Alpine crossing on E5 – From Oberstdorf to Meran

Alpine crossing on E5 – From Oberstdorf to Meran - Description

Directions

• Start

  Spielmannsau next to Oberstdorf
  
  Stage 1: 
  From Oberstdorf over Spielmannsau (1002 m) and Sperrbachtobel up to the alpine hut "Kemptner Hütte" (1846 m).
  Climb: 850 m elevation gain; 8 km, 3 h
  After we walked or drove from Oberstdorf to Spielmannsau (10 km), the first stage of our tour starts into the direction Allgäu main crest and "Kemptner Hütte". From the Mountain Inn Spielmannsau we follow the small path and reach the goods cable lift (1048 m), which drives up to "Kemptner Hütte". Before we reach it we turn right into the forest and walk along the river Trettach. Over a bridge we cross the stream Sperrbach, then the way becomes steeper and curvier. Now we follow the ravine of Sperrbach. After we leave the ravine, the valley opens in front of our eyes and we can already see the aim of this stage, "Kemptner Hütte". A last curve leads us to the accommodation for this night. 
   
  Stage 2: 
  From "Kemptner Hütte" to Mädelejoch (1974 m) and over Roßgumpenalm through Höhenbachtal to Holzgau im Lechtal (1070 m), further through Madautal (1400 m) and up to the alpine hut "Memminger Hütte" (2242 m)
  Climb: 950 m elevation gain, descent: 850 m elevation loss; 14 km, 6 h
  From "Kemptner Hütte" we walk toward southeast across a gangplank (438) to Mädelejoch (1974 m) between Kratzer and Muttlerkopf at the border between Austria and Germany. We walk on a rocky path along mountain pines and grassy slopes, toward south across the upper (ruinous) and the lower "Roßgumpenalm". We reach that alpine hut after we cross a forest. There is the possibility to have a meal or sleep over at "Roßgumpenalm". After passing the hut we cross the stream Roßgumpenbach and we walk on the left of the stream on a driveway through the valley of Höhenbach (Höhenbachtal). At a coffeeplace we stay at the right and we walk toward southeast and pass the stunning Waterfalls of Simms to Holzgau im Lechtal (1070 m). Along a tarred road we pass the church and finally we reach the Restaurant Bären (Gasthof Bären). From here we use the offer of the cab company Feuerstein, which brings us through Madautal until we reach the goods cable lift of "Memminger Hütte" (1449 m).
  The according footpath (19 km) is almost entirely tarred and therefore a little monotonous and it costs additional time. 
  Now we are guided by the marking along the stream and we follow it until we reach a bridge. We cross the stream and turn left and through curves we climb upwards. Soon we walk across meadows and we reach a steep stage which we avoid by turning left after we crossed a river. Then we turn right and we reach a waterfall. Here we cross the river again and soon we reach a pasture. Below Seekogels we proceed into a big corrie in which "Memminger Hütte" (2242 m) is located on the right side. If we are lucky we spot some steinbock along the way before we reach the aim for this stage and end the day with other hikers at the hut.
   
  Stage 3: 
  From "Memminger Hütte" over Seescharte (2664 m) through Lochbachtal and Zammer Loch to Zams im Inntal (800 m), with the cable car Venetbahn up to Krahberg (2208 m) and on a high route to Larcheralm (1860 m)
  Climb: 450 m elevation gain, descent: 2100 m elevation loss; 29 km, 9 h
  This third day is not the easiest one. More than 2000 metres climb-down lay ahead of us and then a short way up until we reach Seescharte. We start early in the morning at "Memminger Hütte" and walk south until we reach the shores of lake Unterer Seewisee in which the surrounding peaks are reflected. Before we reach the lake we turn left and we walk halfway around the water. We cross an inflow and climb a cirque upwards. At a crossing the sign "E5" shows us the way to Seescharte. Toward southeast we reach another lake which we pass and then we cross a stonefield. The last part to the wind gap ist quite steep, rocky and full of scree. If there is snow perhaps one has to go on all fours. At the top there is little space, if two groups arrive at the same time, it could already become narrow. In front of us we now have the famous Silberspitze and the long way down to Lochbachtal and Inntal which we still have ahead of us. Beyond Seescharte the way descends, first on stony ground and then over steep serpentines along mountain pines and alpine brooks. At Oberlochalm (open in August) we find a crossing of rivers from which Lochbach originates. It is a good place to take a short break. Later we cross a little forest and then return to the river. The rivers Medriolbach and Lochbach are crossed on tree trunks across the water. After heavy rains both river can rise massive - then we have to cross undergrowth if the path is flooded. Next to Jägerhütte we walk on pastures further until we reach Unterlochalm (1448 m, open in july, september and october). Then the way leads for a short period upwards until we reach Zammer Loch. Even if we had only around zero degrees in the morning when we startet - in summertime it gets really hot here and we made sure to have the according clothing in our bagpacks. We now follow a path upwards through rocky terrain. Due to the gravel it is good to have solid shoes here. On the right hand it goes down steeply into the ravine in which the river Lochbach curls. When we reach Zams there is again a good possibility to take a little break at Märchenwiese ("fable meadow", 991 m) before we climb down into the valley. On the way down we master some curves and some parts of the way with lots of roots on the ground. Arrived in Inntal we reach a bike lane. And as well the Highway next to it reminds us that we are back in the civilization. From the bike lane we turn left and cross the Highway Inntal before we reach a small green rest area. Here we find as well a little well where we can refresh ourselfes and fill up our dinking bottles. Our next reference point is the church in Zams. We turn left into the Burschlweg and reach the shore of the river Inn. We stay left of the mainroad, cross again a bridge and soon we reach the church. From here we walk toward southwest until we reach the station at the bottom of the cable car Venetbahn. Happy about this technical achievement we hover up to Krahberg (last trip at 5 p.m.!). We leave the peak out and walk on the panorama-path at its southern side within two hours without big elevation difference until we reach Larcheralm (1820 m, open until 15. of october, the "Kässpatzen" - traditional home-made cheese pasta are exceptionally delicious). Here we sleep over as well (important: booking in advance!). In the summertime alpine roses line the way which leads us past Goglesalm and Galflunalm and until Larcheralm where this long and demanding stage of the tour finally ends.
   
  Stage 4:
  From Larcheralm to Wenns in Pitztal (976 m), with the postbus through Pitztal to Mittelberg (1734 m) and up to the alpine hut "Braunschweiger Hütte" (2760 m)
  Climb: 1000 m elevation gain, descent: 900 m elevation loss; 14 km, 5 h
  After a very good breakfast at Larcheralm we start the next stage with new power. Along a driveway we walk within about 1 h down to Wenns. We reach the mainstreet and Pitztaler Hof. Here is as well the busstop located from which the postbus brings us through Pitztal to Mittelberg. After a 1 hour drive we reach the last busstop at about 1736 m. From there we turn further towards south and we walk for about 30 minutes along a driveway until we reach Gletscherstube in which we can take a little break again before we take the three hours long ascent to "Braunschweiger Hütte". After some time we reach the goods cable lift of the hut. The way leads gently upwards, the brook Pitze runs at our right hand. Then the path becomes much steeper, but the stunning mountain scenery makes the effort worthwhile. We are now surrounded by a beautiful world of glaciers and waterfalls and we enjoy the view upon lake Riffelsee. We can not miss the path upwards. Usually that part of the road is slightly crowded. A bench on the left side of the route invites to take a little break before we take the last 1000 m elevation gain up to "Braunschweiger Hütte", which is the highest situated accommodation of the tour. At the sun terrace we sit with a cold drink and the beautiful view of Wildspitze, the second highest mountain in Austria.
   
  Stage 5:
  From "Braunschweiger Hütte" over Rettenbachjoch (2988 m) to Rettenbachferner and across Tiefenbachgletscher to Vent in Ötztal (1896 m)
  Climb: 600 m elevation gain, descent: 1420 m elevation loss; 18 km, 6 h
  At "Braunschweiger Hütte" we leave the classic route of E5 which leads through Bozen to Verona. We should just take this stage at stable weather because if there is fog or fresh snow it can be difficult to find the way to Rettenbachjoch. And as well the crossing of Rettenbachferner is not very easy, since we have to pass ground which is covered by glaciers. But there is no danger of crevasses, this part of the glaciers is used as a ski area and therefore it is secured appropriately. If you do not want to take this route, you can walk a different version of the tour though. After we leave "Braunschweiger Hütte" we use a stone wall as orientation. First we climb down moderately, then we pass some water pipes and we climb up again. We are still walking along the stonewall and we walk upwards until we reach the ridge. Now we are at the summit station of the chairlift, which runs down to Restaurant Rettenbachferner. But we start now to cross Rettenbachferner. In a big turn toward south we approach the summit station of the cable car Seitenkar-Bahn which we reach after a smaller turn toward north. With 3051 m this is the highest point of the entire tour. From here we already see the self-service-restaurant Tiefenbachferner to which we walk down. It is located amidst the gigantic and obstructed glacier ski area, which looks miserable in summertime. While walking down we have to master a way with debris and partly snowfields which do not even melt in summer. We leave the huge Parking lot at Tiefenbachferner behind, as well as the little lake. Now we walk on a gravel path and we begin with the long (4 h) descent to Vent, this "panorama path" offers beautiful views of the surrounding. Arrived at the tarred street in Vent we turn left into the place Vent and we go to our lodging. In Vent you will find as well shopping possibilites (for example the small supermarket opposite of Hotel Post).
   
  Stage 6:
  From Vent through Niedertal over the alpine hut "Martin-Busch-Hütte" (2527 m) to the alpine hut "Similaun-Hütte" (3019 m), down to Tisental and then to Obervernagt in the valley Schnalstal (1690 m) and until the lake
  Climb: 1100 m elevation gain, descent: 1200 m elevation loss; 23 km, 7 h
  For the last stage of our crossing of the Alps from Oberstdorf to Meran we orient ourselves again at the crossing from where we turned left yesterday to reach Vent. Coming from the village we go straight ahead (leaving "panorama path" on the right). We cross a bridge across the river Venter Ache. The alpine hut "Martin-Busch-Hütte" is here already signposted and the way which leads us in about two hours to the alpine hut is difficult to miss. A wooden bridge, a drag lift and a shepherd's hut lay along the way, until we reach the alpine hut. We use the possibility to refresh ourselves and then we start the next section of about two hours to the alpine hut Similaun-Hütte. The way Nr. 16 leads us through Niederjochtal to the mountain ridge. After passing the hut we turn left at a crossing and walk along a little stream. We leave the alpine meadows behind and proceed on a way full of debris. At a height of about 2600 m we turn right onto a lateral moraine of Niederjochferner. The way gets steeper and we are thankful for our hiking sticks. After crossing a little brook we turn left and reach the center of a glacier, here we walk on ice for the second time on our crossing of the Alps. It is not difficult to stay oriented on this short section on the glacier and it is not necessary to use ropes or crampons. We walk upwards at the right edge of the glacier and our view goes up to an old little customhouse - we walk here next to the border between Italy and Austria. In a turn across the glacier we reach a stony path and soon the alpine hut "Similaun-Hütte" at Niederjoch (3019 m) - and again we reach the line of 3000 m altitude. In a privatly managed hut we enjoy an excellent lunch. Afterwards we go toward south until we see the emeraldgreen gleaming lake Vernagt and in the very far the mountainpeaks of Ortlermassiv. At the goods cable lift of the hut we take way Nr. 2, which brings us in about 2,5 hours to the lake. This steep path is not too easy, it is very rugged, exposed and steep. Take care especially if the rocks are wet! Finally the way gets wider and leads us across alpine meadows, where sheeps are grazing. Soon we pass a farmhouse and we cross a forest area before we reach Tisenhof. This is a typical, old South Tyrolean farm where you can enjoy a snack at the nice sun terrace. Within 20 minutes we walk down to the lake, first on a tarred street and then we turn right into a gravel path to Vernagt. At the shore of the lake there is a busstop next to the chapel. From here we take the postbus 261 from Schnalstal through Vinschgau to Meran (about 90 minutes). In Meran we sleep over. We finish our crossing of the Alps in the southern flair with a glass of red wine and some dolci.

• end point

  Meran

required equipment

Solid alpine boots Comfortable, sporty and weather-compatible clothing Backpack (~35 l) with rain jacket Protection against sun and rain Cap, gloves Sleeping bag, slipper socks for the time in the huts Washbag Pyjamas Earplugs Hiking sticks Map, compass, GPS device Headlamp, bivy bag Depending on the season: crampons, gaiters First aid kit Water bottle Cereal bar, nuts, dried fruits Pocketknife

Tips for the tour

It is important that you plan your trip in advance and that you book the huts beforehand. Between June and September, the route is very popular and accordingly there are lots of guided groups on their way.

Difficulty

• Difficulty

  Difficult

• Fitness

• Technique

• Experience

• Landscape

Directions

self-arranged arrival
A7 until Dreieck Allgäu, A980 until AS Waltenhofen, further on B19 until Oberstdorf, with the taxi, bus, carriage oder by foot to Spielmannsau.
There are several Parking lots in Oberstdorf.  

public transport
With the train to the station Oberstdorf. There is a special bus that takes hikers from Oberstdorf to Spielmannsau (and vice versa).