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 mountaineering journey within the Alps. It was considered one of 4 multi-day excessive trails I did in Austria throughout the journey; the others being the Berliner Höhenweg, Schladming Tauern Höhenweg, and the Wormser Höhenweg.
Stage 6 – Approaching Grawagrubennieder Cross (2881 m), the best level on the Stubai Hohenweg
(Observe: The knowledge beneath is basically directed in the direction of impartial hikers, fairly than of us 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: Reasonable
Begin: Neustift
End: Neder
Excessive Level: Grawagrubennieder – 2881 m (9,452 ft)
Lowest Elevation: Neustift – 994 m (3,261 ft)
Whole Elevation Achieve & Loss: 11,306 m (37,093 ft)
Which path?: I don’t assume it issues. I hiked in a counter-clockwise path, and the Cicerone information books referenced beneath describe the path in a clockwise path.
What’s in a Title?: As of 2020, most people – together with the Stubai space’s official web site – confer with the featured hike because the Stubai Excessive Path or Stubaier Höhenweg. Nonetheless, additionally it is often called the Stubai Rucksack Route or Stubaier Runde Tour in German. For customers of the Cicerone Information books talked about beneath, be aware 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 along with “Excessive Path” or “Hohenweg” and the shorter of the quoted distances, which aligns with GPX information 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 occasions day by day / #590) from the close by metropolis of Innsbruck. The journey takes round half an hour, and the bus cease is positioned instantly outdoors the doorway to the Innsbruck prepare 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 median climate 12 months, September is right. The college vacation crowds are gone, the summer time 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 will also be achieved within the late spring or early to mid-fall. When mountaineering at these occasions, chances are you’ll require an ice axe and traction gadgets. Additionally, be aware that the full-service huts closed at these occasions, so you’ll need to hold your entire personal meals and a maybe a tent/tarp (Observe: Many of the huts have small winter rooms (“winterraums“) that stay open throughout the low season. See Lodging beneath for particulars).
- Personally talking, for somebody like myself who has all the time had an aversion to crowds (particularly out in nature), mountaineering the path low season was splendid. I didn’t meet a single different particular person doing the whole route, and the one day-trippers I noticed throughout my three days on path had been across the simply accessible Franz Senn Hut and Dresdener Hut.
Franz Senn Hut
Stage 6 – Approaching Grawagrubennieder Cross 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, fundamental maps for every part, aspect journeys/alternates recommendations, distance and time estimates, and logistical info on attending to and from the path. Each books can be found in Kindle model or paperback.
- Maps: You’ll be able to choose up maps for the Stubai Excessive Path on the vacationer workplace in Neustift. You’ve gotten a alternative of both a free fundamental 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 feel that the fundamental map, mixed with a Kindle model of the Cicerone Information, and GPX information, ought to suffice for many hikers in all however winter situations.
- 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. Nearly everybody you meet that’s below 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 Cellphone Protection: I are inclined to preserve my cellphone in flight mode whereas out within the woods, however from what I can collect, throughout mountaineering season a few of 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 might be overnighting, or simply stopping in for breakfast or lunch.
- Different On-line Sources: The Stubai.at web site is a wonderful supply of knowledge not just for the Stubai Excessive Path however for the rest chances are you’ll be involved in 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 are not any villages alongside the Hohenweg, however meals are by no means onerous to come back by throughout the mountaineering season as the entire huts are full service. It is usually 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 might probably differ 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 normally 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 people 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 involved in mountaineering out of season, you’ll have to carry all your individual 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 instantly 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: Throughout the summer time months the Stubai Excessive Path is a reasonably demanding trek. It contains 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 nicely marked with splashes of pink/white paint, and main junctions normally have a signpost or a painted marker with a chosen path quantity.
- If mountaineering throughout the shoulder seasons, do I would like traction gadgets, ice axe, or some other specialised tools?: 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 a few of the icy excessive sections. Additionally on the footwear entrance, I recurrently wore a mixture of merino wool socks and Montbell Gore-tex All Spherical Socks below my path trainers. I’d undoubtedly go along with the identical system once more if I used to be to return to the Alps within the spring or fall. (Observe: I’ll publish a full gear listing 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 common time taken for the excessive path is 7 to 9 days. That mentioned, the period of time it takes can differ drastically relying on a lot of components. Match and skilled hikers carrying a lightweight pack and who’ve a comparatively good run with the climate, can comfortably do the hike in three or 4 days.
- Highlights: I loved the whole 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 through Niederl Col.
- Stage 6 – Between Dresdner Hut and Neue Regensberger Hut through the Grawagrubennieder Cross.
Observe: 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 the whole day strolling by means of a mixture of freezing rain, robust winds, heavy fog, and snow.
- Lowlights: The one one which involves thoughts is the built-up space round Dresdner Hut, which might be accessed by cable automobile.
Cairn-laden Niederl Col (2,627 m) with Wilder Freiger Ferner glacier within the background (Stage 4)
Wilder Freiger Ferner Glacier as seen from beneath Niederl Col (Stage 4).
Stage 2 and three – After a day spent mountaineering in lower than stellar situations, the dramatically positioned Innsbrucker Hut (or a minimum of its cozy winter room) was a sight for sore eyes.
Sleeping
- Mountain Huts: Nearly all hikers on the Stubai Excessive Path keep within the mountain huts. These regularly-spaced refuges normally boast unbelievable excessive altitude places, 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), in addition they provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As referenced above, the most effective worth can normally be discovered within the half-board provide, which consists of a three-course dinner, a mattress, and breakfast for between 45 and 55 Euros (as of 2019). Observe that people which are affiliated with sure different European Alpine or Mountain golf equipment (e.g. UK, German, French) get pleasure from reciprocal rights. Throughout the peak season months of July and August, lodging ought to ideally be booked upfront; this particularly holds true in case you are mountaineering in a gaggle.
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 a “everyman’s proper/freedom to roam” in Austria, and alpine zone tenting rules can differ considerably between states. The Stubai Excessive Path is positioned within the Tyrol area, and in line with the Tyrol Tenting Act (2001), as per the Austrian Alpine Membership web site: “Tenting outdoors 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 may end up in fines of as much as 14,500 euros, relying on the federal state.” In actuality, I believe in case you had been to remain nicely away from huts and farms, arrange simply earlier than darkish in a stealthy spot, depart at daybreak the following 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 scenario 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 situations. They’re usually an annex to the principle hut and stay open all-year-round.
Stage 4 – Descending in the direction of Sulzenau Hut.
Stage 1 – “Come on, son, I can’t maintain this bloody rock up perpetually. Is there a case of Stiegl in there or what?“
Gear Checklist – 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 full 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 totally different incarnations of the Burn for over a decade / I’ve had the DCF mannequin for the previous two years – to date, so good. | ||
| Pack Liner (Trash Compactor Bag) | 2 | Low cost & efficient | ||
| 18 | 0.51 | |||
| SHELTER | ||||
| Tarptent Aeon Li | 16.8 | Uber-lite, holds up nicely 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 comfortable / Doubles as makeshift framesheet for pack / Put ft on backpack when sleeping / See 20,000 + mile evaluate. | ||
| 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 in regards to the seals breaking shortly, however I’ve all the time discovered them to be pretty sturdy (4 to six weeks of day by day use) in case 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 feel an enormous motive is my diligent use of hand sanitizer. | |||
| Aquamira (repackaged in dropper btles.) | Purification methodology 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 nicely. | |||
| 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 abilities. | |||
| 4 | 0.11 | |||
| CLOTHES | ||||
| Rain Pants – Montbell Versalite | 3.2 | Very gentle, waterproof, however not probably the most sturdy. Positive for on-trail mountaineering, 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 Inside Jacket (Now not made/Changed by Montbell Chameece Jacket) | 8.8 | I’ve owned this fleece for the final 4 years / Preferrred summer time insulation layer for the Alps– not too heavy, performs nicely when damp, takes the sting off chilly mornings. | ||
| Insulation – Montbell 1000 Alpine Down Parka | 9.1 | Improbable 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 social gathering, however I’ve acquired to say I’m impressed. | ||
| Montbell Chameece Liner gloves | 0.9 | Nearly 4 years of standard use and nonetheless going robust / Simply the most effective liner gloves I’ve used, and it’s not even shut. | ||
| 38.5 | 1.1 | |||
| MISCELLANEOUS | ||||
| Cellphone – iPhone 11 | 7.1 | |||
| Otter Symmetry case for iPhone 11 (orange) | 1.3 | |||
| Digital camera – Sony RX100 3 + Neoprene digital camera case | 11.3 | After some years of solely utilizing my cellphone, I bit the images bullet final 12 months and upgraded for the Scotland/Norway journey. Proud of the outcomes to date. | ||
| 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 pink setting to protect night time 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 Basic | 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 International 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 Measurement 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, resulting from the truth that I’ve had the twist-lock mechanism fail on me a few occasions in excessive situations / 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 Evaluation. | ||
| Base layer – Montbell Cool Hoodie | 6.6 | This was the primary solar hoodie I’ve ever tried and I’ve to say I liked it. Gentle, ethereal, dries shortly, the kangaroo pouch was helpful for snacks/cellphone/map, and when mixed with the baseball cap, it offered nice solar safety. | ||
| Hat – CDT Baseball Cap | 3.2 | |||
| Footwear – 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 totally 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 Lady Gaiters | 1.2 | Useful for protecting out grime and dust. I’ve been utilizing DG’s since 2007. | ||
| Timex Ironman Watch | 1.4 | Low cost, sturdy, gentle, 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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