The Ottenspitze is the first higher elevation on the border ridge between the Vals and Schmirn valleys, and the view is correspondingly beautiful.
Varied mountain hike between shady forest ascent and open alpine pasture terrain. Via the secluded Lorenzalm (not managed) on to the first higher summit on the border ridge between the Vals and Schmirn valleys. As the forest thins out, the summit cross becomes visible early on. At the summit, a wide panoramic view over the Wipptal valley as far as Innsbruck awaits, and with a bit of luck, edelweiss and chamois can be spotted in the summit rocks. The trail mix ranges from forest path and forest trail to serpentines in the summit area; just before the cross, there is a small exposed section on the ridge, which can be bypassed via the path from the north if necessary. The Lorenzalm is not staffed, but the Schmirner Stadl at the starting point offers refreshments. A very good spot for sunsets.
From the bus stop or the Muchnersiedlung/Lorleswald parking lot, the trail leads via Muchnersiedlung and the forest path up to the beginning of the forest. A beautiful path soon begins there, leading through spruce and larch groves up to the Lorenzalm. Once you reach the alpine pasture, the forest thins out and the cross of the Ottenspitze becomes visible in the distance. This is reached a little later after a few final hairpin bends on the north side. A magnificent panoramic view over the Wipptal valley as far as Innsbruck rewards the effort of the ascent. You can also marvel at the odd edelweiss and possibly the odd chamois in the rocks around the summit. After you have sufficiently enjoyed the atmosphere of the mountain, the descent path leads to a small alpine hut directly below the summit. From there, the trail continues in a wide arc through the alpine landscape into the valley and from there along another forest path back to the starting point.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
From the parking lot, the trail first goes up through the Muchner settlement, then along the forest path further into the forest towards the Lorenzalm. After approx. 500 m along the forest path, a beautiful trail with the number 66 coming from Jodok joins, which now leads up through the forest from the northwest to the very summit. On the descent, you first have to follow the ridge in an easterly direction (into the valley), before descending quite steeply in serpentines to a rustic alpine hut. Past this, the trail continues in an arc into the valley and descends slightly to the end of a forest path and another hut. Turn around here and follow trail no. 67 down through the forest to Muchnersiedlung. You then return to the parking lot and starting point of the tour through the Muchnersiedlung.
TIP FROM THE AUTHOR
Due to the location of the summit, this tour is particularly suitable as a sunset tour. If you want to experience the indescribable atmosphere of twilight in the mountains for yourself, this is a unique experience.
HOW TO GET THERE
If you come to the summit from the south as part of the circular hike, there is a small exposed section to overcome just before the cross on the ridge. However, this can also be avoided by descending briefly at the small hut below the summit and taking the path to the summit from the north.
Take the S-Bahn to Steinach am Brenner, from there take bus no. 4145 to Schmirn Lorleswald.public transport in the Wipptal valley is included in the included in the guest card. More information about the timetable www.vvt.at.
Parking lot Muchnersiedlung / Lorleswald
