Berlin High Trail: Hut to Hut Hike in the Zillertal Alps, Tyrol, Austria

The Berlin High Trail (Berliner Höhenweg, or Zillertaler Runde in German) is a hut-to-hut hiking trail in Tyrol, Austria. This gorgeous alpine route showcases the finest alpine and glacier vistas of the Zillertal Alps.

It’s an extraordinary adventure replete with challenging ascents and descents, rustic and grand mountain huts, and unforgettable glacier and lake views.

This difficult high-alpine trail is best undertaken by experienced hikers. The trail requires surefootedness, a head for heights, comfort with secured exposure, steep slippery descents, and uneven terrain. No special equipment is needed. However, we highly recommend packing hiking poles.

The traditional Berlin High Trail is an 8-day trek starting in Finkenberg (4.5 km from Mayrhofen) and ending in Mayrhofen in Zillertal Valley.

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Responsible Travel in the Zillertal Alps Nature Park

The Zillertal Alps are a protected area. During your visit, adhere to these rules:

• Respect the habitats of animals and plants. Picking, or removing flowers, plants, and rocks is not allowed.
• Wild camping is illegal. 
• Take all garbage back with you down to the valley. Leave no trace.
• Stay on the designated hiking trail.
• Do not make loud noises (e.g. playing music loudly).

We wrote this Berlin High Trail trekking guide based on our personal experience. Keep in mind that things can change over time: trail difficulty, accessibility, and routing (due to rock falls, landslides, and avalanches) and hut management (reservation system, hospitality, payment, food quality, etc…). Please do your due diligence before tackling this route.

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Berlin High Trail Map

The Zillertal Alps are located in Tyrol, Austria, and in South Tyrol, Italy.

This range stretches between the Tux Alps, Kitzbühel Alps, Venediger group, Rieserferner group, the Dolomites, and the Stubai Alps. The best base for exploring the Zillertal Alps is the town of Mayrhofen in Zillertal.

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Berlin High Trail Trekking Itineraries

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The Classic Berlin High Trail 

The classic Berlin High Trail has 8 stages. Stages 2 and 7 are extremely long, challenging and only possible in good weather conditions.

Day 1 | Finkenberg – Gamshütte (7.6 km, 3 hours)

Day 2 | Gamshütte – Friesenberghaus (14 km, 9 hours)

Day 3 | Friesenberghaus – Furtschaglhaus (13.8 km, 5 hours)

Day 4 |  Furtschaglhaus – Berliner Hütte (8 km, 6:30 hours)

Day 5 | Berliner Hütte – Greizer Hütte (8.8 km, 6:30 hours)

Day 6 | Greizer Hütte – Kasseler Hütte (9.4 km, 6 hours)

Day 7 | Kasseler Hütte – Karl-von-Edel Hütte (12.6 km, 9 hours)

Day 8 | Karl-von-Edel Hütte – Mayrhofen (8.6 km, 4 hours)

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Our Berlin High Trail Hut to Hut Hiking Route

Upon the recommendation of the Zillertal Tourism Board, we started the trek at Schlegeisspeicher (Schlegeis Reservoir) instead of Finkenberg.

Because of dangerous weather conditions, we had to descend early. So, we concluded the Berlin Höhenweg in Stilluptal Valley, instead of Mayrhofen. You can customize your Berliner High Trail trek to your own timeframe and needs, starting and ending wherever you want.

Day 1 | (Mayrhofen) – Schlegeisspeicher – Friesenberghaus – Olpererhütte (10.6 km, 5 hours)

Day 2 | Olpererhütte – Furtschaglhaus (13.1 km, 5:30 hours)

Day 3 | Furtschaglhaus – Berliner Hütte (8 km, 6:30 hours)

Day 4 | Berliner Hütte – Greizer Hütte (8.8 km, 6:30 hours)

Day 5 | Greizer Hütte – Kasseler Hütte (9.4 km, 6 hours) 

Day 6 – Exit Stage | Kasseler Hütte – Grüne Wand Hütte in Stilluptal Valley (4.8 km, 1:30 hours) / Taxi to Mayrhofen

How to Book the Berlin High Trail

All mountain huts along the Berliner Höhenweg must be booked individually and independently. 

It’s important to make reservations for overnight stays in huts several months in advance. You may be able to book more short-term, if you have a flexible start date. 

You can make overnight reservations for most huts along the Berlin High Trail using the Alpsonline online reservation platform.

For more information about booking huts, read our guide to visiting Austrian Mountain Huts. For information about pricing, hut etiquette, joining the Austrian Alpine Club, helpful German phrases to know for hiking in Austria, read hut to hut hiking in Austria.

Arrival Day | Stay in Mayrhofen at Landhotel Rauchenwalderhof (budget), Haus Claudia und Haus Monika (budget), Der Siegeler B&B (budget-midrange), Alpenhotel Kramerwirt (midrange), ElisabethHotel (adults-only luxury), or Hotel Neue Post (luxury).

Stage 1 | Olpererhütte – Online Reservation via Alpsonline

Stage 2 | Furtschaglhaus – Online Reservation via Alpsonline

Stage 3 | Berliner Hütte – Online Reservation via Alpsonline

Stage 4 | Greizer Hütte – Online Reservation via Alpsonline

Stage 5 | Kasseler Hütte – Online Reservation via Alpsonline

Stage 6 | The trek ends in Stilluptal Valley. We recommend staying in Mayrhofen after the trek: Landhotel Rauchenwalderhof (budget), Haus Claudia und Haus Monika (budget), Der Siegeler B&B (budget-midrange), Alpenhotel Kramerwirt (midrange), ElisabethHotel (adults-only luxury), or Hotel Neue Post (luxury).

Arrival Day in Mayrhofen (Zillertal, Tyrol)

The town of Mayrhofen is the best place to stay before and after hiking the Berlin High Trail. There are many dining and accommodation options. Furthermore, there are a number of outdoor sports stores in town.

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How To Get to Mayrhofen

The easiest way to get to Mayrhofen is to take a train to Jenbach Bahnhof. From Jenbach, take the Zillertalbahn (Zillertal Train) to Mayrhofen im Zillertal.

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Where to Stay in Mayrhofen

Budget | Landhotel Rauchenwalderhof is a cozy and traditional guesthouse in Mayrhofen with an attractive price point. Guests love the location, outdoor swimming pool, and hospitality. Breakfast is included.

Top Choice – Budget-Midrange | Der Siegeler B&B – this lifestylehotel rocks is a newly-renovated bed and breakfast in Mayrhofen, just minutes away from the train/bus station. Enlivened by a pub-style sports bar, this beloved accommodation promises a harmonious blend of comfort and conviviality. 

Midrange | The 4-star, centrally located Alpenhotel Kramerwirt is a mere 4-minute walk from the Mayrhofen Bahnhof (train/bus station). This family-run hotel offers spacious rooms, a relaxing wellness area, and a bountiful breakfast buffet.

Luxury | Indulge in pure luxury at Hotel Neue Post, a timeless Tyrolean treasure with roots dating back to the 17th century. Nestled in the heart of Mayrhofen, this 4-star-superior haven effortlessly blends heritage with modern comforts such as a rooftop pool, sauna complex, and well-equipped gym.

Look for accommodation in Mayrhofen.

Berlin High Trail Stage 1: Schlegeis Stausee – Olpererhütte

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Stage 1 Trail Stats

Distance | 10.6 km

Time Needed | 4:30 – 5 hours

Elevation Gain | 877 meters

Elevation Loss | 276 meters

Difficulty | Moderate

Minimum Elevation | 1785 meters

Maximum Elevation | 2626 meters

Route | (Mayrhofen) – Schlegeis Stausee (1,785 m) – Friesenberghaus (2,500 m) – Olpererhütte (2,389 m)

Lunch Option | Friesenberghaus

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How to Get to the Trailhead: Schlegeis Stausee Reservoir

From the town center of Mayrhofen, go to the train station (Mayrhofen Bahnhof).

Local buses depart just outside the train station. Take bus 4102 to Schlegeisspeicher Reservoir (also written Schlegeis Stausee). The bus ride takes 50 minutes.

There are 16 buses that depart each day, starting around 7:39 am. Check the current bus schedule.

Bus Ticket | around 10 EUR per person

When you arrive at Schlegeis Stausee, head to Dominikushütte mountain hut. The trail to Friesenberghaus begins here. 

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Schlegeis Stausee – Friesenberghaus – Olpererhütte (5 hours)

From the bus drop-off point, head to Dominkushütte (1,805 m) in the direction of the tunnel. Before reaching Dominikushütte, there is a signed intersection indicating the direction of Friesenberghaus, signed 2 hours. Follow trail 532.

The path ascends and crosses a river via a wood plank and continues through the forest. Eventually, the trail traverses a marshy meadow over a series of wooden planks. The views open up to Schlegeis Stausee. Continue the ascent to Friesenberghaus. 

Atmospheric and cozy, Friesenberghaus (2,500 m) is a perfect place for lunch. The hut staff is swift and friendly, and the food is very good.

After lunch, descend a few meters from the hut in the direction of Friesenbergsee lake. After a water crossing, the trail ascends steeply for 170 meters.

The trail levels and you’ll hike along a breathtaking balcony trail to Olpererhütte (1 hour and 15 min).

This stretch of the Berliner Höhenweg is remarkable, as you’ll have continuous views of the Schlegeis Stausee below cradled by 3000+ m peaks.

Shortly before reaching the Olpererhütte, the trail leads across that Instagram-famous suspension bridge.

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Stay in Olpererhütte

The perfectly positioned Olpererhütte (2,389 m) boasts the best view of Schlegeis Stausee, Schlegeiskees glacier, Grosser Möseler (3,478 m), and Breitnock (3,215 m).

Resident goats and chickens parade around the hut to the great amusement of all visitors. With large window panels, the interior dining room allows you to experience the beauty of the Zillertal Alps at any time of day.

Overall, this is a great hut.

Reservation | Olpererhütte – Online Reservation via Alpsonline

Payment | Credit cards and cash are accepted

Showers | 3 EUR for a 4 min shower

Drinking Water | Tap water is safe to drink

Electronic Charging Stations | Readily available in rooms

Half Board or à la carte | Both available

Rooms | The hut offers shared rooms for 4 people and shared rooms for 8 people as well as dormitory mattresses (Lager).

Berlin High Trail Stage 2: Olpererhütte – Furtschaglhaus

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Stage 2 Trail Stats

Distance | 13.1 km

Time Needed | 5:30 hours

Elevation Gain | 579 meters

Elevation Loss | 693 meters

Difficulty | Moderate

Minimum Elevation | 1784 meters

Maximum Elevation | 2437 meters

Route | Olpererhütte (2,389 m) – Neumarkter Runde – Schlegeis Stausee (1,785 m) – Furtschaglhaus (2,295 m)

Lunch Option | Zamsereck, or Fischerhütte

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Olpererhütte to Furtschaglhaus (5:30 hours)

Today, you can decide between two routes. You can descend to Schlegeis Stausee directly (1:30 hours), or via the 3-hour Neumarkter Runde. We recommend taking the longer Neumarkter Runde, because it’s a more interesting trail.

The Neumarkter Runde continues more or less along that balcony trail you hiked yesterday. The focal point is still the sparking turquois reservoir below. The trail crosses a meadow and ascends to a Virgin Mary statue.

It then levels for a while before dropping down a stone staircase-like trail.

After crossing the river over a wooden plank, you’ll see a signed intersection indicating 1:30 hours to Schlegeis Stausee along Trail 535. The trail continuously descends, following the curvature of the river.

Cross the car park and walk over the bridge to reach the reservoir. There are two options for lunch: Zamsereck or Fischerhütte.

From the Schlegeis Stausee, it’s a 2:30-hour hike to Furtschaglhaus.

Continue following the wide track around the reservoir. After crossing a concrete walkway, turn right and hike along the Schlegeisbach river.

The trail to Furtschaglhaus (2,295 m) will ultimately cut left, leaving the gravel road. The trail to the hut is steep, but not technical.

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Stay in Furtschaglhaus

Facing glaciated mountains, Furtschaglhaus’ outdoor terrace is a wonderful place to unwind, drink a beer, and socialize with fellow hikers. The hut is surrounded by walls of rock and ice.

When we visited, there were tons of mountaineers at the hut, ready to summit the surrounding peaks. The hut is excellently managed.

Reservation | Furtschaglhaus – Online Reservation via Alpsonline

Payment | Cash only

Showers | 3.50 EUR for a 3 min shower

Drinking Water | Tap water is safe to drink.

Electronic Charging Stations | There’s a charging station in the dining room.

Half Board or à la carte | If the hut is at full capacity, we recommend opting for half board. Not only will you get priority (eat first), but you’ll also get to eat inside. We ordered from the à la carte menu and weren’t served until after they were done serving those receiving half board. Furthermore, waiting outside and then eating outside in the cold was really uncomfortable.

Rooms | Lager or shared-bedrooms available.

Berlin High Trail Stage 3: Furtschaglhaus – Berliner Hütte

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Stage 3 Trail Stats

Distance | 8 km

Time Needed | 6:30 hours

Elevation Gain | 930 meters

Elevation Loss | 1180 meters

Difficulty | Difficult

Minimum Elevation | 1970 meters

Maximum Elevation | 3134 meters

Route | Furtschaglhaus (2,295 m) – Schönbichler Horn (3,134 m) – Berliner Hütte (2,044 m)

Lunch Option | Bring a snack, or request a packaged lunch at Furtschaglhaus.

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Furtschaglhaus – Schönbichler Horn – Berliner Hütte (6:30 hours)

This is an epic day along the Berlin High Trail and hands down one of the most beautiful trails in the Alps. You’ll be completely engrossed visually and physically.

This stage begins with a steep ascent to Schönbichler Horn peak (3,134 m, 2 hours) characterized by tight switchbacks and increasingly uneven terrain. The final stretch to the peak is secured with ropes.

The initial descent from the peak is well-secured with more ropes. It looks rather intimidating, but we felt quite safe. Surrounded by glaciers, falling ridges and peaks in every direction, the views are sensational.

White glacial ice bleeds into slate-colored rocks, which in turn bleed into grassy-green slopes.

Following the mountain ridge, you’ll continue to descend. The trail gets easier as you progress. Eventually, you’ll see Berliner Hütte and the Zemmgrund Valley. As you lose elevation, it looks like the river is spilling out of the Berlin mountain hut.

As you follow another ridge above the Waxeggbach River, the trail gets increasingly uneven. The path ultimately divides. Left leads you to Waxeggalm and the Alpenrose mountain hut. Right leads you across the Waxeggbach River and to the Berliner hut.

After the river crossing, it’s an easy 30-minute hike to the hut. Cross the gated bridge to reach the grandest refuge in the Alps.

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Stay in the Berlin Hut

Visiting the Berliner Hütte (2,044 m) is an experience in and of itself. The wood-paneled dining room, with its high ceilings and wooden chandeliers, is both grand and rustic.

It looks like the perfect setting for a salacious murder mystery, set in the turn of the 20th century.

Reservation | Berliner Hütte – Online Reservation via Alpsonline

Payment | Cash only

Showers |  3 EUR for a 3 min shower

Drinking Water | Tap water is safe to drink.

Electronic Charging Stations | In rooms

Half Board or à la carte | Both options are excellent. The salad buffet is especially wonderful. We opted for à la carte, so that we could order scrambled eggs for breakfast (instead of another bread heavy breakfast).

Rooms | Lager dormitory rooms and private rooms available.

Berlin High Trail Stage 4: Berliner Hütte – Greizer Hütte

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Stage 4 Trail Stats

Distance | 8.8 km

Time Needed |  6 – 6:30 hours

Elevation Gain | 1220 meters

Elevation Loss | 1050 meters

Difficulty | Difficult

Minimum Elevation | 1824 meters

Maximum Elevation | 2872 meters

Route | Berliner Hütte (2,044 m) – Schwarzsee (2,472 m) – Mörchenscharte (2,872 m) – Greizer Hütte (2,227 m)

Lunch Option | Bring a snack, or request a packaged lunch at Berliner Hütte.

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Berliner Hütte – Mörchenscharte – Greizer Hütte (6:30 hours)

The trail starts out gently. Ascend trail 502 to Schwarzsee (Black Lake), 1:30 hours. This is another profoundly beautiful segment of the Berlin High Trail.

After passing the lake, the trail suddenly steepens. But unlike yesterday, there’s more variation in gradient, so the ascent to Mörchenscharte (2,872 m) isn’t as taxing as the one to Schönbichler Horn.

As you near Mörchenscharte ridge, the trail crosses a field of boulders. The landscape is foreboding and sinister, especially when it’s overcast.

They really ought to rename Mörchenscharte something more dramatic like “secret gate to Hell,” or “the Devil’s passage.” The final stretch to the Scharte (ridge) is very steep.

When we reached Mörchenscharte, the fog-filled up the valley like water in a bathtub. As we descended from the ridge, it felt like we were dipping into a pool of nothingness.

The initial descent is secured with ropes. But after, the switchbacks are very steep and slippery. This is the only place that felt a bit precarious along the Berliner Höhenweg. Be careful.

The trail does get easier. Follow the switchbacks and hike down two additional secured sections before reaching the valley floor.

It took us 2:30 hours to hike from Mörchenscharte to the Mörchenklammbach river.

The trail crosses the valley, including Mörchenklammbach river and Floitenbach river.

After the water crossings, it’s a 1-hour ascent to Greizer Hütte. You’ll likely smell the homemade cooking of the hut well before you arrive.

We arrived soaking wet, having hiked for a few hours in rain. As soon as we stripped off our wet clothes, we settled into the cozy hut and ate up the entire menu, including their homemade Apfelstrudel.

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Stay in Greizer Hütte

Surrounded by glaciers and tumbling water in every direction, Greizer mountain hut (2,227 m) feels removed from the rest of the world.

Adorned with red-heart-patterned curtains, the wooden interior is perfectly charming. And there were a few proud goats roaming about outside. We loved everything about this mountain refuge.

Reservation | Greizer Hütte – Online Reservation via Alpsonline

Payment | Cash Only

Showers | None

Drinking Water | Tap water is safe to drink

Electronic Charging Stations | There are several sockets in the hut.

Half Board or à la carte | The food is excellent. Both options are great.

Rooms | Lager and private rooms available. The lager is very tight, so this would be a place to get your own room.

Berlin High Trail Stage 5: Greizer Hütte – Kasseler Hütte

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Stage 5 Trail Stats

Distance | 9.4 km

Time Needed | 6 hours

Elevation Gain | 747 meters

Elevation Loss | 797 meters

Difficulty | Difficult

Minimum Elevation | 2101 meters

Maximum Elevation | 2178 meters

Route | Greizer Hütte (2,227 m) – Lapenscharte (2,701 m) – Kasseler Hütte (2,178 m)

Lunch Option | Bring a snack, or request a packaged lunch at Greizer Hütte.

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Greizer Hütte – Lapenscharte – Kasseler Hütte (6 hours)

We hiked this stage in unsafe and hazardous weather conditions, so this whole day is a blur. Honestly, IT WAS MISERABLE, which is why I have no notes for this stage.

From Greizer Hütte, it’s a moderate ascent to Lapenscharte ridge (2,701 m, 1:30 hours). The initial descent from the ridge isn’t overly difficult.

There’s a significant boulder crossing, which is tricky to navigate (especially in rain).

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Stay in Kasseler Hütte

Reservation | Kasseler Hütte – Online Reservation via Alpsonline

Payment | Cash only

Showers | Available

Drinking Water | Tap water is drinkable

Electronic Charging Stations | Available

Half Board or à la carte | half board, or mountaineering meal

Rooms | shared rooms and dormitory rooms

Berlin High Trail Exit Stage: Kasseler Hütte – Stilluptal Valley

You can exit the Berlin High Trail by descending from Kasseler Hütte (2,178 m) to Stilluptal Valley. We only recommend doing this in cases of bad weather, which is what we did.

We took a taxi from Grüne-Wand-Hütte (1,438 m) to Mayrhofen.

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Exit Stage Trail Stats

Distance | 4.8 km

Time Needed | 1:30 hours

Elevation Gain | 2 meters

Elevation Loss | 746 meters

Difficulty | Moderate

Minimum Elevation | 1432 meters

Maximum Elevation | 2178 meters

Route | Kasseler Hütte (2,178 m) – Grüne-Wand-Hütte (1,438 m) – (Mayrhofen)

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Stay in Mayrhofen

Budget | Landhotel Rauchenwalderhof

Midrange | Alpenhotel Kramerwirt

Luxury | ElisabethHotel Premium Private Retreat- Adults only

Look for accommodation in Mayrhofen.

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More Hut to Hut Hiking Trails

Austria:

• Best Treks in Austria
• Emperor’s Crown (Kaiserkrone) Trek
• Rätikon High Trail
• Montafon Hut to Hut Circuit
• Eagle Walk
• Schladminger Tauern High Trail
• Venediger High Trail
• Karwendel High Trail

Europe:

• Best Treks in Europe
• Hut to Hut Hiking in Slovenia
• Hut to Hut Hiking in the Italian Dolomites

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