Montafon Hut to Hut Hiking Trail in Vorarlberg, Austria

Montafon Hut to Hut Circuit: Complete Route

• Stage 1: (Schruns) – Slibertal – Wormser Hütte (4:15 hours, 8.6 km)
• Stage 2: Wormser Hütte – Neue Heilbronner Hütte (8:30 hours, 22 km)
• Stage 3: Neue Heilbronner Hütte – Silvretta Bielerhöhe (8:15 hours, 18.3 km)
• Stage 4: Silvretta Bielerhöhe – Wiesbadener Hütte (3:30 hours, 7.7 km)
• Stage 5: Wiesbadener Hütte – Saarbrucker Hütte (4:45 hours, 10.7 km)
• Stage 6: Saarbrucker Hütte – Tübinger Hütte (2:45 hours, 4.6 km)
• Stage 7: Tübinger Hütte – Gargellen (5 hours, 12.2 km)
• Stage 8: Gargellen – Tilisunahütte (4:45 hours, 9.9 km)
• Stage 9: Tilisunahütte – Lindauer Hütte (2:30 hours, 4.6 km)
• Stage 10: Lindauer Hütte – Totalphütte (4:45 hours, 10.6 km)
• Stage 11: Totalphütte – Douglass Hütte (1:11 hours, 3 km)
• Stage 12: Douglass Hütte – Heinrich Hueter Hütte (2 hours, 4.8 km)
• Stage 13: Heinrich Hueter Hütte – Latschau (5:15 hours, 13.5 km)

Montafon Hut to Hut Circuit: Our Route

• Day 1 (Stage 4): Schruns – Bus to Silvretta Bielerhöhe – Wiesbadener Hütte (3:30 hours, 7.7 km)
• Day 2 (Stage 5): Wiesbadener Hütte – Saarbrucker Hütte (4:45 hours, 10.7 km)
• Day 3 (Stages 6 and 7): Saarbrucker Hütte – Tübinger Hütte – Gargellen (7:45 hours, 16.8 km)
• Day 4 (Stage 8 and Exit Route): Gargellen – Tilisunahütte – Tobelsee – Latschau – Schruns (9 hours, 21.7 km)

We started our Montafon hut to hut trek at Silvretta Bielerhöhe, the beginning of Stage 4, because we had to skip the first 3 stages due to poor weather. While we were sad to miss the Verwall section of the trek, we were delighted by the Silvretta stages.

On Day 3, we combined two stages, which isn’t typically done but it’s certainly possible.

On Day 4, we completed stage 8 of the trek and then continued all the way down to Schruns in Montafon Valley. In retrospect, it would have been better to stay the night in Tilisunahütte (or even Lindauer Hütte) and then exit the trail the next day. Our final day was simply too long.

How to get to Schruns, Montafon Valley, Austria

The closest international Airport to Montafon Valley is Zurich-Kloten (ZRH), Switzerland. Another option is to fly to Munich (MUC) in Germany. If you’re traveling from the UK, you could also fly into Memmingen Airport in Germany.

• Zurich – Schruns: 2 hours by car / 2:30-hours by train
• Munich – Schruns: 2:30 hours by car / 5 hours by train
• Memmingen – Schruns: 1:30 hours by car

For regional travelers, we recommend traveling by train to Bludenz in Vorarlberg. From Bludenz, take a regional trail to Schruns.

Where to Stay in Schruns: Löwen Hotel Montafon

Löwen Hotel Montafon is a 4-star superior hotel in Schruns. From the design concept to the wellness area, there’s no better place to start and end your Montafon trek. Here are some compelling reasons to stay here:

• 3000 square meter Wellness & Spa Area. You can take advantage of the hotel’s in-house spa (included in the rate), which boasts an indoor and outdoor pool, five saunas, a Lady’s spa area, a whirlpool, multiple relaxation rooms, waterbeds, a refreshment bar, a reading room, and a footbath. This luxurious wellness area is the perfect beginning and ending to a multi-day trek in Montafon.
• 3/4 Pension. Your stay includes breakfast, an afternoon snack, and dinner.
• Comfortable and Impressive Lounge and Bar. The interior design features a captivating interplay between natural elements of the Montafon Valley. These spaces beg you to relax, read, and enjoy a drink at any time of the day.
• Private parking. If you stay at Löwen Hotel Montafon both before and after your trek, you can leave your car in their garage while you’re hiking (at no extra cost). You can also leave your luggage in their storage room.
• Highly Professional and Attentive Staff. We were blown away by the energy, diligence, and overall competence of everyone working at this hotel.
• Location. Löwen hotel is a mere 5-minute walk to the train and bus station. If you don’t want to walk to the Bahnhof, use the free shuttle service.
• Bedding and Linnen. The pillows and comforters are extremely cozy.
• Cherry-on-top: Bedtime surprise on your pillow.

Book your stay at Löwen Hotel Montafon.

If you’re looking for something mid-range, check out Hotel Krone.

Find a place to stay in Schruns: Booking.com  |  Airbnb

How to Get to the Silvretta Bielerhöhe Trailhead

Stage 4 of the Montafon Hut-to-Hut Circuit begins at Silvretta Bielerhöhe, which is a mountain pass that connects Vorarlberg’s Montafon Valley with the Paznaun Valley in Tyrol. Silvretta Bielerhöhe is also located along the Silvretta High Alpine Road between the Verwall mountain range and the Silvretta Alps. Here, there’s an impressive reservoir, a tourist shop and restaurant, a hotel, and a mountain hut.

Silvretta Bielerhöhe is accessible by bus from Schruns. Simply head to the Schruns Bahnhof and take Bus #85 to Silvretta Bielerhöhe.

How much does the bus cost? 7.20 EUR (Bus Ride) + 4.50 EUR (Maut/Toll) = 11.70 EUR per person one-way (cash only)

Transit Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Stage 4: Silvretta Bielerhöhe – Radsattel – (Hohes Rad) – Radsattel – Wiesbadener Hütte

• Distance: 7.7 km
• Difficulty: Easy 
• Elevation: 704 m ascending, 291 m descending 
• Time Needed: 3:30 hours
• Lunch Option: You can eat at the trailhead.

This stage is on the short-side. For those that hiked Stage 2 (22 km) & Stage 3 (18.3 km), Stage 4 is a well-earned and very needed respite. For those starting their trek here (like us), Stage 4 is rather easy and short. To make it longer and more challenging, you can summit Hohes Rad (2934 m) today as well. 

Silvretta Bielerhöhe to Radsattel (2:40 hours)

From the bus stop at Silvretta Bielerhöhe, head in the direction of Tirol, passing the tourist shop and the restaurant. Hike along the Silvretta Staumauer (reservoir wall), hugging the reservoir, and make your way to Bieltal (Biel Valley). 

Follow signs to Wiesbadener Hütte. When the trail divides, follow the left trail to Wiesbadender Hütte über Bieltal (3:15 hours) and Radsattel (2:15 hours). There are other ways to Wiesbadener Hütte, but this is the most beautiful. As you continue, there are spectacular views of the serpentine Silvretta High Alpine Road (Silvretta Hochalpenstrasse) on your left.  

The trail gently ascends along the Bieltalbach (Biel Valley Stream) all the way to Radsattel (2652 m, Rad Saddle). Accompanied by the sound of running water, you’ll follow this soft valley trail for a good 1:30 hours before it steepens. 

As you near the saddle, you’ll traverse some boulders and possibly a snowfield (in early summer). There’s a small lake on your right called Radsee. Keep your eyes out for roaming Ibex. We saw at least two dozen. 

The Radsattel (2652 m) is the mountain saddle between Bieltalkopf (2797 m, Biel Valley Head) and Hohes Rad (2934 m). When you crest the saddle, you won’t believe your eyes. With its razor-sharp peaks and glacial ice, the imposing Silvretta range seems to puncture the sky. 

From Radsattel, it’s a mere 50-minute hike to Wiesbadener Hütte. 

Optional Detour: Hohes Rad Peak (3 hours return)

For those that want to detour to Hohes Rad peak, you can turn right at the Rad saddle and hike 30 minutes to the Radschulter (Rad Shoulder), crossing a slope of boulders and snow.

From the Radschulter (2697 m), it’s a 40-minute ascent to the peak. This trail requires some scrambling, sure-footedness, and a head for heights. We recommend leaving your heavy backpacks at the Radschulter, before ascending. The peak rewards you with panoramic views of the Silvretta range. Return by the same route to the Radsattel. 

Radsattel to Wiesbadener Hütte (50 minutes)

From the Radsattel, descend in the direction of the small tarn straight ahead. Before reaching the tarn, the trail splits. Follow the left trail to Wiesbadener Hütte (40 minutes). From the tarn, the trail ascends again gently and you’ll follow an undulating path for the next 30 minutes. 

The scenery stretches out sublimely before you, creating a visual crescendo of soaring peaks, accented by glacial ice. It feels like you’re embarking on an epic journey with great purpose and a sense of adventure.

Ultimately, you’ll descend to Wiesbadener Hütte (2443 m), the impressive mountain lodge facing Piz Buin, the Ochsentaler glacier, and the Silvrettahorn.

Stay in Wiesbadener Hütte (2443 m)

• Reservation: Online
• Showers: 1 EUR for 1:30 Minutes, operated by 1 EUR coins.
• Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink
• Electronic Charging Stations: In rooms, or in the hallways (free).
• Payment: Cash Only
• Food: Very good
• Half Board or à la carte: Both available
• Rooms: Dormitory, and private rooms

Wiesbadener Hütte is a large mountain hut that serves as the base for glacier and climbing tours to Piz Buin and surrounding peaks. When you arrive, the adrenalin is almost palpable. On the weekend, the hut is buzzing with group tours and independent climbers. It’s quite something. 

We were really impressed by the management of this hut. The staff is attentive, fast, and friendly, despite the number of people. They’ve got it down! 

Stage 5: Wiesbadener Hütte – Ochsental – Silvrettasee – Klostertal – Verhupftäli – Litzner Sattel – Saarbrücker Hütte

• Distance: 10.7 km
• Difficulty: The first half is easy, the second half is difficult 
• Elevation: 800 m ascending, 706 m descending 
• Time Needed: 4:45 hours
• Lunch Option: None

The beginning of Stage 5 of the Montafon Hut to Hut Circuit is blissfully easy. You’ll hike down Ochsental valley to the Silvretta Stausee. Behind you, Piz Buin glows in warm tones of orange and choral. 

When the Ochsental trail intersects the Silvretta Stausee circuit trail, turn left. Following the reservoir circuit trail, you’ll cross a bridge, and then you’ll soon turn left in the direction of Saarbrücker Hütte (signed 3:15 hours). 

A flat, level trail follows the Klostertaler Bach stream up Klostertal Valley. After about 700 meters, there’s an opportunity to cross the stream and follow the hiking path on the right-side of Klostertaler Bach. We didn’t cross here, because we wanted to stay on the easy-wide track on the left side. However, this is the “easier” way to cross the stream.

If you stay on the left-side (like we did), you’ll have to cross the Klostertaler Bach stream further up the valley via two narrow footbridges. Kati had no problem crossing these footbridges. I hated them (they made me dizzy), and avoided the second one altogether, crossing a different way entirely. 

After you cross the stream (where the two footbridges are), you’ll start ascending rather quickly and steeply to Litznersattel. It’s a calf burner. 

As you ascend, the views behind you crescendo with every meter gained. Klostertaler Egghorn (3120 m), Schattenkopf (3114 m), Schattenspitze (3202 m), Schneeglocke (3223 m), and Knoten (3190 m) rise up magnificently, creating a nightmarish ensemble of pitch-black peaks. 

When the trail plateaus, you’ll hike along level ground for a few meters, before once again ascending through a rocky landscape. It looks like you have to traverse boulders, but the path is cut very well, making this part actually easier than you’d expect.

When you crest (unfortunately not the saddle), you’ll see a tiny tarn below. Descend to the small tarn and then ascend one last time to Litznersattel.

From the Litznersattel (2740 m), it’s 50-minutes to Saarbrücker Hütte. The hut is already visible from the saddle. The descent is slippery at first but becomes increasingly easier. We crossed several snowfields before reaching the “valley” floor. The trail intersects a road, which you can follow all the way to the hut (20 minutes). There’s also a hiking path, which is a bit faster.

Stay in Saarbrücker Hütte (2538 m)

• Reservation: Online
• Showers: 3 EUR for a 4 Minute Shower, Token Operated
• Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink
• Electronic Charging Stations: Hallway, or in the dining room (near the server window)
• Payment: Cash only
• Food Quality: EXCELLENT!!!!
• Half Board or à la carte: Both available. à la carte (5 options) or half board (3-course menu).
• Rooms: Dormitory, and private rooms

Saarbrücker Hütte is an effortlessly charming, laid-back mountain hut facing Grosslitzner (3109 m) and Grosses Seehorn (3121 m). Whether you enjoy the late afternoon sun on the outdoor terrace or take shelter in the interior dining room, this perfect mountain hut will remind you why you love hiking in the Austrian Alps (if you need a reminder that is). You can expect excellent food served with kind smiles. 

Stage 6: Saarbrücker Hütte (Gletscherfreier Weg) – Seelücke – towards Schottensee (CH) – Plattenjoch – Tübinger Hütte

• Distance: 4.6 km
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Elevation: 397 m ascending / 747 m descending 
• Time Needed: 2:45 hours
• Lunch Option: Tübinger Hütte

Stage 6 begins with a 50-minute ascent to Seelücke (“lake gap”). At Seelücke, you’ll descend into Switzerland, in the direction of Schottensee (lake). You’ll hike one-hour on the Swiss-side to Seetal and up to Plattenjoch. Initially, the descent is bolstered by wooden beams. Take extra care here, as the terrain isn’t stable.

Surrounded by rocky slopes and mountains, It feels very desolate and lonesome on this side. After about 30-minutes, you’ll turn right in the direction of Plattenjoch (Platten pass). There are some steel chains to aid your ascent.

From Plattenjoch, cross back into Austria and descend 1:30 hours (520 m) to Tübinger Hütte. At first, the trail is quite slippery and steep. In mid-July, 70% of the route to Tübinger was covered in snow. Hiking poles are essential. As you near the hut, the trail is lined with alpenrose. 

Stage 6 ends at Tübinger Hütte. Most hikers will stay overnight here. We decided to eat lunch at the hut and continue hiking to Gargellen. Combing stages 6 and 7 is doable if you’re conditionally fit and are comfortable hiking 16.8 km in a single day.

Stage 7: Tübinger Hütte – Mittelbergjöchli – Vergaldner Jöchli – Vergadnertal – Alpe Vergalden – Gargellen

• Distance: 12.2 km
• Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
• Elevation: 326 m ascending / 1109 m descending
• Time Needed: 5 hours
• Lunch Option: Alpe Vergalden

From Tübinger Hütte, you’ll backtrack a few meters and turn right, following signs to Vergaldner Joch (1:45 min) and Gargellen (5 hours). Slabs of stone guide you across the Garnerabach stream. 

For the next hour, you’ll horizontally cross the mountain slopes to the opposite side of Garneratal Valley (across Tübinger Hütte). The path traverses alternating slopes of boulders and grass, before making an ascent to Mittelbergjöchli (pass).

Glancing back at the hut and the mountain wall rising above, you’ll be extremely impressed and possibly bewildered about your descent from Plattenjoch. HOW ON EARTH DID WE COME DOWN THAT?!?!?

At Mittelbergjöchli, you’ll descend and then make a counter-ascent to the Vergaldner Jöchli pass. It’s only 780 meters between the two Joche (passes). 

Vergaldner Jöchli begs you to take off your backpack, rest, and enjoy the views. It’s only downhill from here! Also, you can already see the limestone peaks of the Rätikon.

From Vergaldner Joch, it’s 2 hours to Alpe Vergalden and 3:15 hours to Gargellen. The descent is nice and easy. You’ll cross grassy slopes brimming with wildflowers: royal blue Enzian, violet Fairy’s Thimble, baby-blue Forget-me-not flowers, pink Alpen Rose, and yellow Buttercup. 

At Rotbühel, you’ll turn right and follow the Vergalda Tal valley trail that runs parallel to the Vergaldenbach stream. More easy walking, yay!!

The trail eventually crosses the Alpe Vergalden (1820 m), which is an active alpine dairy farm surrounded by grazing mountain pastures. You’ll hear the bells before you see the Alpe. Note: in Vorarlberg, Alpe means alpine pasture. In Salzburg and Styria, mountain pastures are called Almen (singular: Alm). 

Alpe Vergalden is an enchanting place to rest, try homemade Muntafuner Sura Kees, and enjoy the alpine setting. If you walk into the hut, you can see their cheese production in process. We loved it here. It’s one of those places that make your heart fuller. 

After a well-deserved and restorative break at the Alpe, continue walking down the valley along the road. After about 35 minutes, the road divides. Take the right path, which slopes down, and turn right at the intersection (Gargellen is signed 25 minutes). You’ll cross a bridge and walk through the forest, before arriving in Gargellen village.

Stay in Gargellen at Hotel Alpenrose (1423 m)

After a few nights in mountain huts, it’s a treat to stay in a hotel. Here’s why we loved staying at Hotel Alpenrose:

• Delicious dinner. Their salad buffet is especially plentiful and scrumptious.
• Relaxing Wellness area. When you arrive, you can enjoy their wellness facilities before dinner, which encompasses a Finnish sauna, a steam sauna, an infrared sauna, and a resting room. After our 16 km hike, this was a BLESSING!
• Amiable and considerate staff.
• Sunset from our balcony.
• Ideal Location. The hotel is located directly on the trail to Tilisuna Hütte.
• Flexibility. We wanted to get an early start the next day (6 am), so they packed us a breakfast packet the night before.

Book your stay at Gargellen Hotel Alpenrose.

Find a place to stay in Gargellen: Booking.com  |  Airbnb

Stage 8: Gargellen – Untere Röbialpe – Obere Röbialpe – Sarottlajoch – Plasseggenpass – Grubenpass – Tilisunahütte

• Distance: 9.8 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation: 1091 m ascending / 286 m descending 
• Time Needed: 4:45 hours
• Lunch Option: Ronggalpe (at the very beginning of the stage) and Tilisunahütte (final destination)

Gargellen to Sarottlajoch (3 hours)

From Hotel Alpenrose, follow the trail in the direction of Ronggalpe. Cross the meadow. As you ascend, the views of Gargellen are delightful. After about 25-30 minutes, you’ll arrive at Ronggalpe, an idyllic alpine pasture surrounded by donkeys, pigs, and horses.

Just before the Alpe, a trail bears right, sloping downwards, in the direction of Sarottlajoch (3 hours) and Tilisuna Hütte (4:15 hours). After crossing the Röbibach stream, you’ll hike through the forest and then up another alpine pasture.

The ascent continues up sloping alpine pastures and forest. When you reach Obere Röbialpe (Upper Röbi Alpine Pasture), marked by a single wooden herdsmen hut, a Cross, and a bench, the trail levels out. From the hut, you’ll head right and horizontally cross the alpine pasture. When you wrap around the slope and “turn a corner,” you’ll continue along an ever-so-slightly ascending trail to Sarottlajoch. The trail is washed out in some areas, so be mindful where you step.

Sarottlajoch to Tilisunahütte (1:45 hours)

From Sarottlajoch pass (Swiss-Austrian Border), you’ll hike 20-minutes on the Swiss-side to Plasseggenpass (Swiss-Austrian Border). The limestone Rätikon stands before you, an exciting contrast to the crystalline Silvretta mountains.

From Plasseggenpass (2354 m), the trail continues between the Rätikon and Silvretta ranges, traversing soft loamy terrain, to Grubenpass.

From Grubenpass, it’s a 30-minute walk to Tilisunahütte. You’ll pass a number of small tarns ringed with cotton flowers. We hiked this section in rain, and we still loved it. Tilisunahütte is spectacularly positioned high above Tilisuna Lake.

Stay in Tilisunahütte (2211 m)

After coffee and cake at Tilisunahütte, we carried on to Tobelsee and all the way down to Montafon Valley. We’ll describe this exit route in the next section. With breaks, it took us 11 hours (5:50 am – 5 pm) to hike from Gargellen to Schruns. If we could do it again, we’d stay the night in Tilisunahütte, or even in Lindauer Hütte, before hiking down to Schruns.

• Showers: 1 EUR for 1 Minute
• Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink
• Electronic Charging Stations: 
• Payment: Cash, or Credit Card
• Food Quality: Very good
• Rooms: Rooms with 5-7 beds. Dormitory with 10-13 beds.

Exit Route: Tilisunahütte – Schwarzhorn-Sattel – Tobelsee – Alpilaalpe – Gauer Tal –  Latschau – Schluchtweg – Tschagguns – Schruns

• Distance: 11.4 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation: 83 m ascending / 1730 m descending 
• Time Needed: 4 hours
• Lunch Option: You can eat a light snack at Alpilaalpe.

Stage 9 of the  Montafon Hüttenrunde continues to Lindauer Hütte. We hiked this route the previous year when we did the Rätikon High Trail Circuit, so we wanted to hike something new.

From Tilisunahütte, we continued to Tobelsee via Schwarzhorn-Sattel (2171 m). With Tilisuna lake on your right, you’ll descend to a grazing pasture dotted with cows. Before crossing the second pasture fence, there’s a trail intersection. Turn left and hike up to Schwarzhorn-Sattel.

From the saddle, it’s a 20-minute descent to Tobelsee Lake. This tiny alpine lake serves up one of the best views of Drei Türme (Three Towers), a triad of Rätikon peaks. We spent a good hour here, enjoying the view and cooling off our feet in the crisp lake water.

From the lake, you’ll descend to Alpilaalpe (45 minutes). The trail is easy and the views of the Rätikon are outstanding. On your left, you can see Lindauer Hütte at the foot of the Drei Türme. On your right, you’ll see Montafon Valley.

From Alpilaalpe, follow the road until the hiking trail resumes. You’ll continue descending across a mountain slope to Gauer Tal Valley. Join the wide track (“Gauertalweg”) leading to Latschau.

From Latschau, you can take a bus to Tschagguns, or Schruns.

Alternatively, you can hike down to Tschagguns via the Schluchtweg (“gorge path”), which runs parallel to the Rasafei stream. Right before Hotel Montabella in Latschau, the Schluchtweg trail bears right. Follow this trail into Tschagguns.

From Tschagguns, cross the river and walk 1.4 km to Schruns.

Find a place to stay in Schruns: Booking.com  |  Airbnb