The Hoch-Tirol long-distance trail consists of three stages. It joins Prettau/Predoi, located at the end of the Ahrntal valley, with Prägraten am Großvendiger in Eastern Tirol. The South Tyrolean part of the trail crosses the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park, while the East Tirolean stretch crosses the Hohe Tauern National Park. The 27,9-km trail boasts 1490 hm ascent and 1000 hm descent in South Tyrol.
Itinerary
KASERN/CASERE - LENKJÖCHELHÜTTE
Kasern’s large car park is this trail’s starting point. From here, climb towards the Ahr and the various signposts. One of them will point the way to the Lenkjöchlhütte. Walk across the mountain meadows, venturing deeper into the valley, until the path meets the main road near the “Heilig Geist”, a church which was a pilgrimage destination in the past. Cross the Ahr river and take a left (follow the signpost). Continue climbing on the path to the Labesaualm. Cross the Windtal on the well cared for path on a leisurely walk until you reach a fork just below the Lenkjöchlhütte. Take a right (signpost to the Lenkjöchlhütte) and ascend to the hut.
LENKJÖCHLHÜTTE - CLARAHÜTTE
From the Lenkjöchlhütte (signpost to Vorderes Umbaltörl) climb on the path until the fork in the road. Continue walking straight ahead and follow the signs to the Vorderes Umbaltörl. The partially newly pathed and well cared for path will lead you to another fork in the road. A part of the path below the fork is secured with chains. At the fork, take a right following the directions to “Vorderes Umbaltörl”. The path continues along the western wall of the Ahrnerkopf until the Vorderes Umbaltörl (signpost to Clarahütte). The path at this point isn’t easy to identify. Use the climbing tracks on the back of the notch and make your way carefully along the trail. Be careful and pay close attention to the path until the Philipp-Reuter bivouac – always keep an eye open for the markings and follow the climbing tracks. From the Philipp-Reuter bivouac (signpost to Clarahütte) the path changes and becomes a leisurely climb across meadows, although parts of the trail are very steep and where nature has been left to its own devices. Take a right at the first fork after the bivouac and climb down to the Isel stream. Cross the bridge and continue to the Clarahütte (follow the signposts).
CLARAHÜTTE - HINTERBICHL
From the Clarahütte, ascend the Isel Trail across the Umbaltal valley (follow the signposts) and, once at the fork, continue walking straight ahead. Walk past the Ochsnerhütte and then descend to the Isel. Cross the bridge and climb to the next fork on a partially steep main road. At the fork, take a left (signpost to Umbalfälle) to then coast by the Isel on a picturesque, ascending path leading you by some waterfalls. Just before the Isslitzeralm, you will come across another fork (signpost Waldweg Prägraten). An opposing climb follows before descending towards Ströden. Just before the hamlet, the signposted path takes a right – cross the Isel and stick to the path, which will cross the Gloschlucht and its impressive waterfalls. Take a right at the fork next to the Isel. After a brief climb, cross the mountain meadows and walk through the forest to the next fork. From there take a left, cross the Isel and climb to Hinterbichl.
Distance28.3 Km
Duration9h:09 min
Ascent1659 m
Descent1983 m
Highest point2933 m
Lowest point1263 m
Details
By bus (line 450) to Kasern/Casere, to the final bus stop Kasern.