The short opening stage features an ascent over 850m of elevation from Maurach to the Erfurter Hütte, taking ca. 2 hours. The route leads past the Buchauer Alm, up the Schützensteig trail, and via the Durrakreuz.
From the valley station of the Rofan cable car, walk in a north-easterly direction past the Naturhotel Alpenblick to the wooden bridge. Walk across the bridge and follow the trail to the right of the stream towards Buchauer Alm*) at an elevation of 1,385 metres. From there, the Schützensteig trail takes you directly to the Durrakreuz. Now follow the yellow signposts as the trail climbs gently to the Erfurter Hütte. Overnight stay at the Erfurter Hütte.
*) Sadly, the Buchauer Alm was destroyed in a tragic fire. It is unclear whether the hut will be rebuilt.
