Variation 12

Braunschweiger Hütte (2758 m) – Mandarfen – Rüsselsheimer Hütte (2328 m)

Information:
Route:	steep path, road, footpath
Requirements:	surefootedness, good head for heights; red mountain trail
Difficulties:	none
Equipment:	standard hiking equipment
Walking time:	approx. 5 1/2 hrs.
Changes in elevation:	approx. 750 meters climbing, 1150 meters descending
Highest point:	2758 m
Distance:	approx. 11 km
Lodging, refreshment stops:	Braunschweiger Hütte, Rüsselsheimer Hütte, Gletscherstübele
Access/Exit points:	from the base terminal of Rettenbachferner via Rettenbachjoch to Braunschweiger Hütte (approx. 1 ¾ hrs. up and 1 ½ hrs. down); from Plangeross (St. Leonhard im Pitztal) to Rüsselsheimer Hütte (approx. 2 hrs. up and 1 ½ hrs. down)

A Side-Trip To Pitztal

From Braunschweiger Hütte the trail winds its way down through steep terrain. At approx. 2400 meters above sea level the route splits and you can choose between two variations. Variation 1: this trail takes you near the snout of Mittelbergferner glacier through which a river spouts out in full spate. The trail descends parallel to the river which at one point turns into a cascading waterfall. Variation 2: you follow the trail down the slopes to the right and continue to the mid terminal of the goods lift where the two trails join. Walk past Gletscherstübele and follow the road to Mittelberg in Pitztal and on to Mandarfen. Continue along a footpath to the parking lot of Rüsselsheimer Hütte, just a few meters north of Plangeross. From the parking lot the trail climbs through steep terrain, some sections have cables or chains for you to hold on to. After about 2 hours you will reach Rüsselsheimer Hütte, which stands on the edge of a basin which opens to the west. At Rüsselsheimer Hütte you shouldn’t miss out on their signature dish: ibex goulash! The meat comes from animals that live in the rocky regions near the refuge. Another thing you shouldn’t miss out on is the views: just opposite you can see mighty Watzespitze with its striking hanging glacier.
Tip: you can save one hour by taking the bus from Mittelberg to Plangeross.

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