Hochstubai Hut via Seekarsee & Himmelsleiter - Sölden
Description
WINDACHALM / Fiegl's Hut --> Seekarsee --> Shelter Hut --> Himmelsleiter --> HOCHSTUBAI HUT
Map & elevation profile
The Tour
WINDACHALM / Fiegl's Hut --> Seekarsee --> Shelter Hut --> Himmelsleiter --> HOCHSTUBAI HUT
The Hochstubai Hut is located at 3,175 m above sea level and is thus the highest hut of the DAV in the Stubai Alps and the third highest hut in Austria.
The hike starts at Windachalm / Fiegl's Hut.
Up to Seekarsee, the narrow path runs over mountain meadows and then from the lake it continues very steeply over blockwork to the shelter hut. From there, it goes steeply up over the Himmelsleiter to the hut.
In summer there is a hut taxi that runs from Sölden to Fiegl's Hut. This way, you save the walk from Sölden to Windachalm.
Regions & Places
Mountain areas
Details
Characteristics
Way types
Safety guidelines
Black mountain paths are narrow, almost entirely steep and exposed trails. If you take a black mountain path, you have to expect longer secured walking and climbing sections. Black mountain paths are marked on yellow base signs with a black circle as the difficulty indication.
Suitable for those without vertigo, sure-footed, and alpine experienced mountaineers; very good physical condition, alpine experience and mountain equipment (see under equipment), sometimes alpine safety gear, good weather conditions recommended.
Please check the current weather report at Sölden weather
It is recommended to start the route to the Hochstubai Hut early in the morning and also to start early on days with overnight stays.
Additional information
More info about hiking in the Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com/wandern
Recommended literature
Ötztal hiking book | Helga Marberger | Publisher: Tyrolia
Recommended maps
Directions
A well-marked path winds in switchbacks over mountain slopes from Fiegl's Hut up to Seekarsee.
From Seekarsee, it then goes very steeply up to the shelter hut. Along the way, you cross boulders and slabs. After a few meters of elevation, the ascent over layered steps, the so-called Himmelsleiter (Heaven's Ladder), begins. Once you reach the ridge height, it is only a short path to the already visible Hochstubai Hut.
The descent is via the same route (approx. 2.5 hours) or via Laubkarsee to Kleblealm (3 hours).
Arrival
Public transit
Travel comfortably and safely by train to the Ötztal train station. The terminus and exit point is ÖTZTAL station. Afterwards, travel conveniently and quickly by public transport or local taxis through the entire valley to your desired destination! The current bus timetable is available at: http://fahrplan.vvt.at
Starting point
Getting there
Sölden is located in the west of Austria in the state of TYROL, in a southern side valley of the Inn valley - the ÖTZTAL. For your journey by car, plan the optimal route from your home location using the online route planner: https://www.google.at/maps
Parking
The following parking options are available in Sölden:
- Postplatz parking lot
- Giggijochbahn + underground garage
- Gaislachkoglbahn + underground garage
Parking in Sölden is subject to a fee.
For parking over several days (e.g., hut tour):
- Gaislachkoglbahn parking garage, tickets available online or directly at the Gaislachkoglbahn ticket office
Current information
The tour is within these protected areas.
Equipment
Appropriate equipment such as breathable and weather-adapted outdoor clothing, ankle-high hiking boots, wind, rain and sun protection, a hat, and possibly gloves is required for all hikes and routes. It is necessary to take a first aid kit, a mobile phone and possibly a hiking map, as well as sufficient provisions for hikes without refreshment opportunities.