Stubai Alps High Route Trek

Stubai Alps High Route Trek Itinerary

Day-to-Day Itinerary:

Our 7 nights/ 6 days trek on the Stubai High Route Trail (Stubaier Höhenweg) will see you complete 6 of the 7 stages + ascent/descent from Neustift. Our itinerary avoids the first stage from the Innsbrucker Hut to the Bremer Hut as it is by far the longest and most challenging with a lot of exposed terrain. The 3 steep climbs and exposed terrain that should only be completed by mountaineers on a “good weather day”  poses risks and a challenge level which we found is beyond what most hut trekkers are in for. Private groups with the skills to complete this stage are welcome to add it to their custom itinerary.

There are 4,440 metres of ascent and 4.230 metres of descent between the various huts with the highest point of your hike being at 2,858 m.

The individual stages of the trail are far from easy and will be a serious strain on the muscles and can be psychologically challenging – even for experienced hikers.

Travel/Arrival Day:

Travel Day – arrive at our hotel in Neustift, Stubai Valley (Austria). Dinner is included at your hotel. Please have your overnight bag packed and ready to go for tomorrow morning!

Day 1: Neustift to Bremer Hut

Breakfast at your hotel followed by an 8.30AM trip briefing with the guide. we take a 40 min taxi ride to the Gschnitztal to the hamlet of Obertal. First, we hike along a paved road through forest and cow meadows before stopping for lunch at a nice mountain lodge. Finally, the trail turns narrower and leads steeply through a lush mountain forest to a high plateau with several lakes. From there a gentler trail leads us above the treeline to the rustic, but newly renovated Bremer Hut at 2413 m (7915ft). Usually, we can organize the transport of our backpacks with the supply lift of the Bremer Hut.

9 km (5.5 mi) distance with 915m (3000ft) uphill climb, 5 hrs.

Day 2: Bremer Hut to Nuernberger Hut 

Trail hike with some cable-protected rocky sections across the steep pass of the Simmingjoechl 2764m (9070 ft.) with great views of the glaciated peaks along the divide of the Alps. We then descend on the west side (again some rocky sections with cables) to the Nuernberger Hut (2280 m = 7480ft), a very comfortable and spacious lodge with showers available!

Note: In the afternoon optional short, but challenging via ferrata right behind the hut for the restless in the group. Your guide will arrange equipment rental at the hut. 

5km (3 mi), 350m (1150′) climb, 600m (1970′) descent, 5 hrs.

Day 3: Nuernberger Hut to Dresdner Hut

A steep climb up an exposed path (sections with fixed cables) to the great viewpoint of the Maierspitze 2800m. Descent, at first equally steep on a narrow trail (fixed cables in some places). The terrain mellows out and we pass through alpine meadows and lakes below the impressive Freiger Glacier to arrive at the Sulzenau Hut (2190m) for lunch. In the afternoon along the side moraines of the Sulzenau Glacier to the Peiljoch 2672m and descent to the Dresdner Hut 2300m (7540′)

Note: This day also offers the option to descend back to Neustift either directly from the Nuernberger Hut or from the Dresdner Hut by gondola to the Mutterberg Alm. Taxi or Bus ride to Neustift for a night in our Hotel. It is easy to reconnect again with the rest of the group at the Dresdner Hut by use of the gondola, the mid-station is within a short hiking distance from the Dresdner Hut.

10km (6.5 mi), 1020m (3350′) climb, 670m (2200′) descent, 8 hrs

Day 4: Dresdner Hut to Neue Regensburger Hut

This is one of the longer and more technical stages of the High Trail. Especially in the early season, crampons may come in handy.
After passing a beautiful lake ‘Egesensee’ we continue to the Niederl, which marks the beginning of the long descent to the Wilde Grube.  After crossing the stream, the mountain lake ‘Mutterberger See’ is about 10 minutes’ walk if you head up from the trail. This is the ideal place to take a short break on your circular tour because the view is simply fantastic. From here, you continue your hike in the direction of the Schafgrübl (Steinmand’l). This part of the trail is secured by cables, after which you cross the Schafgrübl. Another short descent secured by cables is followed by a climb to today’s highpoint, the Grawagrubennieder, which offer spectacular views. After another cable-protected descent, we traverse the Hohes Moos until we reach the Neue Regensburger Hut 2290m.

850m (2800ft) climb, 900m (2970ft) descent, 12km (7.5mi) distance, approximately 7 hrs walking time.

Day 5: Neue Regensburger Hut to Franz Senn Hut

A bit of a shorter day today with some options to extend the day.Beautiful trail via the Schrimmennieder 2715m (8900′) with a short side trip to the Basslerjoch 2830m (9280′) for the views. Descent to the Franz Senn Hut.

Note: In the morning optional ascent of the Knotenspitze 3085m (10120′), which offers great views and involves some via ferrata scrambling.4 hrs round trip from the Neue Regensburger Hut. Afternoon option for a via ferrata from the Franz Senn Hut.

600m (1980ft) descent, 500m (1650ft) climb, 8 km (5 mi),  4 hrs hiking time.

Day 6: Franz Senn Hut to Neustift

A final long day with various options to descend earlier to the Stubai Valley and our hotel in Neustift.
Heading past the turn-offs to the Rinnensee and Horntalerjoch, the trail leads high above the Oberberg Valley. Crossing the Villergrube (partially secured by cables), we will reach the Seducker Hochalm (food and drink served) after 2 ½ hours and the Sendersjöchl after another 2 ½ hours (with a steep final ascent). Then take the path alongside the ridge to the Seejöchl. We bypass the Starkenburger Hut and continue traversing on a beautiful panoramic trail to the top station of the gondola coming up from the town of Fulpmes. Descent by gondola and return to Neustift by bus or taxi.

850m (2800ft) climb, 900m (2970ft) descent, 17 km (5.2 10.6 mi) distance, 7 – 8 hrs walking time

Departure/Travel Day:

Departure after breakfast. Thank you for joining us in the beautiful Stubai Mountains!

Custom Trips

On a custom/private trip basis, the trip can be shortened or extended to include the difficult stage from the Innsbrucker Hut.

Inclusions

Included:

• 6 x days of guiding by an internationally certified (UIAGM / IFMGA), English-speaking mountain guide or guide aspirant under supervision
• Guide expenses
• 2 x nights lodging at a hotel in Neustift (double/ twin room)
• 5 x nights multi-bed or dormitory lodging in mountain huts
• 6 x dinners
• 7 x breakfast
• Luggage storage
• Taxi or bus transfers from Neustift to the trailheads and back
• Equipment use: harnesses, helmets, carabiner and shock absorber set for via ferratas
• All trip organization, reservations as well as assistance with all pre- and post- trip preparations
• 6 days guiding by an internationally (UIAGM/IFMGA) certified, multilingual, mountain guide or guide aspirant under supervision
• 2 nights double room lodging in a three-star family-owned Hotel in Neustif, Stubai Valley with multi-course dinners and breakfast
• 5 nights bunk bed rooms in huts/lodges of the Austrian or German Alpine Club with three-course dinners and breakfast
• All ground transport during the week to and from the trailheads by taxi, van, bus or the guides’ vehicle.
• Rental of technical equipment from the huts: helmet, harness, carabiner, and via ferrata clip-in set (optional)

Not Included:

• Airfare
• Airport shuttles
• Single hotel room supplement (€70 – 90 per night)
• Boot crampons for glacier travel
• 2 gondola rides from the Dresdner Hut to the valley bottom and gondolas from the top of the Schlick 2000 ski resort to Fulpmes.
• All beverages (water, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic)
• All lunches and snacks
• Insurance
• Any additional cost due to changes in the itinerary, may they be caused by weather, mountain conditions or personal preference

Transportation

Our Stubai Alps High Route Trek begins from Neustift im Stubaital which is reachable from either Munich International Airport (closest Airport, about 3 hrs drive, mostly on highway, airport shuttle available) or from the main train station in Innsbruck (30 min drive).

If you arrive by Air to Munich, Innsbruck, Zurich there are regular shared and private shuttle services to Neustift im Stubaital which you can book online with Four Seasons Travel. Cost is approx 70 euro / person one way from Munich airport, prices vary from other airports.

If you arrive by Air / Train to Innsbruck, you can book shared or private shuttles with Four Seasons Travel.

If you’d prefer Public Bus Transport from Innsbruck, buses leave every hour (even during the night) from the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) to Neustift. The bus takes about 50 min, cost are about 6 Euros.

If you have a car: Neustift is located 30 min south of Innsbruck and 2.5 hrs south of Munich airport by car.

We gladly can help you arrange any of these transfers and pre or post hotel accommodations.

Stubai Alps High Route Private Trip Pricing

Why not find some friends and put together your own group?

For private groups, we can offer the following premiums or discounts on our advertised prices

2 participants: 60% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
3 participants: 40% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
4 participants: 20% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
5 participants: Our advertised per person price
6 participants: 10% discount from our advertised per person price
7 -8 participants: 15% discount from our advertised per person price

*maximum of 6 participants if wanting to participate in via ferrata

For groups larger than 8, please reach out to us for a custom quote.

Custom trips are available any time from June – September. 

FAQ

Do I need to sign a Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Agreement (a.ka. liability waiver)?

Yes, you do. Mountaineering, skiing, climbing, hiking, via ferrata and all other wilderness and adventure travel activities are inherently risky with potential for injuries or even death.
It is very important to us that you are aware of those risks before you start the booking process, which includes filling out a booking form and paying a deposit.
With signing the liability waiver, you confirm that you understand the potential risks and hazards, and are willing to accept the risks, which includes giving up legal rights you may have.
This would also be the time to ask questions or address concerns before you book.
For your reference here is a link to our Liability Waiver. Our booking terms & cancellation policy with more details can be found here

Trip Related Questions:

Meeting Point

Our Hotel in Neustift in the Stubai Valley.

Climate, Weather, Temperatures

High season for all mountaineering in the Austrian Alps is July through mid-September, mainly due to the stable weather that time of the year. Day time temperatures can vary between 30C (86F) in the valleys to -10C (14F) on clear mornings, when we start our day from a high level hut. Snow is possible at any time in the higher elevations.

Medical/Rescue and Trip Cancellation Insurance

We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel insurance package that does cover adventure travel. Common policies sold by travel agents or policies included in your credit card contract tend to exclude “mountaineering”  if you read through the fine print. We recommend an adventure travel policy on our website at http://ontopmountaineering.com/travel-insurance/  which our clients had good experiences with in the past. *NEW: we now recommend including covid-19/pandemic coverage with your insurance policy.

Can I Do It?

Up to 8 hrs / day of strenuous trekking on marked trails, at times exposed with sections that are protected with metal cables. Especially in early summer, hard snowfields might be encountered. The itinerary offers a fair bit of flexibility in order to accommodate different levels of ability and some of the days can either be extended or shortened. The trek lends itself well as a family trip for children 10 years and older if they are fit and motivated. The trek can be considered less demanding than our Haute Route Trek in terms of cardiovascular endurance. Our Via Ferrata Trek “Best around Cortina” requires comparable endurance but more technical “scrambling” on via ferrata trails.