The final highlight of your winter challenge: the 6-kilometre final loop leads up to the Katzenkopf (1,360 m). There, the final act rewards you with a panoramic view and regional delicacies in the Katzenkopfhütte. Action for the finale? Take the toboggan back down to the valley - the perfect way to finish!
The fourth and final stage of the long-distance winter hiking trail is a worthy final act of the tour, starting and ending at the Leutasch music pavilion. Thanks to the cleared paths, the route is easy to walk, but can - typically in winter - include icy or slippery sections. Sure-footedness and hiking poles are therefore recommended. The highlight of this stage is the ascent to the Katzenkopf at 1,360 meters, which rewards you with a panoramic view over the snow-covered forests and valleys of the region. The Katzenkopfhütte invites you to stop for a bite to eat. Those looking for a bit of action at the end can hire a sledge at the valley station and toboggan down into the valley. This compact yet impressive stage is the perfect end to the long-distance winter hiking trail.
Wear multiple layers, warm gloves, hat, waterproof jacket and pants, as well as waterproof winter hiking boots.
For better support and comfort, poles and crampons (spikes) are helpful, especially in difficult conditions.
This is a cleared winter hiking trail. However, icy or slippery spots may still occur.
The fourth and final stage of Tyrol’s first long-distance winter hiking trail initially takes us up to the Leutasch Katzenkopf and the mountain hut of the same name. A picturesque trail across the Schiltenwiese then provides the perfect finale, leading to Neuleutasch, the final destination of our journey.
The starting point is the music pavilion in Leutasch, which is also the endpoint of the previous stage. From there, the route first heads towards Lake Weidachsee. After a short stretch along the main road, turn left and continue along the sidewalk until, after another 200 metres, you reach a small bridge. After crossing the bridge, the trail continues uphill to the left until reaching the junction near Hotel Kristall. If your booked accommodation is Hotel Kristall, the tour can also be started directly from there. From here, the route follows the road uphill towards the Katzenkopfhütte until reaching a small turning area, where the ascent through the forest to the hut begins on the left-hand side. Shortly before reaching the destination, the path branches off to the right twice in quick succession before arriving at the hut.
The steady ascent through the peaceful winter landscape is rewarded with magnificent views over the snow-covered Leutasch Valley. Upon arrival at the Katzenkopfhütte, the cosy mountain hut invites hikers to enjoy a well-deserved break.
Before beginning the ascent, it is recommended to decide which route option to choose:
Option 1: Return to the valley by toboggan or lift
Those wishing to finish the tour with a toboggan ride should rent a sled at the Katzenkopf lift valley station before starting the ascent. After a stop at the Katzenkopfhütte, the approximately fifteen-minute descent into the valley offers an action-packed and sporty finale. Please be aware of oncoming winter hikers at all times. The route also crosses the ski slope once, where extra caution is required. Alternatively, the Katzenkopf lift can be used for a comfortable ride back down to the valley.
Option 2: Continue hiking via the Schiltenwiese to Neuleutasch
Those wishing to complete the full stage of the long-distance winter hiking trail return from the Katzenkopfhütte to the previous trail junction and then continue southwards through the snow-covered forests. Accompanied by spruce and larch trees and the tranquillity of winter, the trail leads to the scenic Schiltenwiese. Wide snowfields, traditional hay barns, and the peaceful atmosphere create a particularly memorable and atmospheric conclusion to the tour. From there, the descent begins towards the “Neuleutasch” bus stop, the official endpoint of the stage near the Gasthof Neuleutasch, which is an ideal place for a cosy refreshment stop. For the return journey to the starting point, the bus can be taken to the “Weidach Zentrum” bus stop. Alternatively, hikers can return on foot via the W16 winter hiking trail, which runs parallel to the road, although a short section follows the main road.
Refreshment stops along the route:
• Katzenkopfhütte
• Gasthof Neuleutasch
Scenic highlights:
• Panoramic views at the Katzenkopfhütte
• Tobogganing opportunity at Katzenkopf (Option 1)
• Winter idyll at the Schiltenwiese (Option 2)
