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 #650 to Silvretta Bielerhöhe.
How much does the bus cost? 7.70 EUR (Bus Ride) + 4.50 EUR (Maut/Toll) = 12.20 EUR per person one-way (cash only)
Transit Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Stage 4: Silvretta Bielerhöhe – Radsattel – (Hohes Rad) – Radsattel – Wiesbadener Hütte
- Distance: 8.3 km
- Time Needed: 3:30 hours
- Elevation Gain: 706 meters
- Elevation Loss: 295 meters
- Difficulty: Easy
- Minimum Elevation: 2025 meters
- Maximum Elevation: 2660 meters
- 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 (2:30 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.
- Distance: 3.1 km out-and-back
- Time Needed: 2:30 hours
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 373 meters
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Minimum Elevation: 2618 meters
- Maximum Elevation: 2934 meters
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-Reservation via Alpsonline
- 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!