One of the trail names already indicates that you are moving away from civilization and people: The "Himmelsleiter" (a secured stone staircase) leads up from the Windachtal valley towards the Hochstubaihütte. If you make it to the end, you have made it to the third highest hut in Austria. This is something to be proud of - because even if you cheat a little with the hut cab or glacier cable car, the ascent is still long and arduous.
Initially an easy ascent through mountain meadows to the Seekarsee lake. From here, the trail becomes more challenging as it climbs steeply over the boulders to the shelter hut. A steep ascent via the "Himmelsleiter" to the Hochstubaihütte at 3,175 meters above sea level - the highest DAV hut in the Stubai Alps and the third highest in Austria.The nearby Nebelkogel (3,211 m) offers a particularly spectacular sunset.
To indicate the difficulty Black mountain trails are marked on the yellow basic signs with a black circle.
For experienced mountaineers that are free from vertigo & surefooted, Very good physical condition, mountain experience & mountain equipment (see notice equipment) necessary, such as alpine security material, good weather conditions recommended.
Please pay attention to the current weather report under Weather Sölden
We recommend to start the tour early in the morning.
Appropriate equipment such as breathable suitable outdoor clothes for the weather, ankle-high walking boots, wind-, rain- & sun protection, hat, possibly gloves, is for all hikes and tours necessary. Please bring a first-aid box, a mobile phone, a hiking map and if there is no hut on the way a snack and enough to drink.The Hochstubaihütte is located at 3175 m above sea level and is therefore the highest alpine hut of the DAV in the Stubaier Alps and the third highest hut in Austria.
The hike starts at the Windachalm / Fiegl's hut.
The narrow path leads to the Seekarsee over mountain meadows and then from the lake very steeply over stones to to the shelter hut (an old from stone made hut).
From there you go steeply uphill over the Himmelsleiter (stone stairs) to the hut.
Enjoy a both comfortable and relaxing train ride to the train station in Ötztal Bahnhof. You get off the train in ÖTZTAL Bahnhof where you change to a public bus or local taxi. The current bus schedule can be found at: http://fahrplan.vvt.at
The following parking facilities are available in Sölden:
All parking is free during the day.
Parking for several days (eg hike tour):