Walking in Austria. Kev Reynolds

2 A longer stage than yesterday’s, taking about 7hrs by the main route. This crosses the 2728m Plattenjoch above and southeast of the Tübinger Hut, by way of a crevasse-free glacier, then along the Austro–Swiss border to the Schweizerlücke and another small glacier bordered by the 2750m Mittelrücke above the Saarbrucker Hut. This hut is reached in 3–4hrs. From there an easy valley walk leads to the Bielerhöhe overlooking the Silvretta Stausee, but it should be noted that a more direct route from the Tübinger Hut to the Bielerhöhe crosses the Hochmaderer Joch, and is described in detail as Route 9. Once at the Bielerhöhe, follow directions given in Route 12 as far as the Wiesbadener Hut with its view of Piz Buin and attendant peaks and glaciers.

      Piz Buin dwarfs the Wiesbadener Hut

      Day 3 In order to reach the Jamtal Hut in the next valley to the east of that in which the Wiesbadener Hut is located, a rather devious route is chosen. A more direct crossing than that which is suggested here connects the two huts, but is only recommended for experienced trekkers. The 2965m Getschnerscharte chosen here gives an interesting 4–4½hr day, that begins along a trail heading north to cross the Radsattel, described in Route 12. Having crossed this easy saddle a path is taken down into and across the Bielstal to join another trail (adopted by the Zentralalpenweg) coming from the Bielerhöhe, which climbs steadily southeastward over snow remnants of the former Madlener Ferner to reach the Getschnerscharte. The descent into the Jamtal is steep but not difficult, and after crossing the Jambach, a short climb brings you to the Jamtal Hut.

      Day 4 Above the Jamtal Hut, at the head of the little Fütschol valley, a choice of two cols give access to the Fembertal which drains down to the Paznauntal at Ischgl. The lower of these, the Zahnjoch, is the more direct route to the Heidelberger Hut, but it is the 2974m Kronenjoch which is preferred by the Zentralalpenweg, and is recommended here. This col lies south of the Zahnjoch between the Krone and the Bischofspitze and is reached about 3hrs after leaving the Jamtal Hut. The col is on the Austro–Swiss border, although the Fembertal into which the descent is made, is north of the watershed and shared between the two countries. A remnant glacier (snowfield) is crossed on the Swiss side of the col before a well marked path is joined north of Fuorcla Val Tasna. This path soon descends steeply northwestward, then eases past a small tarn on a more northerly course to the left of the stream, finally joining the Zahnjoch trail shortly before reaching the large white building of the Heidelberger Hut, set among lovely meadows at 2264m.

      Day 5 A long valley walk of about 14km concludes this tour. The hut’s access road leads all the way to Ischgl, but there are sections of footpath that enable you to avoid it in places. An easy, pleasant walk of about 3hrs, at the end of which Ischgl will no doubt seem like a teeming metropolis after days spent among the mountains.

3 ÖTZTAL ALPS