Rätikon High Trail Circuit – Hut to Hut Hiking Itinerary

Responsible Travel in the Rätikon Alps

• Respect the habitats of animals and plants. Picking, or removing flowers, plants, and rocks is not allowed.
• 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).
• Drones are not permitted.
• Wild camping is not permitted on the Austrian side. On this Swiss side, camping is possible with permission from landowners.
• Keep a safe distance from livestock. Much of this trekking route traverses pastureland with free-roaming cattle. Don’t pet the cows, or try to take a selfie with a cow (yes – people do this and it’s damn right stupid). Alms, or pastures, are enclosed by electric fences. Sometimes you just have to step over the fence. Other times, you have to unhook the fence. As you pass through the electric fence, only touch the handle and make sure to close it behind you.

Learn more about mountain pastures in our Alps in Summer guide.

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Make Reservations for Mountain Huts

• It’s important to make reservations for overnight stays at least 2 weeks in advance.
• For most huts, you can choose between sleeping in a shared dormitory (“lager”) or a private room.
• You can make reservations for these Rätikon huts online, with the exception of Mannheimer Hütte.

Here’s the contact information for the mountain huts along the route.

• Lindauer Hütte – Online reservation possible
• Carschinahütte  –  Online reservation possible
• Schesaplana Hütte – Online reservation possible
• Mannheimer Hütte – Phone, or Email reservation: [email protected]

For more details re: making reservations, read hut to hut hiking in Austria.

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Become a member of a UIAA Alpine Club

You’ll get a significant discount on your overnight stay if you present your alpine club membership card.

There are tons of UIAA alpine clubs throughout Europe which participate in the International Reciprocal Agreement on Mountain Huts. That means if you’re a member of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) or German Alpine Club (DAV), for example, you’re entitled to the same benefits as members of the Österreichischen Alpenverein (Austrian Alpine Club).

If you want to learn more about UIAA alpine clubs, read Tips for Hiking in the European Alps.

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Buy a Paper Trail Map

We used this Freytag+Berndt WK374 Trail Map for this hike.

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Follow the Waymarks

You’ll see several different trail markers throughout the trek. Most of the hike is marked with white and red stripes, indicating a moderate trail. Some of this route is marked with blue and white stripes, signifying a difficult trail.

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Pack Hiking Poles and…

• Trail Poles: Unisex Black Diamond Hiking Poles
• Hiking Backpack: Osprey Kyte 36 (for women) and Osprey Kestrel 38 (for men)
• Grade B/C Hiking Boots: Hanwag Tatra II GTX  or Meindl Schuhe Island Lady (for women) and Hanwag Tatra II GTX (for men).

Read our complete hut to hut hiking packing list.

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Bring enough Cash and Budget for 60 EUR per person per day

Note: budget an additional 20 EUR per day if you don’t have an alpine club membership card. In the Swiss huts, you can pay with Euro. It’s obviously better if you have Swiss Francs (because of the “poor” exchange rate given in the huts), but it’s hassle-free if you only have Euro. The Swiss huts are more expensive than the Austrian huts.

• Dormitory Mattress (Lager): 10 – 13 EUR with Alpine Club Membership. 20 – 23 EUR without Alpine Club Membership.
• Private room (2-beds): 22 EUR per person with Alpine Club Membership. 33 EUR per person without Alpine Club Membership.
• Breakfast Buffet: 10 – 14 EUR per person
• Half Board (Dinner & Breakfast): 25 EUR – 32 EUR per person.
• Beer & Wine: 4.50 EUR+

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Pack Snacks

We recommend bringing several snacks with you (trail mix, energy bars, crackers, etc…). At the huts, you can purchase packed lunches. Here are your lunch options each day of the trek:

Day 1: Eat at Douglasshütte, at the start of the trek.

Day 2: Eat at Tilisunahütte.

Day 3: Bring a snack with you, or purchase a packed lunch from Carschinahütte.

Day 4: Bring a snack with you, or purchase a packed lunch from Schesaplannahütte.

Day 5: You can eat lunch at Totalphütte. Don’t miss out on their homemade Apfelstrudel.

How to get to Brandnertal (Brandner Valley), Austria

Brandnertal is a valley in Vorarlberg at the base of the Rätikon mountains. It’s easy to reach Brandnertal by public transit from Austria’s major cities.

From Innsbruck, Linz, Salzburg, and Vienna take a direct train to Bludenz. From Bludenz, take bus line 81 to Brandnertal (direction: Lünersee). The bus station in Bludenz is located directly outside the train station.

Book your train ticket to Bludenz. You can purchase your bus tickets on the bus.

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Where to Stay in Brandnertal

Your journey to Brandnertal in Vorarlberg will likely be a long one. For example, it’s a 7-hour-long train ride if you’re coming from Vienna. We recommend staying 1 to 2 nights in Brandnertal, before starting the hike, so you’re fully rested and better acclimated.

While Bludenz serves as a main transit hub for the region, the town is too far from the start of the trek. We suggest basing yourself in the town of Brand in Brandnertal, or on the high alpine plateau Tschengla, which overlooks Brandnertal.

Budget | Pension Bergkristall is an apartment-style accommodation in Brand, next to the Dorfbahn Cable Car Station. If you’re planning to base yourself in Brandnertal for a few days, or even a week, you’ll feel very comfortable here. Breakfast is available upon request.

Midrange | Hotel Lün is a top-rated modern alpine hotel in Brand, offering double rooms as well as apartments with fully equipped kitchenettes and dining areas. Highlights of staying here are the spa area, the breakfast buffet, the fresh and cheerful design.

Luxury | Aktiv-Hotel Sarotla is a stylish and modern hotel with excellent spa facilities, spacious rooms with balconies, and a fabulous hotel restaurant and bar. Guests can participate in guided hiking and cycling tours free of charge.

Where we stayed | Schillerkopf Alpine Resort is a 4-star hotel located on Tschengla Plateau. 

Schillerkopf has mastered the art of hospitality. From the moment you arrive, you feel extremely welcome and that your stay matters. From the managers to the servers, each staff member contributes to your overall experience.

We were impressed by the thoughtful details and overall concept of Schillerkopf. Your room rate includes all your meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon cake, and dinner), fabulous wellness facilities (4 saunas, outdoor pool, indoor pool, resting rooms), garden access, and a library. All your needs are met. 

We loved that Schillerkopf provides a spa bag with bathrobes and towels in your room. We also loved that there’s a pillow menu, where you can request special pillows for the night.

And, each morning, you’ll find a “Schillerkopf Journal” waiting for you on your breakfast table. The daily journey contains suggested hiking trails, a daily quote, and riddle, activities in the region, as well as a timetable for “Bergbahnen” (gondolas), etc…  The list really goes on.

So, if you’re looking for the perfect place to start, or end this hike, look no further than Schillerkopf Alpine Resort. You’ll feel restored and pampered.

Look for accommodation in Brandnertal.

Getting to the Trailhead

From Brand

Hop on Bus 81 in the direction of Lünersee. The ride takes 15 minutes.

From Tschengla Plateau

From Schillerkopf Hotel (Bürserberg, Tschengla bus stop), we took the summer bus line 81 to Lünerseebahn. The hotel staff will print out the summer bus schedule (“Sommerfahrplan”) for you, effective July 1st – September 15th, and answer any transit questions you have. There are only a few buses that depart from Tschengla to Lünerseebahn during the day, but as long as you plan ahead, you’ll have a seamless journey to the trailhead.

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Riding the Lünerseebahn

Lünerseebahn is an aerial cableway to Lüner Lake, high above Brandner Valley. Our trekking route begins at the lake. You can walk from the base of the cableway station to the lake, but we suggest taking the Lünerseebahn cableway.

• Operating hours: ascent: every 15 min between 8:00 am and 16:55 pm; descent: every 15 min between 8:10 am and 17:00 pm
• Roundtrip Prices: 18.90 EUR for Adults; 18 EUR for Seniors; 11.40 EUR for Children.
• Ascent Prices: 12.40 EUR for Adults; 11.80 EUR for Seniors; 7.50 EUR for Children.

Note: When we did this trek, roundtrip tickets were good for 6 days. Ask, if this is still the case. If so, you’ll be able to use your roundtrip ticket to descend to Brandnertal after completing the circuit.

Day 1: Lünersee / Douglass Hütte (1,976 m) – Schweizer Tor – Öfapass (2,291 m) – Obere Spora Alpe (1,739 m) – Lindauer Hütte (1,744 m)

• Distance: 10 km
• Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
• Minimum Elevation: 1738 m
• Maximum Elevation: 2330 m
• Total climb: 580 m
• Total descent: 827 m
• Time Needed: 4 hours
  

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Your hike begins at Lünersee, one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria. If you’re hungry, definitely grab lunch at Douglass Hütte, the excellently-run mountain hut located at Lünerseebahn. They make a superb “Bauern Salat” (Farmer’s Salad).

From the hut, continue left over the reservoir wall. Follow the circuit path (Lünersee Rundwanderweg) to the opposite side of the lake (~40 minutes).

Shortly before the Lünersee Alpe, there’s a trail leading off to the left in the direction of Lindauer Hütte. You can take this trail, or hike a few more minutes to Lünersee Alpe, and then follow the trail to Lindauer Hütte. From here, it’s approximately 3 hours to the hut.

After crossing the Alpe, the trail soon divides. You’ll want to stay to the left, and then cross the stream. If you continue straight, you’ll end up at Gafalljoch (Cavelljoch) ridge.

After the water crossing, the trail ascends 320 meters up grassy slopes to the saddle below Kirchlispitzen. White limestone boulders accent the green meadows and cotton grass line the river below.

From the saddle, you’ll then descend to an old stone shelter called Altes Zollhaus, which is located at the Schweizer Tor (Swiss Gate). As you head down in the afternoon, the Schweizer Tor shimmers with the midday sunlight.

The “gate pillars” jut out of the soft green earth dramatically. It’s a fantastic site and a great place for a break! When you get to Altes Zollhaus (not used), you’ll look through the gate into Switzerland.

From here, it’s another soft ascent to Öfapass (30 min). From the pass, the trail makes a final descent to the valley below (signed 1 hour 15 min to Lindauer Hütte). You’ll see the Obere Spora Alpe and Lindauer mountain hut from here.

On the valley floor, follow the flat gravel road to the Obere Spora Alpe, a running alpine dairy farm. You can purchase fresh dairy products from the farm, including Keese (cheese), Milch (milk) and Buttermilch (buttermilk), as well as Kuchen (cake).

As you walk through the Alpe, it feels like walking into a 19th-century pastoral landscape painting.

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Stay in Lindauer Hütte

• Showers: 2 EUR for a 4 min shower
• Drinking Water: Tap is safe to drink
• Electronic Charging Stations: You’ll find outlets in your bedroom.
• Payment: Credit Cards and Cash
• Food: Excellent.
• Half Board or à la carte: Both available. You can decide at dinner.
• Rooms: Private rooms and dormitory-style rooms (lager) available.

Lindauer Hütte is a modern, well-run mountain hut. Surrounded by pine trees and with views of the Drei Türme (Three Towers), this is a lovely place to relax, read and eat. Definitely order their Kaiserschmarrn.

There’s even a quiet room for reading. The staff was friendly and fast. Overall, we had a great experience here. If you can, avoid coming here on weekends. It’s a popular hut for families with children – loud, screaming, jumping children ;).

Day 2: Lindauer Hütte (1,744 m) – Bilkengrat (2,006 m) – Schwarze Scharte (2,346 m) – Tilisunahütte (2,211 m) – Carschinahütte (2,236 m)

• Distance: 10.2 km
• Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
• Minimum Elevation: 1650 m
• Maximum Elevation: 2338 m
• Total climb: 899 m
• Total descent: 429 m
• Time Needed: 5 hours

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From the entrance of the hut, follow the sign in the direction of Tilisunahütte – Bilkengrat (signed 3 hours 15 min). You’ll initially head down the gravel road from the hut. A narrow trail cuts right from the gravel path.

You’ll descend gently through pine forest, cross a meadow and then reach a signed intersection at Tramrosa (1,684 m). Take the left trail to Bilkengrat and cross a stream. You’ll ascend quickly, following a steep hairpin trail.

The Drei Türme and Sulzenfluh peaks light up fantastically in the morning.

When you reach Bilkengrat, it’s a bit underwhelming. It’s like a landing area, granting you space and time to take a breath, before continuing the 340 m ascent to Schwarze Scharte (45 min). There are a few ropes securing your passage to the Scharte.

From here, you’ll walk along an easy, flat balcony path for about 70 meters. The view of Tilisunasee lake is one of the most memorable views during the trek. Next, you’ll walk down to Tilisunahütte – your lunch stop. They accept payment in credit cards and cash.

From Tilisuna mountain hut, the trail continues into Switzerland. At the border, you’ll dip into a bowl of limestone (best way to explain it). Surrounded by walls of stone and hiking to the sound of bell-wearing cows, it feels like you’re in a singing bowl.

You’ll eventually ascend out of the “bowl” and slowly progress in the direction of Sulzenfluh. From the Swiss side, Sulzenfluh looks like a lumpy thumb – a very impressive lumpy thumb.

You’ll continue along a mostly flat and easy balcony trail that hugs the side of the mountain. You’ll see Partunsee below, a pool of teal waters. The trail divides. Take the upper trail to Carschinahütte, not to the lake.

The trail crosses more pastures and you’ll hear more cowbells than people. The final stretch brings you across a field of limestone boulders to Carschinahütte.

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Stay in Carschinahütte

• Showers: None
• Drinking Water: Water available in a canister at the entrance, free of charge.
• Electronic Charging Stations: In the Gaststube (Dining Area)
• Payment: Cash Only. They accept payment in EUR and Swiss Francs.
• Food: Excellent! All ingredients served in the hut are sourced from Swiss farms.
• Half Board or à la carte: Only Half Board Available
• Rooms: Lager Only.

This was our favorite mountain hut in the Rätikon. Facing the mighty square-shaped Drusenfluh on one side and more mountains than can be named on all other sides, Carschinahütte is the ultimate destination for a godly sunrise and sunset.

We are so impressed by the food and service at Carschinahütte. The hut management is changing end of summer 2019. Hopefully, the new management follows closely in their predecessors’ footsteps.

Day 3: Carschinahütte (2,236 m) – Cavelljoch (2,239 m) – Schesaplanahütte (1,908 m)

• Distance: 15.8 km
• Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
• Minimum Elevation: 1907 m
• Maximum Elevation: 2261 m
• Total climb: 326 m
• Total descent: 653 m
• Time Needed: 6 hours

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The route on Day 3 of the Rätikon Circuit follows the Prättigauer Höhenweg. As you hike on the Swiss-side of the Rätikon range, you’ll see the Schweizer Tor (Swiss Gate) from a new perspective. But, Drusenfluh is the showstopper today.

From Carschinahütte, follow the gravel road down a few meters to the signed intersection. You’ll head right, passing through the electric fence. As you walk along an easy, flat path, the sun slowly washes the meadows and mountains in warm light. It’s pure magic.

After about 2 hours, you’ll reach an intersection, where you can head right to the Schweizer Tor or left to Scheseplanahütte. Continue left. The trail dips and then ascends in earnest, reminding you that you’re indeed on a hike.

Once the trail plateaus, you’ll follow a level path to Cavelljoch (also spelled Gafalljoch), the ridge between Austria and Switzerland. You’ll see Lünersee from here. (Note: If you wanted to do a 3-day tour of the Rätikon, this is where you’d descend to Lünersee).

From Cavelljoch, it’s 1 hour 45 minutes to Schesaplanahütte. The trail to the hut is mostly straight and characterized by pastures and a river valley below. It drags on.

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Stay in Schesaplanahütte

• Showers: 5 Swiss Francs for a 3 Minute Shower
• Drinking Water: Tap water safe to drink
• Electronic Charging Stations: There’s a charging in the hallway of the main hut.
• Payment: Cash only
• Food: Good
• Half Board or à la carte: Half Board Only. If you have dietary restrictions (vegetarian, etc…), let them know when you make your reservation, or a week in advance. This hut isn’t flexible when it comes to accommodating dietary needs at short notice.
• Rooms: Rooms and dormitory-rooms (lager) available. They will show you where to sleep (not first come first serve).

Day 4: Schesaplanahütte  (1,908 m) – Schesaplanasattel (2,739 m) – Schesaplana (2,965 m) – Schafloch Sattel – Brandner Gletscher – Mannheimer Hütte (2,679 m)

• Distance: 7 km
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Minimum Elevation: 1908 m
• Maximum Elevation: 2965 m
• Total climb: 1205 m
• Total descent: 435 m
• Time Needed: 5:30 hours. You have plenty of time today to get to your destination. The light is better in the afternoon, so really no need to rush.

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Marked with the blue and white waymarks, the trail to Schesaplana from the Swiss-side is a no-bullshit hike. It’s steep and requires a head for heights. It’s also a lot of fun. You’ll ascend over 1000 meters in 3 hours.

This is definitely not something you want to do in bad weather when there are slippery conditions and poor visibility. Honestly, the waymarking could be a lot better. The blue/white stripes can be hard to spot, and you’ll need a bit of trail intuition to figure out where to go.

After 2 hours and 15 minutes of ascending, you’ll land at the Schesaplana saddle. It looks like you’re walking on a volcano. From here, you can head directly to Mannheimer Hütte, saving the Schesaplana summit for the next day. Or, you can continue ascending another 45 min to Schesaplana (recommended).

From the saddle, the path to the summit is steep, but the terrain is a lot easier. At the summit, you’ll have epic views of Lünersee and the Rätikon range you just spent the last few days walking around.

From the summit of Schesaplana, you’ll head back to the saddle from which you came. Follow the blue waymarks and signs to Mannheimer Hütte (signed 1 hour 15 min).

You might spot some red/white waymarks and a red-painted “Mannheimer” directing you to go down and right, but ignore those signs. That path is closed.

The terrain is uneven, and you’ll need to look for the waymarks as you head to Schafloch Sattel. The thing is that the trail is really well-marked in the opposite direction, starting in Mannheimer Hütte and heading to the Schesaplana Saddle. It’s like they got lazy, or forgot to paint waymarkers going the other way. Okay, I’m exaggerating (just a bit).

As you make your way down to the Brandner Gletscher – yes that’s Glacier in English – you’ll encounter a few ropes. These ropes will help you descend a slippery steep snowfield.

Once you’ve done that (phew – the hard the part is over!), it’s time to cross the Brandner glacier. In the afternoon, when the glacier “melts” and “softens,” the texture is quite crunchy and it’s super easy to walk across.

You don’t need any special equipment, because the crossing is flat. That being said, when we crossed the glacier the next day – in the morning – it was very icy and freakin slippery.

We could only manage the crossing because we had hiking poles. But, we really could have used our crampons.

After you cross the glacier, it’s a quick 15-minute ascent to the hut. If you have energy to burn, you can continue to Wildberg peak.

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Stay in Mannheimer Hütte

• Showers: None
• Drinking Water: 1.50 EUR for 1 Liter / Tap water isn’t drinking water.
• Electronic Charging Stations: Sporadic. You’ll find some outlets in the dining area and some in the rooms.
• Payment: Cash only
• Food: Okay
• Half Board or à la carte: When you arrive, you can choose between the Half board menu (meat option, or vegetarian option), or the Bergsteiger meal (a discounted entrée for Alpenverein/Alpine club members).
• Rooms: Private rooms and Lager rooms available.

Day 5: Mannheimer Hütte (2,679 m) – Schesaplanasattel (2,739 m) – Südwandsteig – Totalphütte (2,385 m) – Lünersee / Douglass Hütte (1,976 m)

• Distance: 8 km
• Difficulty: Difficult 
• Minimum Elevation: 1963 m
• Maximum Elevation: 2801 m
• Total climb: 262 m
• Total descent: 960 m
• Time Needed: 4:30 hours

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The final day of your Rätikon trek brings you back to Lünersee in a full circle. From the hut, you’ll descend to the Brandner Glacier and cross back to the Schesaplana Saddle. This is the exact same route as yesterday.

From the saddle, follow the signs to “Südwandsteig” (South Wall Route) to Totalphütte. This is the alternative route to Totalp mountain hut, if you don’t go to Schesaplana summit.

Initially, you’ll follow poles through rocky terrain. Then, you follow several red/yellow waymarks. The trail is very narrow at times along scree slopes, so go slowly.

There’s a stretch that’s secured with ropes, easing your passage along the balcony route. Overall, it’s quite manageable.

Eventually, the Südwandsteig intersects with the Schesaplana trail on the Austrian-side. Continue descending to Totalphütte. The trail is difficult because of the crumbling terrain. At Totalphütte, enjoy the view and a delicious homemade Apfelstrudel.

The trail continues to descend to the lake. Eventually, the trail will split. You can head straight down, or take the left “high” path to Douglasshütte, which runs parallel to the circuit trail, just higher (recommended).

Eventually, the trail descends down to the main circuit path and it’s a quick flat walk to Douglasshütte, just in time for lunch.

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Stay in Brandnertal

Head back to your hotel in Brand for a restorative stay after your trek.

Budget | Pension Bergkristall is an apartment-style accommodation in Brand, next to the Dorfbahn Cable Car Station. If you’re planning to base yourself in Brandnertal for a few days, or even a week, you’ll feel very comfortable here. Breakfast is available upon request.

Midrange | Hotel Lün is a top-rated modern alpine hotel in Brand, offering double rooms as well as apartments with fully equipped kitchenettes and dining areas. Highlights of staying here are the spa area, the breakfast buffet, the fresh and cheerful design.

Luxury | Aktiv-Hotel Sarotla is a stylish and modern hotel with excellent spa facilities, spacious rooms with balconies, and a fabulous hotel restaurant and bar. Guests can participate in guided hiking and cycling tours free of charge.

Look for accommodation in Brandnertal.

Rätikon High Trail Circuit 3 Day Route

This is a perfect 3 day route suitable for families and anyone who wants an easy, but tremendously beautiful hike. If you’re new to hut to hut hiking, this is a great place to start. You can follow the itinerary outlined above. On Day 3, you’ll descend down to Lünersee from Gafalljoch/Cavelljoch.

• Day 1: (Brandnertal) – Douglass Hütte – Lünersee – Lindauer Hütte (4 hours, 10 km)
• Day 2: Lindauer Hütte – Tilisunahütte – Carschinahütte (5 hours, 10.2 km)
• Day 3: Carschinahütte – Gafalljoch/Cavelljoch – Lünersee (5 hours, 13.6 km)

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Rätikon High Trail Circuit 4 Day Route

This 4 day route follows the exact route outlined in this guide. However, on Day 4, after ascending to Schesaplana, you’ll continue to Totalphütte and down to Lünersee, instead of hiking to Mannheimer Hütte.

• Day 1: (Brandnertal) – Douglass Hütte – Lünersee – Lindauer Hütte (4 hours, 10 km)
• Day 2: Lindauer Hütte – Tilisunahütte – Carschinahütte (5 hours, 10.2 km)
• Day 3: Carschinahütte – Schesaplanahütte (6 hours, 15.8 km)
• Day 4: Schesaplanahütte – Schesaplana – Totalphütte – Lünersee (9.2 km, 5 hours)