Stage 9

Brunnenkogelhaus (2738 m) – Hochstubai- Panoramaweg – Timmelsjoch (2474 m)

Information:
Route:	steep path
Requirements:	surefootedness, good head for heights; black mountain trail
Difficulties:	exposed sections along the ridge; stable weather essential
Equipment:	standard hiking equipment
Walking time:	approx. 5 hrs.
Changes in elevation:	approx. 400 meters climbing, 650 meters descending
Highest point:	2966 m
Distance:	approx. 7.5 km
Lodging, refreshment stops:	Brunnenkogelhaus, Rasthaus am Timmelsjoch
Access/Exit points:	from Sölden via Gasthaus Fiegl in Windachtal to Brunnenkogelhaus (approx. 5 hrs. up and 4 hrs. down); alternatively public bus from Sölden to Gasthaus Fiegl from where it's a 3 hrs. climb to Brunnenkogelhaus (approx. 2 hrs. down); Buses to Gasthaus Fiegl: call +43/(0)57200/200; Buses from Timmelsjoch to Obergurgl: call +43/(0)57200/100

A Stunning High Elevation Trail

The Hochstubai Panorama Trail from Brunnenkogelhaus to Timmelsjoch is literally breathtaking. Since most of the trail rolls along a ridge top it affords resplendent 306 degree views of the surrounding peaks. The hike starts at Brunnenkogelhaus on the summit of Vorderer Brunnenkogel. The trail climbs up to the narrow and partly exposed ridge to Hinterer Brunnenkogel, Rotkogel and (with one short downhill section) to Wilde Rötenspitze, which, at 2966 meters above sea level, is the highest point of the route. Views include Otztal’s Wildspitze, Tirol’s tallest mountain, majestic Weißkugel, and Zuckerhütl in the Stubai Alps. On very clear days you can see as far as Zugspitze in Germany. Just as great is the view down on Lake Wannenkarsee – a beautiful and hard-to-get-to mountain lake. From Wilde Rötenspitze you hike down to Wannenkarsattel where you leave the ridge and switchback down through steep and boulder-strewn terrain to Wannenkar. Cross Wannenkar, Rötenkar and Wietenkar. The trail leads past several small lakes, descending gently to the snack station on Timmelsjoch, a mountain pass between Austria and Val di Passiria in Italy. Take the public bus along the scenic Timmelsjoch road down to Obergurgl (1907m), Austria’s highest parish.