Mountain hikes Stage 2: Across the Lower Valley

The first night in the mountains - a special moment, especially in the early hours of the morning. Nature gradually awakens, the coolness of the morning acts like a strong espresso. We slowly get ready for the 21.5 kilometers and 2,000 vertical meters downhill to Kappl. It's good that we can recharge our batteries at the Hexenseehütte in between.

Description

From Ascher Hütte lodge, follow the mountain lodge trail via Medrig to Gratli, where the marked footpath starts. At the next fork in the trail, continue along the lower trail, which grants you breathtaking views as far as the Istalanz valley and Berglialpe. Follow the trail through the Furgler valley until you reach a wayside cross. From there, continue towards Masnerjoch. The trail now runs above Berglis Wall (also known as the Black Wall) into the Bergli, and is relatively exposed. From the wayside cross at Bergli, the trail continues downhill until you reach a fork. Follow the uphill trail until you reach the remote but magnificent Stielalpe at 2,050 metres above sea level. From there, continue along the mountainside further into the Flath valley, where the last ascent of the day up to Alpe Gamperthun at 2,070 metres above sea level is waiting for you. The mountain lodge there is open for business and a perfect spot for a well-deserved break. Afterwards, follow the trail to the exposed chapel, further into Grübele valley and up towards the “outer” mountain lodge. Alternatively, continue a little longer until you reach picturesque Lake Grübelesee. About 500 metres after the outer mountain hut, the footpath branches off down to the valley, with a wooden bridge leading across Grübelebach creek. From there, continue your way down into the valley along the forest road and towards the Panoramic Trail. Via a fork in the trail, you get back to the forest trail that takes you past Rotwegkapelle chapel and back to Kappl.