Long-distance hike Rofan tour - stage 2 - alternative summit route

Alpine summit stage via Rofanspitze, Schafsteigsattel, Sagzahn, and Sonnwendjoch to Bayreuther Hütte: 670m elevation ascent, 920m elevation descent, 8.7km. Challenging route with magnificent summit views; no refreshment stops along the way.

Description

The more demanding alternative summit route (of stage 2) starts from the Erfurter Hütte with an ascent past the Mauritzalm. The path first descends slightly and then levels out before it leads over two steep steps to the Grubastiege (signposted). Now walk downhill, past a memorial plaque, and continue to the Grubalacke. Walk uphill over alpine meadows to a junction (signpost) and keep to the right until you reach the Grubascharte. Follow the trail, which is almost flat, until you reach a junction. Turn left and follow the switchback trail to the ridge and continue to the grassy, panoramic summit of the Rofanspitze at an elevation of 2,259 metres. Continue over the Schafsteigsattel (attention – the Schafsteigsattel is still closed, as per information of 12.06.2023), turn towards the southern rocky crags of the Sagzahn and follow the trail which is relatively flat to the rock face. First climb through a chimney which is secured with a steel cable and then walk over a somewhat steeper alpine meadow until you reach the Sagzahn at an elevation of 2,224 metres. From the summit of the Sagzahn, a safer trail takes you to the summit cross of the Vordere Sonnwendjoch (2,224 metres). From here, walk to the Bayreuther Hütte, where you stay overnight.

Note: Make sure you bring enough food and drink on this stage, as there are no mountain huts along the way.