The Stubai Excessive Path (“Stubaier Höhenweg” in German) is among the most stunning treks within the Austrian Alps. Linking collectively eight characterful mountain huts, this horseshoe-shaped route across the Stubai Valley oscillates between breathtaking passes and enchanting valleys, whereas affording hikers continuous views of serrated peaks, shimmering lakes, and luxurious glaciers.
I walked the Stubai Excessive Path in mid-October 2019, as a part of an prolonged mountain climbing journey within the Alps. It was one in every of 4 multi-day excessive trails I did in Austria in the course of the journey; the others being the Berliner Höhenweg, Schladming Tauern Höhenweg, and the Wormser Höhenweg.
Stage 6 – Approaching Grawagrubennieder Go (2881 m), the very best level on the Stubai Hohenweg
(Word: The data under is basically directed in direction of unbiased hikers, slightly than people going as a part of organised trekking teams).
At a Look
Distance: 80 km (50 mi)
Common Length: 7 to 9 days (see How Lengthy will it Take? for particulars)
Issue Stage: Average
Begin: Neustift
End: Neder
Excessive Level: Grawagrubennieder – 2881 m (9,452 ft)
Lowest Elevation: Neustift – 994 m (3,261 ft)
Complete Elevation Achieve & Loss: 11,306 m (37,093 ft)
Which course?: I don’t assume it issues. I hiked in a counter-clockwise course, and the Cicerone information books referenced under describe the path in a clockwise course.
What’s in a Identify?: As of 2020, most people – together with the Stubai space’s official web site – consult with the featured hike because the Stubai Excessive Path or Stubaier Höhenweg. Nonetheless, it is usually often known as the Stubai Rucksack Route or Stubaier Runde Tour in German. For customers of the Cicerone Information books talked about under, observe that in “Strolling in Austria” it’s known as the Hohenweg and listed as 120 km lengthy, whereas in “Trekking within the Stubai Alps” it’s known as the Rucksack Route and estimated to be about 80 km in size. For the needs of this text, I’m going to go together with “Excessive Path” or “Hohenweg” and the shorter of the quoted distances, which aligns with GPX knowledge for the route.
Overview map of the Stubaier Hohenweg (Strolling in Austria, Cicerone Press).
Getting There & Away:
- The termini of Neder and Neustift are serviced by an everyday bus service (a number of instances each day / #590) from the close by metropolis of Innsbruck. The journey takes round half an hour, and the bus cease is situated straight exterior the doorway to the Innsbruck practice station. Click on right here for bus timetables.
Season:
- Mountain climbing season within the Austrian Alps is usually between late June to late September. In a mean climate yr, September is good. The varsity vacation crowds are gone, the summer season thunderstorms (usually quick) have subsided, temperatures are cooler, and the mountain huts are much less crowded.
- Low season: Relying on the snow ranges and expertise of the aspirant, the Stubai Excessive Path may also be performed within the late spring or early to mid-fall. When mountain climbing at these instances, you might require an ice axe and traction units. Additionally, observe that the full-service huts closed at these instances, so you have to to hold all your personal meals and a maybe a tent/tarp (Word: Many of the huts have small winter rooms (“winterraums“) that stay open in the course of the low season. See Lodging under for particulars).
- Personally talking, for somebody like myself who has all the time had an aversion to crowds (particularly out in nature), mountain climbing the path low season was best. I didn’t meet a single different individual doing your complete route, and the one day-trippers I noticed throughout my three days on path have been across the simply accessible Franz Senn Hut and Dresdener Hut.
Franz Senn Hut
Stage 6 – Approaching Grawagrubennieder Go on a cold autumnal morning.
Planning Info
- Guidebook: Cicerone Press publish two books that cowl the Hohenweg. Strolling in Austria provides a bare-bones account of the path, whereas Trekking within the Stubai Alps has a way more detailed abstract of the famed hut-to-hut route, together with trekking notes, primary maps for every part, facet journeys/alternates options, distance and time estimates, and logistical data on attending to and from the path. Each books can be found in Kindle model or paperback.
- Maps: You possibly can choose up maps for the Stubai Excessive Path on the vacationer workplace in Neustift. You’ve gotten a alternative of both a free primary map of the route or topographic maps by the Austrian Alpine Membership (Sheet 31/1 Stubai Alpen: Hoch Stubai 1:25,000 and Sheet 31/2 Stubai Alpen: Sellrain 1:25,000). Usually, I’d go for the latter choice, nonetheless, for this well-marked/simply accessible route, I believe that the fundamental map, mixed with a Kindle model of the Cicerone Information, and GPX knowledge, ought to suffice for many hikers in all however winter circumstances.
- Permits: No permits are required to hike the Stubai Excessive Path.
Mountain tarn at sundown on stage 4 slightly below Niederl Col (2,627 m).
- Language: German. Virtually everybody you meet that’s beneath 60 years outdated will communicate English, nonetheless, a number of easy phrases and phrases of the native tongue will all the time be appreciated by locals.
- Cell/Cellular Telephone Protection: I are inclined to maintain my cellphone in flight mode whereas out within the woods, however from what I can collect, throughout mountain climbing season among the huts on the Hohenweg have Wifi/cell reception, together with the chance to cost your cellphone and/or battery pack whether or not you’re overnighting, or simply stopping in for breakfast or lunch.
- Different On-line Assets: The Stubai.at web site is a wonderful supply of data not just for the Stubai Excessive Path however for the rest you might be desirous about doing whereas within the Stubai area.
Stage 7 – Heading as much as the Schrimmenneider Col (2,706 m) between Franz Senn and Neue Regensburger Huts.
Resupply & Water:
- Meals: There aren’t any villages alongside the Hohenweg, however meals are by no means laborious to come back by in the course of the mountain climbing season as the entire huts are full service. It’s also potential to buy snacks and sandwiches to go.
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- Breakfast – Often served from round 6 to eight am. Continental-style, consisting of bread/butter/jam and occasional or tea.
- Lunch – Often served from noon to 2 pm, although it will possibly range from hut to hut. Order as a lot as you want from the menu. Beer and wine can be found.
- Dinner – Principal meal of the day and often served between 6 pm and seven.30 pm. The set-dinner choice is well-priced, ample in dimension, and may as soon as once more be washed down along with your alternative of grownup drinks.
- Prices: Most folk that in a single day on the huts go for the “half pension” choice, which consists of dinner, mattress, and breakfast for between €45 and €55. Lunch is all the time à la carte.
- Low season: If you’re desirous about mountain climbing out of season, you’ll have to carry all your personal provides from begin to end. If you’re lucky – it occurred to me on three separate events throughout my time in Austria – pleasant locals could have left some beers within the Winter Rooms to assist get you thru the chilly nights!
- Water: Plentiful all through the hike. Can both be obtained on the huts or from streams alongside the best way. Throughout my time within the Alps, I usually drank straight from sources and had no intestinal points. The exception was if I used to be acquiring water downstream from huts or grazing animals, through which case I handled with Aquamira drops.
Leaving the Neu Regensburger winter room on a cold mid-October morning (-9°C/15°F).
Route / Circumstances:
- Overview: In the course of the summer season months the Stubai Excessive Path is a reasonably demanding trek. It consists of greater than 11,000 m (36,809 ft) of mixed altitude achieve and loss, and through its course, hikers will negotiate excessive passes, uncovered traverses, boulder fields, and steep scree slopes. The path is effectively marked with splashes of purple/white paint, and main junctions often have a signpost or a painted marker with a delegated path quantity.
- If mountain climbing in the course of the shoulder seasons, do I would like traction units, ice axe, or every other specialised gear?: Throughout my October hikes within the Alps I didn’t carry an ice axe, however I did use Salewa mountain spikes (just like Kathoola Microspikes) and was very glad to have them for among the icy excessive sections. Additionally on the footwear entrance, I frequently wore a mix of merino wool socks and Montbell Gore-tex All Spherical Socks beneath my path trainers. I’d undoubtedly go together with the identical system once more if I used to be to return to the Alps within the spring or fall. (Word: I’ll publish a full gear record for the journey within the coming weeks).
Stage 6 – Chamois consuming within the valley views.
- How Lengthy will it take?: Within the opening “At a Look” part I point out that the typical time taken for the excessive path is 7 to 9 days. That mentioned, the period of time it takes can range enormously relying on a variety of elements. Match and skilled hikers carrying a light-weight pack and who’ve a comparatively good run with the climate, can comfortably do the hike in three or 4 days.
- Highlights: I loved your complete path, but when I needed to choose my favorite sections they’d be as follows:
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- Stage 4 – Between Nurnberger and Suzenau Huts by way of Niederl Col.
- Stage 6 – Between Dresdner Hut and Neue Regensberger Hut by way of the Grawagrubennieder Go.
Word: I’ve learn that Stage 2 between Bremer and Innsbrucker Huts can be speculated to be beautiful, however sadly, the climate gods didn’t smile on me for that difficult part, and I spent your complete day strolling by means of a mix of freezing rain, sturdy winds, heavy fog, and snow.
- Lowlights: The one one which involves thoughts is the built-up space round Dresdner Hut, which may be accessed by cable automotive.
Cairn-laden Niederl Col (2,627 m) with Wilder Freiger Ferner glacier within the background (Stage 4)
Wilder Freiger Ferner Glacier as seen from under Niederl Col (Stage 4).
Stage 2 and three – After a day spent mountain climbing in lower than stellar circumstances, the dramatically situated Innsbrucker Hut (or no less than its cozy winter room) was a sight for sore eyes.
Sleeping
- Mountain Huts: Just about all hikers on the Stubai Excessive Path keep within the mountain huts. These regularly-spaced refuges often boast unimaginable excessive altitude areas, together with spectacular vistas. Most are open from mid-June to late September, and together with in a single day lodging (dormitory and typically personal rooms), additionally they supply breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As referenced above, the perfect worth can often be discovered within the half-board supply, which consists of a three-course dinner, a mattress, and breakfast for between 45 and 55 Euros (as of 2019). Word that people which can be affiliated with sure different European Alpine or Mountain golf equipment (e.g. UK, German, French) get pleasure from reciprocal rights. In the course of the peak season months of July and August, lodging ought to ideally be booked prematurely; this particularly holds true in case you are mountain climbing in a bunch.
Neue Regensberger Hut
Yours really within the very plush, solar-powered, and apparently model spanking new, winter room of the Neue Regensberger Hut. Though I carried my Tarptent Aeon Li, I didn’t find yourself utilizing it and as an alternative loved the comfortable confines of the winter rooms, which I used to be lucky to have all to myself.
Nürnberger Hut.
- Is Wild Tenting Attainable within the Austrian Alps?: Formally talking………….it’s sophisticated. There isn’t any “everyman’s proper/freedom to roam” in Austria, and alpine zone tenting laws can range considerably between states. The Stubai Excessive Path is situated within the Tyrol area, and based on the Tyrol Tenting Act (2001), as per the Austrian Alpine Membership web site: “Tenting exterior of campsites is prohibited”. The one exception is alpine bivouacking “for a brief time period required by the event.” Earlier than wild campers get too excited, the web site additionally states that “Deliberate bivouacking is equated with staying in a tent! Violations can lead to fines of as much as 14,500 euros, relying on the federal state.” In actuality, I believe should you have been to remain effectively away from huts and farms, arrange simply earlier than darkish in a stealthy spot, go away at daybreak the subsequent day, and diligently apply LNT ideas always, you’ll be unlikely to have any points. Click on right here for an in depth overview of the tenting state of affairs in Austria.
- Winter Rooms (“winterraums”): Though I did carry a shelter on the Stubai Excessive Path – for emergency functions solely! – I ended up spending all of my nights within the winter rooms. These little sanctuaries are a godsend on the finish of a protracted day in tough circumstances. They’re usually an annex to the primary hut and stay open all-year-round.
Stage 4 – Descending in direction of Sulzenau Hut.
Stage 1 – “Come on, son, I can’t maintain this bloody rock up without end. Is there a case of Stiegl in there or what?“
Gear Record – Stubai Excessive Path
The bottom weight for my mid-October hike of the Stubai Excessive Path was 5.1 kg (11.1 lb), and the whole weight got here in at 6.3 kg (14 lb). The temperatures ranged between mid-teens Celsius (low 60s F) to a low of -9°C (15°F)
| ITEM | WT. (OZ) | SUB (oz) | SUB (kg) | COMMENTS |
| BACKPACK | ||||
| MLD Burn DCF | 16 | UL, frameless, slim profile – I’ve been utilizing completely different incarnations of the Burn for over a decade / I’ve had the DCF mannequin for the previous two years – to this point, so good. | ||
| Pack Liner (Trash Compactor Bag) | 2 | Low-cost & efficient | ||
| 18 | 0.51 | |||
| SHELTER | ||||
| Tarptent Aeon Li | 16.8 | Uber-lite, holds up effectively in a storm when pitched low (108cm), and really roomy for one thing which weighs round a pound. | ||
| Stakes – Easton “Nail” fashions (6) | 1.7 | |||
| 18.5 | 0.52 | |||
| SLEEPING SYSTEM | ||||
| Pad – Thermarest NeoAir XLite (Sm) | 8 | Very cozy / Doubles as makeshift framesheet for pack / Put toes on backpack when sleeping / See 20,000 + mile assessment. | ||
| Quilt – Katabatic Alsek 22 (Lengthy / 900fp) | 22.2 | Conservatively rated 22°F / Greater than 900 nights utilizing Katabatic quilts since 2011. | ||
| 30.2 | 0.86 | |||
| KITCHEN | ||||
| LokSak 20×12 (Meals Bag) | 1.2 | Meals storage bag of alternative because the 2000s. I typically hear individuals complain concerning the seals breaking shortly, however I’ve all the time discovered them to be pretty sturdy (4 to six weeks of each day use) should you don’t overfill them. | ||
| Toaks 700ml Titanium Pot | 3.1 | |||
| Toaks Titanium Siphon Alcohol Range |
0.7 | |||
| Toaks Titanium Alcohol Range Pot Stand | 1.2 | |||
| Titanium Lengthy-handled spoon | 0.7 | |||
| SmartWater Bottles 1 LT (2) | 2.6 | |||
| 9.5 | 0.27 | |||
| FIRST AID / HYGIENE | ||||
| Sunscreen (repackaged in tiny btle.) | ||||
| Hand Sanitizer (repackaged in dropper btle.) | It’s been 20 years since I’ve had a case of the trotskies within the backcountry. I believe a giant purpose is my diligent use of hand sanitizer. | |||
| Aquamira (repackaged in dropper btles.) | Purification technique of alternative since 2007. | |||
| Mini Toothbrush | ||||
| Toothpaste (mini tube) | ||||
| Dental Floss | Doubles as stitching thread | |||
| Antiseptic Wipes (2) | Clear cuts/wounds | |||
| Gauze | ||||
| Triple Antibiotic Cream (tiny tube) | ||||
| 3M Micropore Medical Tape | Breathable, paper tape / Adheres effectively. | |||
| Ibuprofen (6) | ||||
| Stitching Needle | One-armed blind individuals can sew higher than I can. | |||
| Tenacious Tape, Mini Tube Tremendous Glue (repairs) | To compensate for lack of stitching expertise. | |||
| 4 | 0.11 | |||
| CLOTHES | ||||
| Rain Pants – Montbell Versalite | 3.2 | Very mild, water resistant, however not probably the most sturdy. Fantastic for on-trail mountain climbing, care wanted when heading off-trail/bushwhacking. | ||
| Thermal Underwear – Montbell Tremendous Merino Center Weight Tights | 6 | |||
| Rain Jacket – Montbell Torrent Flier | 6.5 | The most recent incarnation of the Torrent Flier. A few ounces lighter than the older mannequin. For off-trail, I favor the heavier 3-Layer Montbell Storm Cruiser. | ||
| Insulation – Insulation – Montbell Chameece Interior Jacket (Now not made/Changed by Montbell Chameece Jacket) | 8.8 | I’ve owned this fleece for the final 4 years / Excellent summer season insulation layer for the Alps– not too heavy, performs effectively when damp, takes the sting off chilly mornings. | ||
| Insulation – Montbell 1000 Alpine Down Parka | 9.1 | Incredible warmth-to-weight ratio. Improve over long-time favorite 3-season puffy, the Superior Down Parka. | ||
| Further Socks – Darn Robust Hiker Micro Crew | 2.6 | |||
| Buff (Unique Polyester) | 1.4 | Beanie, neck/face safety, condensation wipe, comfort retailer holdups if low on money / I got here late to the Buff celebration, however I’ve obtained to say I’m impressed. | ||
| Montbell Chameece Liner gloves | 0.9 | Virtually 4 years of normal use and nonetheless going sturdy / Simply the perfect liner gloves I’ve used, and it’s not even shut. | ||
| 38.5 | 1.1 | |||
| MISCELLANEOUS | ||||
| Telephone – iPhone 11 | 7.1 | |||
| Otter Symmetry case for iPhone 11 (orange) | 1.3 | |||
| Digicam – Sony RX100 3 + Neoprene digicam case | 11.3 | After some years of solely utilizing my cellphone, I bit the pictures bullet final yr and upgraded for the Scotland/Norway journey. Proud of the outcomes to this point. | ||
| Stuff sacks – HMG Cuben Fiber (2) | 2.4 | |||
| Headlamp – Nitecore NU25 | 1.8 | Glorious rechargeable headlamp. More often than not I have a tendency to make use of the low purple setting to protect evening imaginative and prescient. | ||
| Montbell Path Pockets (orange mannequin) | 0.5 | Love this little pockets. Use it each on path and off. Improve from the plastic cardholder. | ||
| Swiss Military Traditional | 0.7 | For a very long time I actually solely used the tweezers and scissors, however in recent times I’ve carried extra cheese and veggies on shorter hikes, which means that I now use the knife as a lot, or greater than the opposite two options. | ||
| Compass – Suunto M-3G World Professional | 1.6 | Adjustable declination and globally balanced needle (extra responsive than my outdated Suunto M-2). | ||
| Small pen | 0.3 | |||
| Deuce of Spades potty trowel | 0.6 | |||
| Map Bag – Quart Dimension Ziploc | 0.2 | Retains maps clear, dry & organized. | ||
| Montbell Alpine Carbon Pole Cam Lock | 7.1 | Improve after a few years of utilizing the Fizans, as a result of the truth that I’ve had the twist-lock mechanism fail on me a few instances in excessive circumstances / Cam (flip) lock simpler to deal with, safer, and value the additional ounce and a half. | ||
| 35.5 | 1 | |||
| BASE WEIGHT | TOTAL | 11.1 lb | 5.1 kg | |
| ITEMS WORN | ||||
| Shorts – Patagonia Baggies 7″ | 6.7 | Mountain climbing shorts of alternative since 2014/15. 7″ are lengthy sufficient that they can be utilized on path, however nonetheless look respectable round city. See Overview. | ||
| Base layer – Montbell Cool Hoodie | 6.6 | This was the primary solar hoodie I’ve ever tried and I’ve to say I cherished it. Gentle, ethereal, dries shortly, the kangaroo pouch was helpful for snacks/cellphone/map, and when mixed with the baseball cap, it supplied nice solar safety. | ||
| Hat – CDT Baseball Cap | 3.2 | |||
| Sneakers – Brooks Cascadia 13 | 23.6 | I’ve worn each mannequin of the Cascadias because the 3’s, which got here out greater than a decade in the past. Since that point I’ve tried Altras, La Sportivas, and a few different completely different manufacturers, however I all the time come again to the Cascadias. | ||
| Socks – REI Merino Wool liners | 1.6 | Nonetheless my favorite liner socks, although the present fashions aren’t as sturdy because the pre-2013 variations. | ||
| Soiled Woman Gaiters | 1.2 | Useful for holding out dust and dust. I’ve been utilizing DG’s since 2007. | ||
| Timex Ironman Watch | 1.4 | Low-cost, sturdy, mild, a number of alarms | ||
| Sun shades | 0.8 | Polarized lenses, 100% UV safety, wrap-around. | ||
| 45.1 | 1.28 | |||
| TOTAL WEIGHT | 14 lb | 6.3 kg | ||
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