Long-distance hike Eagle Walk Stage O2: Johannishütte - Eisseehütte

The journey continues through the fascinating landscape of the high Alps from the Johannis Hütte towards the Kreuzspitz-Höhenweg high-altitude trail, passing lush green meadows and later rocky terrain. Hikers have the option of a "detour" to the top of the Kreuzspitze peak with its majestic views of the Großvenediger. Fine hiking and breathtaking views are the reward for a long ascent. The Eagle Walk itself leads to the Neue Sajathütte, known as the "castle in the mountains", but it is still quite a way from there to the official end point of this stage: the Eissee Hütte.

Description

Trail description: Route description: The normal route via the Sajatscharte had to be abandoned years ago due to the latent danger of rockfall. There is now a new connecting trail (black mountain trail!) signposted as the “Kreuzspitz-Höhenweg,” which leads over the “Schernesscharte,” which runs along the ridge below the Kreuzspitze. The Kreuzspitze (3,155 m) can be reached from there in half an hour. The reward for the climb is a magnificent view of the highest mountains in the Venediger Group. The descent to the Neue Sajathütte then leads over a “rock trail” secured with steel cables. (challenging!) However, the destination for this stage – the easier but equally cozy Eisseehütte – is still a good distance away. A slightly less challenging and shorter route leads from the Johannishütte directly over the Zopatscharte (2,951 m) to the Eisseehütte. (red mountain trail!) Leave the hut in an easterly direction and climb a few switchbacks to a prominent cairn. From there, head east across the wide mountain meadows of the “Zopat” to the “Kreuzspitze” fork (2,750 m) and continue east along the foot of the Zopetspitze to the Zopetscharte. The descent takes you down the first 100 meters of elevation in steep switchbacks (secured with ropes!), then leads down to the valley floor of the Kleinitzalm. After crossing the Timmelbach stream, you will soon reach the Eisseehütte.