Long-distance hike Eagle Walk Stage O4: Bonn-Matreier Hütte - Badener Hütte

The focus is on rock, as the trail leads from the Bonn-Matreier-Hütte through rocky terrain. Via the Kälberscharte and the Galtenscharte, you approach the venerable Großglockner region. The climb to the Hohe Achsel is a challenging bonus summit. Perhaps you would prefer to head straight to the Badener Hütte, complete with babbling brook and impressive views of the Kristallwand.

Description

Route description: A little above the Bonn-Matreier Hütte (approx. 8-10 minutes' walk), the trail branches off to the right at the signposts. You cross a stony mountain trough and finally reach the sloping rock towers of the Kälberscharte (2,791 meters). Steps and steel cables on both sides of the saddle make it easier to cross over into the Kleine Niltal valley, making the ascent to the higher Galtenscharte relatively easy. Now comes the steep, challenging descent down to the Mailfroßnitzbach stream, although you will have to make up the 600 meters in altitude later. The upper part of the steep section is secured by steel cables, while the middle section is often a stubborn, steep snowfield, even in summer. If you are lucky and the section is free of snow, the climb is continuous.

Further down, the terrain becomes flatter and the descent ends at the bridge over the Mailfroßnitzbach stream. About 40 meters below the bridge is the continuation of the trail. High above the Froßnitz valley, you now cross the green slopes of the Hohe Achsel from south to north, passing very varied sections. Short sections are secured by steel cables and you pass numerous small streams. On the so-called Achsel there is a grass-covered pond sealed off by a moraine. This is where the Venediger Höhenweg joins the valley trail. Continue in the direction of "Badener Hütte", crossing moraines in close succession and finally the bridge over the Froßnitzbach stream. This is followed by several ridges and hollows that provide shelter for ptarmigans. Finally you reach the lateral moraine of the Frosnitzkees, where you keep to the right and continue until you reach your destination, the Badener Hütte (2,608 meters) on the Großvenediger. For route descriptions, see also "Osttiroler Wanderbuch" by Walter Mair.