Karwendel High Altitude Trail
One of the most beautiful and eventful high-altitude trails in the Alps
Karwendel - that is the epitome of untouched nature and rugged peaks, of austere beauty and wild solitude. Hiking through this elemental part of the Northern Alps on a high-altitude trail seems very presumptuous at first.
However, the Karwendel Höhenweg cleverly finds the weak points between the inaccessible mountain ranges and is good and enjoyable for sure-footed and experienced hikers accompanied by a mountain guide. However, nothing is given away.
The paths are narrow and in part incredibly exposed, they are meaningfully called Gipfelstürmer-, Adler- and Goetheweg or even Wilde-Bande-Steig. The fact that we don't conquer any summits on the Gipfelstürmerweg, don't get to see any eagles on the Adlerweg and walk the Goetheweg more as well-behaved mountaineers than as a wild gang, let's forget it!
All in all, the names somehow fit. In the steep cirque to the Frau Hitt-Scharte we actually feel like budding summit strikers, on the Adlerweg we have a bird's eye view of the Tyrolean capital and yes, wild must have been the gang that came up with paths like from the Stempenjoch to the Lafatscherjoch through the steepest rock and craggy terrain.
Another special feature of the Karwendel High Trail are the excellent bases: The food is excellent - prepared with love and from regional ingredients - the hut evenings leave enough time to "dig" into the eventful Karwendel history or simply for good conversation over beer and wine (or another drink). All in all, the Karwendel High Altitude Trail is one of the most beautiful and eventful high altitude trails in the Alps!
The DAV huts Solsteinhaus, Pfeishütte and Bettelwurfhütte await you as bases for this tour.
Want to read an exciting article about the Karwendel mountains?
Program and schedule
- Mountain guide:in
- 3 x overnight stay in a hut
- 2 x breakfast buffet
- 2 x multi-course evening menu (vegetarian or vegan, please note when booking)
- Sea to Summit Daypack
- 1 x return transfer to Zirl
- Online training (1 h)
Additional costs
- Snacks, drinks
- Arrival
1st dayMeeting point in the early afternoon and ascent from Zirl through a veritable fairytale forest to the Solsteinhaus (1,806 m). (900m ascent, 3h)
Day 2The dream and key stage from the Solsteinhaus via the Gipfelstürmerweg and Adlerweg to the Pfeishütte. The crossing over the 2,270 m high Frau Hitt Sattel, which is partly secured by a wire rope, is particularly spectacular and quite challenging. From the Seegrube, pure enjoyment follows, a dream panoramic trail over the Hafelekar and via the Götheweg to the Pfeishütte (1,922 m). (1,200 m with use of the train, otherwise 1,550 m ascent, 1,600 m descent, 9 hours)
Day 3Hard to believe that there are still ascents - the Stempeljochspitze (2,529 m) offers an excellent view of the entire Karwendel, the descent from the Stempeljoch demands full concentration once again, then it is surprisingly easy via the Wilde-Bande-Steig to the eagle's nest of the Bettelwurfhütte (2,077 m). (1,000 m with summit ascent, otherwise 600 m ascent, 800 or 400 m descent, 7 or 5 hours)
Day 4Only one descent, but it is the very best and leads spectacularly down into the Halltal valley. On the return transfer to Zirl, you can then marvel at many passages of the Karwendel Höhenweg from below. (1,300 m descent, 4 hours)
Note on program changes:
All courses and guided tours are conscientiously organized and carried out in accordance with the safety standards of the Vivalpin Mountain and Ski School with qualified specialists (e.g. mountain and ski guides, mountain hiking guides, etc.). The provisional tour program may be adjusted for safety-related reasons, such as bad weather, dangerous conditions, unforeseen natural events or inadequate conditions of the participants. The final program will be decided by the guide on site.
- 1,200 m ascent and 1,600 m descent (see tour plan)
- Stamina for up to 9 hours hiking with luggage
- Surefootedness and head for heights required for many exposed ridges
- Private preparation tour with comparable altitude differences recommended
"I walked the Karwendelhöhenweg for the first time with my family in 2018. And was absolutely thrilled.
Every day, passages await you that are unparalleled in the Alps. However, the Karwendelhöhenweg is also more technically demanding than the other Alpine crossings in the Vivalpin program.
In any case, you should be sure-footed, have a head for heights and have experience of walking on red and black hiking trails."
Christof Schellhammer
State-certified mountain and ski guide
Mountain School Director
Similar tours
Dolomites Via Bellissima, South Tyrol
Which is the most beautiful Dolomite crossing? We asked a local who should know. Florian Harrasser comes from Bruneck, he has been Simon Gietl's rope partner for many years and is a passionate mountain hiking guide. The tour he has planned for us is not included in any hiking guide and is an absolute highlight. Because it combines the most beautiful spots in the Dolomites...
Intensive training in surefootedness and head for heights
Surefootedness is one of the elementary skills for all mountaineers, hikers and climbers. Let a mountain professional show you important tips, tricks and exercises so that you can be more experienced and effective in the mountains in the future.
Private mountain guide:in
Want a dream tour? We will be happy to organize an optimally qualified guide for you and your friends, family or company. Over 80 mountain guides are looking forward to your dream tour with you. They have turned their hobby into a profession and will accompany you with great commitment after meticulous preparation. There are virtually no limits: From...
Alpine crossing Tegernsee - Sterzing
The Alpine Crossing Tegernsee - Sterzing is our easiest route across the Alps and the ideal introduction to the world of long-distance hiking. Technically easy paths and comfortable bases make the tour a feasible adventure for every:n.
Palaronda Trek
The Palaronda Trek with a mountain guide is one of the most beautiful Dolomite crossings. The peaks are breathtaking and the bases boast outstanding cuisine - what more could you want?
Alpine crossing Oberstdorf-Meran (E5)
The E5 from Oberstdorf Meran is the most famous alpine crossing. With VIVALPIN you hike in small groups of 6-8 participants, the daily stages last up to 7 hours and are technically easy. You will enjoy a perfect organization with the best bases and all necessary transfers.
Alta Via no. 1 Dolomites High Trail
Enjoy the unique landscape on one of the most beautiful, technically easy alpine traverses on the Alta Via No. 1 Dolomites High Trail. Wonderful resting places, deep blue lakes and cozy huts with the best Italian cuisine make the Alta Via No. 1 a truly unique tour.
Alpine crossing Merano - Lake Garda
The Alpine crossing from Merano to Lake Garda is more than an extension of the classic E5. With VIVALPIN you hike in small groups of 6-8 participants, up to 7 hours per day on technically easy paths and climbs. You will enjoy a perfect organization with the best bases and all necessary transfers.
Online training: Crossing the Alps
If you are planning to cross the Alps, there is a lot to consider. You should be able to correctly assess the requirements and difficulties, be familiar with objective and subjective dangers and be in control of your equipment.you will learn everything you need to know about preparation, packing your rucksack correctly, food, the special "hut life" from an experienced mountain professional...
Alpine crossing Watzmann - 3 Zinnen
The eastern Alpine crossing Watzmann - Drei Zinnen with a mountain guide is a classic in the VIVALPIN program alongside the E5. The circumnavigation of Austria's highest mountain, the 3,798m high Großglockner, is particularly impressive. The daily stages on partly narrow paths and climbs are up to 1300m in ascent.