Long Distance Hiking recommended route

Ötztal trek route 3

Long Distance Hiking · Ötztal
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  • Obergurgl
    Obergurgl
    Photo: Katharina Nösig, Ötztal
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    Stage 10 - 12

     

    Obergurgl (1.930 m) - Langtalereck hut (2.430 m) - Ramolhaus (3.005 m) - Martin-Busch-Hut (2.501 m) - Similaun hut (3.017 m)

    difficult
    Distance 31.7 km
    15:30 h
    2,933 m
    1,820 m
    3,187 m
    1,891 m
    ÖTZTAL LOOP TOUR 

    Elevation gain: 2,800 meters ascent; 1,700 meters descentDistance: 32 km

    The route takes us to the back of the Ötztal valley, to Obergurgl! From the traces of Auguste Piccard to the footsteps of Ötzi. We transition from Obergurgl into the glacier world high above Vent.

     

    Profile picture of Roland Grüner
    Author
    Roland Grüner 
    Update: January 31, 2025
    Difficulty
    T5 difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    3,187 m
    Lowest point
    1,891 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Asphalt 2.38%Dirt road 0.95%Forested/wild trail 32.18%Path 64.46%
    Asphalt
    0.8 km
    Dirt road
    0.3 km
    Forested/wild trail
    10.2 km
    Path
    20.4 km
    Show elevation profile

    Rest stops

    Schönwies hut
    Ramolalm

    Safety information

    For high alpine experienced mountaineers that are free from vertigo & surefooted. Excellent physical condition, extensive mountain experience, alpine climbing gear, safety- and orientation guide, good weather conditions recommended. Please pay attention to the current weather report.

    Tips and suggestions

    More details about hiking In Ötztal: www.oetztal.com/hiking

    Roadbook

    Stage 10:

     

    In the centre of Obergurgl, we head into the valley and from the Zirben Alm follow the alpine adventure trail through the stone pine forest. The route joins the road to the Schönwieshütte, which curves to the left and leads uphill above the Gurgler Tal to the Langtalereckhütte. We then follow the signs towards the Piccard suspension bridge. At approx. 2,600 m, you descend over glacial grinding slabs to the suspension bridge, which leads over the remains of the glacier tongue of the Gurgler Ferner. Continue along the trail up to the Ramolhaus on the Köpfle. In the last section, the trail leads upwards in steep terrain.

     

    Stage 11:

    We hike from the Ramolhaus over the dead ice of the Ramolferner. This is followed by the passage in steep terrain to the Ramoljoch. Fixed ropes and steel stirrups facilitate the ascent over boulders, slabs and scree. Beyond, descend in serpentines and then - initially next to the Spiegelferner - mostly relatively flat downhill. On the side moraine of the Spiegelferner, at a little more than 2,800 m, you branch off to the left to the Martin-Busch-Hütte, where the Diemweg begins. A slight ascent follows, where we enter the alpine pasture terrain. We then cross the slopes above the Niedertal valley without any significant change in altitude. We cross the Diembach, then the trail often leads in serpentines towards the valley floor down to the Martin-Busch-Hütte.

     

     

    Stage 12:

    The Similaun Hut, stands at 3,017 m on the South Tyrolean side on the Niederjoch, a passage between the North Tyrolean Ötztal and the South Tyrolean Schnalstal. Inseparably linked to the refuge is the famous Similaun and the site where the iceman Ötzi was found at Tisenjoch, about 1.25 h away. Our tour to the Similaun Hut runs inwards through the Niedertal valley. We follow the Niederjochbach stream. We then hike comfortably up moraine slopes. From the Seibach we walk directly on the moraine ridge until we reach the so-called "Bild". Afterwards, the path is flat. Until the summer of 2008, the Niederjochferner could be accessed, but since 2008 the glacier can now be avoided. To the west above the Niederjochferner, a marked route leads to the Similaunhütte.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

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    Public transport

    Travel safe and comfortable with the train to the Ötztal Bahnhof train station. Last stop and exit point is the train station Ötztal Bahnhof. Afterwards you can travel smoothly and quick with the public transport or our local taxi companies through the valley to your desired destination. Please find the current bus timetable here: http://fahrplan.vvt.at

    Directions

    The car drive to the Ötztal valley. Situated in Tirol, the Ötztal valley set off in southerly direction and is the longest side valley in the Eastern Alps. The journey with the car leads you through the Inntal valley to the entrance of the valley and further on through the valley. Among the toll motorways you can also use the country roads. A route planner will show you the easiest and most convenient way: https://www.google.at/maps

    Parking

    The following parking facilities are available in Gurgl: 

    - Parking garage (center of Obergurgl), chargeable | no parking at night

    - Parking garage - bottom station Festkogl, chargeable | no parking at night

    Coordinates

    DD
    46.870168, 11.026556
    DMS
    46°52'12.6"N 11°01'35.6"E
    UTM
    32T 654440 5192730
    w3w 
    ///blunter.niceness.nasality
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Author’s map recommendations

    Kompass Hiking Map (available at the Ötztal Tourism information offices)

    Equipment

    Appropriate equipment such as breathable suitable outdoor clothes for the weather, is for all hikes and tours necessary. Please bring a first-aid box, a mobile phone, a walking map and if there is no hut on the way a snack and enough to drink.

    Similar routes nearby

    • Ötztaler Urweg V6 Obergurgl - Zwieselstein
    • European E5 long-distance hiking trail – King's Segment – Obergurgl to Moos in Passeier (alternative route)
    • Ötztaler Urweg E6 Obergurgl - Vent
    • Ötztal Trek Stage 10
    • Ötztal Trek Stage 11
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Difficulty
    T5 difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    31.7 km
    Duration
    15:30 h
    Ascent
    2,933 m
    Descent
    1,820 m
    Highest point
    3,187 m
    Lowest point
    1,891 m
    Multi-stage route Scenic Refreshment stops available Geological highlights

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