Stage 7

Hildesheimer Hütte (2900 m) – Gamsplatzl (3018 m) – Siegerlandhütte (2710 m)

Information:
Route:	steep path
Requirements:	surefootedness, good head for heights; red mountain trail
Difficulties:	none
Equipment:	standard hiking equipment
Walking time:	approx. 3 1/2 hrs.
Changes in elevation:	approx. 350 meters climbing, 550 meters descending
Highest point:	3018 m
Distance:	approx. 5 km
Lodging, refreshment stops:	Hildesheimer Hütte, Siegerlandhütte
Access/Exit points:	from Sölden through Windachtal and along Aschenbrennerweg or Gaiskarweg (steep) to Hildesheimer Hütte (approx. 5 hrs. up and 4 hrs. down); from Sölden through Windachtal to Siegerlandhütte (approx. 5 hrs. up and 4 hrs. down); alternatively public bus from Sölden to Gasthaus Fiegl in Windachtal from where it's a 3 hours climb to Hildesheimer Hütte and Siegerlandhütte (2 hrs. down either way); Bus schedule: call ++43/(0)57200/200 Tip of the day: Windachscharte (2846m) from Siegerlandhütte (approx. 1 hr. up and 45 min. down; no glacier crossings); Requirements: surefootedness, good head for heights; red mountain trail

Mighty Zuckerhütl

Spectacular Gamsplatzl vista point and Lake Triebenkarsee are the highlights of this glacier-free tour from Hildesheimer Hütte to Siegerlandhütte, which is tucked away in one of the last corners of Windachtal. From Hildesheimer Hütte you walk down for about 10 minutes until a trail branches off to the left. Follow this trail down to River Gaiskarbach. Continue across the moraine of famous Pfaffenferner and – sometimes steeply – through boulers and rubble to Gamsplatzl (there is a short section with fixed cables for your safety).
This small viewing plateau with its many stone cairns provides an ideal place to take a rest and enjoy the marvelous views of the Stubai Alps with Zuckerhütl (at 3507 meters the tallest peak in the Stubai Mountains) and Ötztal Alps. From the plateau the trail switchbacks steeply down to Lake Triebenkarsee (2700m) below the snout of Triebenkarlas Glacier. On the hottest of summer days there are usually some intrepid swimmers who are willing to dip themselves into this cool mountain lake …
The next stretch is easy and has only little elevation change. The trail crosses the steep slopes of Scheiblehn and then climbs gently to Siegerlandhütte.