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Long Distance Hiking recommended route

Europäischer Fernwanderweg E5 - Variante - von der Braunschweiger Hütte nach Vernagt am See im Schnalstal

Long Distance Hiking · Pitztal
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  • Similaunhütte im Sommer
    Similaunhütte im Sommer
    Photo: Ötztal
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Explanation

Selected alternatives for you
    Braunschweiger Hut -> Pitztaler Jöchl (2,990m) -> Tiefenbach Glacier -> Vent -> Martin Busch Hut (2,501m) -> Similaun Hut (3,019m) -> Vernagt am See in Schnalstal
    difficult
    Distance 34.4 km
    13:30 h
    2,013 m
    3,071 m
    3,162 m
    1,696 m
    From the Braunschweiger Hut, you hike up to the Pitztal Jöchl (2,990m) and across snow and ice to the Rettenbachferner in the Ötztal. The view of the surrounding glacier world and the 3,000-meter peaks is unique. From the Rettenbachferner, you continue by bus to the Tiefenbach Glacier. Along the high-altitude panorama trail, you descend from about 2,800m down to the mountaineering village of Vent at about 1,900m. The trail leads from the glacier across the slopes of Mutboden, Weißkar, and Sonnenberg to lush alpine meadows. Upon reaching Vent, several guesthouses invite you to stop for refreshments before heading back uphill to the Martin Busch Hut (2,501m). From Vent to the Ochsenkopf, then halfway up, turn left into the Niedertal. Along a wide path passing the Mountain Guide Chapel and the Shepherd's Hut on a moderately ascending trail to the Martin Busch Hut and further to the Similaun Hut. Here, there is the opportunity for a detour to the site of Ötzi, the Iceman, at 3,200m (secured by ropes, 1.5 hours). At the highest point of this tour, the Niederjoch, you cross the main Alpine ridge and hike from the high alpine region into the valley to Vernagt am See in the Schnalstal.

    Author’s recommendation

    Accommodation is available at the Martin Busch Hut, Similaun Hut, or lodgings in Vent. Early reservation is recommended.

    Alternative route: From Vent through the Rofen Valley to the Hochjoch Hospiz at 2,413m, then to the Schönen Aussicht Hut at 2,845m, and finally to Kurzras in the Schnalstal.

    Difficulty
    difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    3,162 m
    Lowest point
    1,696 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Show elevation profile

    Rest stops

    Tiefenbach Glacier restaurant
    Glacier Hotel Grawand
    Tonzhaus Restaurant
    Goldene Rose Karthaus
    Hotel Bar Adlernest

    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: www.oetztal.com/en/summer

    Start

    Braunschweiger Hut
    Coordinates:
    DD
    46.935186, 10.908886
    DMS
    46°56'06.7"N 10°54'32.0"E
    UTM
    32T 645297 5199730
    w3w 
    ///jolts.veneer.infancy

    Destination

    Vernagt am See in the Schnalstal

    Turn-by-turn directions

    From the Braunschweiger Hut, you hike up to the Pitztal Jöchl (2,990m) and across snow and ice to the Rettenbachferner in the Ötztal. The view of the surrounding glacier world and the 3,000-meter peaks is unique. From the Rettenbachferner, you continue by bus to the Tiefenbach Glacier. Along the high-altitude panorama trail, you descend from about 2,800m down to the mountaineering village of Vent at about 1,900m. The trail leads from the glacier across the slopes of Mutboden, Weißkar, and Sonnenberg to lush alpine meadows. Upon reaching Vent, several guesthouses invite you to stop for refreshments before heading back uphill to the Martin Busch Hut (2,501m). From Vent to the Ochsenkopf, then halfway up, turn left into the Niedertal. Along a wide path passing the Mountain Guide Chapel and the Shepherd's Hut on a moderately ascending trail to the Martin Busch Hut and further to the Similaun Hut. Here, there is the opportunity for a detour to the site of Ötzi, the Iceman, at 3,200m (secured by ropes, 1.5 hours). At the highest point of this tour, the Niederjoch, you cross the main Alpine ridge and hike from the high alpine region into the valley to Vernagt am See in the Schnalstal.

    Public transport

    Enjoy a both comfortable and relaxing train ride to the train station in Ötztal Bahnhof. You get off the train in ÖTZTAL Bahnhof where you change to a public bus or local taxi. The current bus schedule can be found at: 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 was: https://www.google.at/maps.

    Coordinates

    DD
    46.935186, 10.908886
    DMS
    46°56'06.7"N 10°54'32.0"E
    UTM
    32T 645297 5199730
    w3w 
    ///jolts.veneer.infancy
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Author’s map recommendations

    Kompass hiking map

    Equipment

    Appropriate equipment such as breathable suitable outdoor clothes for the weather, ankle-high walking boots, wind-, rain- & sun protection, hat, possibly gloves, 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

    • European E5 long-distance hiking trail – King’s Segment – Braunschweiger Hut to Zwieselstein (original route)
    • European E5 long-distance hiking trail – King's Segment – Braunschweiger Hut to Vent (alternative route)
    • Ötztal Trek Stage 18
    • Ötztal Trek Route 5
    • Ötztal Trek Stage 19
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Difficulty
    difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    34.4 km
    Duration
    13:30 h
    Ascent
    2,013 m
    Descent
    3,071 m
    Highest point
    3,162 m
    Lowest point
    1,696 m
    Multi-stage route Scenic

    Statistics

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    • 10 Waypoints
    • 10 Waypoints
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     km Distance
    : h Duration
     m Ascent
     m Descent
     m Highest point
     m Lowest point