop, Nürnberger Hütte. Some sections of the descent pass through narrow rocky terrain where the use of hands and fixed via ferrata cables may be necessary for balance and support. However, the trail generally feels less exposed and less demanding than the previous day’s route.

This is the stage many hikers consider the highlight of the entire trek. As impressive as the previous days have been, today’s route through a landscape of glacial lakes, rugged peaks, and sweeping alpine vistas offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Stubai Alps.

For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, or simply want more time to enjoy the surroundings, this stage can easily be divided into two shorter days by spending a night at Sulzenau Hütte, located roughly halfway along the route.

Begin the morning by following the signs toward Sulzenau Hütte. After an initial climb of around 70 metres, you will reach a trail junction. As on previous days, there is an optional summit ascent directly from the route. This time, the trail leads to Mairspitze (2,797 m). Although not among the region’s highest peaks, it offers extraordinary panoramic views over the surrounding glacial lakes.

To reach the summit, turn right (north) and follow the trail toward a mountain pass, from which the summit can be accessed relatively easily before returning to rejoin the main route below.

If you skip the optional climb, continue along the main trail on a moderate ascent of approximately 245 metres to the Niederl Pass at 2,680 metres. From the pass, an unforgettable panorama opens before you: a chain of alpine tarns and, below them, the remarkable Grünausee, widely considered one of Tyrol’s most beautiful lakes.

A descent of roughly 2 kilometres and 385 metres leads directly to its grassy alpine shoreline, an ideal place for a break or early lunch. The scenery here is exceptional. The turquoise glacial water sits surrounded by dark mountain ridges, while above the lake rises the immense Wilder-Freiger-Ferner Glacier.

Continue descending gently for another kilometre and a half. Shortly before reaching Sulzenau Hütte, a junction appears where trail no. 136 branches left toward the “Blue Lake.”

Experienced and properly equipped hikers, especially those splitting this stage into two days, may choose to continue from here toward Wilder Freiger (3,418 m). This demanding alpine ascent crosses glaciated terrain and should only be attempted with appropriate equipment, including crampons, and preferably with the support of a qualified mountain guide. At Sulzenau Hütte, it is possible to arrange guided ascents in advance, weather permitting.

Known in Italian as “Cima Libera” (“the free peak”), Wilder Freiger rises dramatically above the meeting point of three major glaciers and is one of the most iconic summits in the region. Keep in mind that altitude can affect even experienced hikers, and conditions may change rapidly.

If you continue along the main route, enjoy the views over the Blue Lake from above as the trail heads west toward the Sulzenausee. From the lakeshore, the route climbs steeply toward the Peiljoch Pass at 2,672 metres. The ascent is demanding, but the views back over the lakes and glaciers are outstanding.

Beyond the pass, the trail descends toward Dresdner Hütte, located in the heart of the Stubai ski region. Some sections of the descent are steep and assisted by fixed cables anchored into the rock.

About one kilometre into the descent, after dropping roughly 260 metres, you will reach another junction. From here, a steep side trail climbs to the summit of Große Trögler (2,902 m), one of the best-known peaks in the Stubai range and renowned for its panoramic views. Hikers who have divided the stage into two shorter days, or those moving quickly and confidently through the terrain, may find this additional ascent well worth the effort.

From Dresdner Hütte, head west and begin a climb of about 193 metres toward the Egesennieder Pass at 2,506 metres. From the pass, the trail descends gently for roughly two kilometres into the valley.

After crossing the streambed of the Glamergrobenbach, which carries meltwater from the Daunkopfferner Glacier to your left, the route begins a gradual ascent toward Mutterbergersee. This is an ideal place for a short rest or picnic, with open views across the surrounding high alpine landscape.

From here, the climb becomes noticeably steeper as the trail heads toward the highest point of the day, the Grawagrubennieder Pass. If you choose to skip the stop at Mutterbergersee, there is a smaller meltwater pool along the way at 2,881 metres, often referred to as a “consolation lake,” formed by runoff from the Grawagrubennieder Glacier and offering similarly striking views at high altitude.

The approach to the pass follows a narrow balcony trail overlooking the valley and the Mutterberger Hotel far below. In several sections, fixed ropes and steel cables anchored into the rock provide support and safety.

After crossing the pass, the route descends again, initially on steeper terrain secured with cables. As you lose elevation, the trail crosses several small streams branching from Falbesoner See, before continuing on a more gradual downhill slope.

The day ends at Neue Regensburger Hütte, dramatically positioned beside a waterfall and surrounded by rugged alpine terrain, offering a well-earned place to rest after a long but varied mountain stage.

Today brings another calm and pleasant day with a shorter and more enjoyable section of hiking through high alpine terrain.

From Neue Regensburger Hütte, head northeast along a pleasant, mostly flat trail for about 1.5 kilometres until you reach a clear junction. Follow the marked path left (north) as it begins a steady ascent toward the Schrimmennieder Pass at 2,714 metres. The climb is moderate and consistent, without technical difficulty.

From the pass, it is strongly recommended to take the short detour to the right (east) toward the summit of Basslerjoch at 2,829 metres. This optional ascent takes about 20 minutes uphill and 15 minutes to return, and rewards you with wide panoramic views over the valley, the Neue Regensburger Hütte below, and its distinctive waterfall. It is especially worthwhile in clear weather.

From Schrimmennieder Pass, the main trail continues with a gentle descent at first, winding through open alpine slopes. The path then briefly becomes steeper, with a short section where the use of hands may be helpful for balance, before easing again into a long, comfortable descent.

The remainder of the route is straightforward and scenic, with continuous views across the valley as you gradually lose elevation. The day finishes at Franz-Senn-Hütte, a well-located mountain hut and a fitting place to rest after a lighter but visually rewarding stage.

Most of today’s route follows a scenic balcony trail high above the Oberberg Valley, with continuous wide views across the Stubai landscape.

After roughly two hours of walking, the trail reaches the Seducker Hochalm hut, a perfect place to pause for coffee and apple strudel before continuing.

From here, several optional summit variations are available:

A climb west toward a mountain pass, followed by a ridge traverse to the Schwarzhorn (2,812 m), before rejoining the main route.

From Franz-Senn-Hütte, a more demanding ascent to the Rinnenspitze (3,000 m) is suitable for strong and experienced hikers.

From Starkenburger Hütte itself, a shorter and easier climb to the Hoher Burgstall (2,611 m), offers excellent panoramic views with relatively little effort.

The area around Starkenburger Hütte is particularly striking, with the jagged peaks of the Kalkkögel rising dramatically in the distance. Their limestone formations resemble the Dolomites of northern Italy and provide sweeping views over much of the Stubai trekking route.

From the Starkenburger Hütte, there are two descent options to Neustift:

A direct hiking trail with approximately 1,200 metres of elevation loss

Or the Kreuzjoch cable car, a significantly easier option for tired legs

Both routes bring the stage back down into the valley, marking the transition from high alpine terrain to the final descent toward Neustift.