PANORAMARESTAURANT HOCHOETZ -> Bielefelder Hütte -> Wetterkreuz -> Wörgetal -> Pucher See -> Knappenhaus -> Obere Issalm -> Balbach-> PANORAMARESTAURANT HOCHOETZ
The starting point of the hike is the Panorama Restaurant Hochoetz, located at an altitude of 2,020 meters. From there, a wide forest road initially leads in the direction of the Bielefelder Hut. A steep ascent then begins, which gradually eases just below the Brunnenkopf summit, transitioning into a gently sloping high trail that winds picturesquely along the mountain slope.
At a fork in the trail, the path to the Rosskopf branches off to the left, while to the right, the trail continues to the Wetterkreuz, which is reached after a moderate climb. From the summit, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the Stubai Alps and the Mieming Range – perfect for a short break with a view.
The descent takes you down the far side of the Wetterkreuz into the romantic and wild Wörgetal valley. A narrow trail meanders through this remote and tranquil valley to the Knappenhaus with its reconstructed ore crushing mill (Pochwerk) – a faithful replica of a historical ore processing facility. This section offers deep insight into the region’s over 350-year-old mining history, and is truly a highlight of the tour.
A little further along, the trail passes the idyllic Pucher Lake, then continues past the now-abandoned Upper Issalm. Here, the path branches off to the Balbach Alm. Two short but challenging ascents lead through a stunning landscape of twisted stone pines and fragrant alpine rose fields. The Balbach Alm is a welcoming mountain hut and a perfect place to stop for a traditional Tyrolean snack.
The return route follows the so-called “Glück auf Trail” through gentle, flower-filled alpine slopes back to the Hochoetz mountain station, where the loop comes to an end.
The full route covers around 11.7 kilometers, is considered challenging, and takes approximately 5 to 6 hours to complete. The best time to do this tour is between June and October.
Tip: Use the free Hearonymus audio guide to experience the Knappenweg with fascinating stories along the way!
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:
Parking Acherkogelbahn - free for guests of the gondola lift, camping prohibited
Parking next to the river (at the end of Oetz on the right hand side) – free of charge, but limited parking; camping prohibited
Parking Oetz town center- parking fee
Parking at night during several days' tours: Parking Oetz town center, the ticket is available at the tourist office Oetz.
Parking at the Ochsengartencable car station. free parking, camping prohibited
