The Rätikon Alps straddle the border between Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. This small, but incredibly majestic mountain range might be our favorite hiking destination in Austria to date.
With its limestone peaks and sprawling pastureland, the Rätikon is a splendid place for day hikes, hut to hut hikes, and serious climbing.
We hiked several days around the Rätikon Alps, staying in both Austrian mountain huts and Swiss mountain huts. This hut-to-hut route offers incredible variation in terms of culture, scenery, and terrain.
Starting at Lake Lünersee, our 4-day itinerary follows the Rätikon Höhenweg Nord (North Rätikon High Trail) in Vorarlberg, Austria and the Prättigauer Höhenweg (Prättigau High Trail) in Graubünden, Switzerland.
The first 3 days of our Rätikon High Trail trek are blissfully easy-moderate, while the final day (stage 4) is considerably more strenuous and high-alpine in character, as it involves navigating uneven, unstable terrain and technical sections.
On day 4, the 3-hour ascent (1056 meters of elevation gain) from Schesaplanahütte to Schesaplana Peak is steep and involves scrambling. The descent from Schesaplana Peak to Totalphütte requires sure-footedness and comfort with steep, rugged, and slippery terrain. Hiking poles and Grade B/C hiking boots are non-negotiable (in our opinion).
Below, you’ll find our complete 4-day Rätikon hut-to-hut itinerary as well as an easier 3-day Rätikon hut-to-hut variation, which bypasses the demanding Schesaplana section.
Our route begins and ends in Austria. You could also start the circuit in Switzerland.
If you’re curious about other outstanding hut trails in the vicinity, check out the Liechtenstein Panorama Trail in the Rätikon Alps and the Alpstein High Trail in the Appenzell Alps of Switzerland.
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 and sheep. Don’t pet the cows, or try to take a selfie with a cow (yes – people do this and it’s damn right stupid). Learn more about mountain pastures in our Alps in Summer travel guide.
We wrote this comprehensive Rätikon 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.
If you have questions about trail difficulty after reading our guide, please reach out to the Brandnertal tourist office.
- When to Hike: July, August, or early-mid September
- Weather Forecast and Webcam: Bergfex Weather Brandnertal
- Where to Stay: Mountain Huts
- How to Book the Rätikon High Trail: Independently. Instructions below. If you want to book a self-guided trek, check out these alternative trails: 6-Day Hut to Hut Light in the Austrian Alps (kid-friendly), 8 Day Culinary Delight Hut Hiking Tour, and 3 Day Culinary Delight Extended Weekend Hiking
- Overnight Hut Discounts: Discounts are administered to guests with Alpine Club ID cards on which the logo of the reciprocal rights agreement is printed. Learn more about alpine club membership in Tips for Hiking in the Alps.
- What to Pack: Cash (EUR and Swiss Francs, though the Swiss Huts do accept EUR), sleeping bag liner (e.g. Sea to Summit liner). Read our Hut to Hut Hiking Packing List.
- Trail Map: Kompass 032 Brandnertal
- Tips for Hut Hiking in Austria: Read Hut to Hut Hiking in Austria: Essential Tips and Visiting Austrian Mountain Huts
- Vocab: German Hiking Vocabulary
- Where to Stay Before/After the Trek: Pension Bergkristall (midrange), Hotel Lün (midrange), or Aktiv-Hotel Sarotla (luxury) in Brand
Rätikon Alps High Trail Hiking Map
The Rätkon Alps are a limestone and slate mountain range in the Central Eastern Alps located at the border between Vorarlberg (Austria), Graubünden (Switzerland), and Liechtenstein.
The Rätikon Alps are easily accessed from Brandnertal (Brand Valley) and Montafon Valley in Vorarlberg on the Austrian side. On the Swiss side, you can access the mountains from the Prättigau valley in Graubünden.
RÄTIKON TREK STAGES
Where to Stay Before/After Trek
Rätikon Trek Stage 1
Rätikon Trek Stage 2
Rätikon Trek Stage 3
Rätikon Trek Stage 4
Rätikon Alps High Trail Circuit Trekking Itineraries
4-Day Rätikon High Trail Circuit Hut to Hut Hiking Route
Day 1 | (Brandnertal) – Douglass Hütte – Lünersee – Lindauer Hütte (10 km, 4 hours)
Day 2 | Lindauer Hütte – Tilisunahütte – Carschinahütte (10.2 km, 5 hours)
Day 3 | Carschinahütte – Schesaplanahütte (15.7 km, 6 hours)
Day 4 | Schesaplanahütte – Schesaplana – Totalphütte – Lünersee – Douglass Hütte (8.8 km, 5 hours)
FYI | When we hiked this trail, we hiked to Mannheimer Hütte on day 4 and then hiked down to Lünersee on Day 5 via the Südwandsteig and Totalphütte. The hike to Mannheimer Hütte crosses a glacier and it’s not essential. Therefore, we suggest descending to Lünersee from the Schesaplana peak on day 4.
3-Day Rätikon High Trail Circuit
This is a perfect 3-day route suitable for families and anyone who wants an easy-moderate, but tremendously beautiful hike. If you’re new to hut to hut hiking, this is a great place to start. This 3-day route departs from the main hiking trail at Gafalljoch/Cavelljoch. From the Gafalljoch saddle, descend to Lünersee.
Day 1 | (Brandnertal) – Douglass Hütte – Lünersee – Lindauer Hütte (10 km, 4 hours)
Day 2 | Lindauer Hütte – Tilisunahütte – Carschinahütte (10.2 km, 5 hours)
Day 3 | Carschinahütte – Gafalljoch/Cavelljoch – Lünersee (13.6 km, 5 hours)
2025 Rätikon High Trail Circuit
2025 Update | In Summer 2025, Carschinahütte will be closed for renovations. Unfortunately, overnight stays will not be possible. An alternative option is Berghaus Alpenrösli, Partnun.
How to Book the Rätikon Alps High Trail Hut Hike
All mountain huts along the Rätikon High Trail Circuit 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.
Though huts open up for the summer season as early as mid-June, the trails linking the huts may still be covered in snow. Conditions are ever-changing. Reach out to the tourist office in Brandnertal and the mountain huts along the route to inquire about current trail conditions before embarking on your trek, especially early in the season. To be on the safe-side, book your Rätikon trek for mid-late July, August, or early September.
The initial descent from Schesaplana Peak (stage 4) can be extremely treacherous, when there is melting snow.
You can make overnight reservations for all huts along this Rätikon Hut-to-Hut hike using the hut-reservation.org 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 Brand at Pension Bergkristall (midrange), Hotel Lün (midrange), or Aktiv-Hotel Sarotla (luxury).
Stage 1 | Lindauer Hütte (Austria) – Online Reservation via hut-reservation.org
Stage 2 | Carschinahütte (Switzerland) – Online Reservation via hut-reservation.org
Stage 3 | Schesaplanahütte (Switzerland) – Online Reservation via hut-reservation.org
Stage 4 | The trek ends at Lake Lünersee. We recommend staying in Brand after the trek: Pension Bergkristall (midrange), Hotel Lün (midrange), or Aktiv-Hotel Sarotla (luxury).
Arrival Day in Brandnertal in Vorarlberg
How To Get to Brandnertal Valley
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 580 to Brandnertal (direction: Lünerseebahn). The bus station in Bludenz is located directly outside the train station. Bus Schedule 580. You can purchase your bus tickets on the bus.
Buy your train ticket to Bludenz.
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 at least 1 night 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 (1,036 m) in Brandnertal.
Midrange | 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.
Top Choice – Midrange | Hotel Lün is a lovingly-run, CO2-neutral hotel with 15 rooms in Brand, about halfway between the Palüdbahn and Dorfbahn cableways. This small hotel stands out with its organic, homemade breakfast and rejuvenating wellness area (3 saunas, tea bar, and relaxation room). Read our Hotel Lün review.
Midrange | Hotel Garni Tannleger B&B offers modern well-kept rooms in the village of Brand. Guests are treated to a lovely breakfast. If you stay here 2+ nights during the summer season (May – October), you will be given a premium guest card, which gives you free and unlimited use of the local cableways (including the Lünersee cable car).
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 Stage 1: Lünersee – Lindauer Hütte
Stage 1 Trail Stats
Distance | 10 km
Time Needed | 4 hours
Elevation Gain | 580 meters
Elevation Loss | 827 meters
Difficulty | Easy – Moderate
Minimum Elevation | 1738 meters
Maximum Elevation | 2330 meters
Route | Lünersee / Douglass Hütte (1,976 m) – Schweizer Tor – Öfapass (2,291 m) – Obere Spora Alpe (1,739 m) – Lindauer Hütte (1,744 m)
Lunch Option | Douglashütte at Lünersee
How to Get from Brand to Lünersee, the Starting Point of the Rätikon High Trail Circuit
From the village of Brand, hop on Bus 580 in the direction of Lünersee to the Lünerseebahn cableway valley station. The ride takes 15 minutes. Bus Schedule.
Take the Lünerseebahn aerial cableway to Lake Lünersee. Our trekking route begins at the lake.
Operating Hours | Every 15 minutes between 8 am and 4:55 pm
Opening Times | For current opening times check out Lünerseebahn Opening Times.
Pricing | For current pricing check out Lünerseebahn Prices.
Douglashütte to Lindauer Hütte (4 hours)
Your hike begins at Lünersee, one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria. If you’re hungry, definitely grab lunch at Douglass Hütte, the impeccably-run mountain hut located at the Lünerseebahn mountain station. 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).
If the weather is stable, consider detouring to Schafgafall Peak for one of the most rewarding vantage points of Lünersee.
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. 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, 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 spellbinding landscape and a great place for a break! When you get to Altes Zollhaus (not managed), 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 1:15 hours to Lindauer Hütte. You’ll see the Obere Spora Alpe and Lindauer mountain hut (1,744 m) from here.
On the valley floor, follow the flat gravel road to the Obere Spora Alpe 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.
Stay in Lindauer Hütte (Austria)
Lindauer Hütte (1744 m) 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.
Reservation | Lindauer Hütte – Online Reservation via hut-reservation.org
Payment | Credit Cards and Cash
Showers | 2 EUR for a 4 min shower
Drinking Water | Tap is safe to drink
Electronic Charging Stations | In bedrooms
Food | Excellent
Half Board or à la carte | Both available. You can decide at dinner.
Rooms | Private rooms and dormitory-style rooms (lager) available.
Rätikon High Trail Stage 2: Lindauer Hütte – Carschinahütte
Stage 2 Trail Stats
Distance | 10.2 km
Time Needed | 5 hours
Elevation Gain | 899 meters
Elevation Loss | 429 meters
Difficulty | Easy – Moderate
Minimum Elevation | 1650 meters
Maximum Elevation | 2346 meters
Route | Lindauer Hütte (1,744 m) – Bilkengrat (2,006 m) – Schwarze Scharte (2,346 m) – Tilisunahütte (2,211 m) – Carschinahütte (2,236 m)
Lunch Option | Tilisunahütte
Lindauer Hütte – Tilisunahütte – Carschinahütte (5 hours)
From Lindauer hut, follow the sign in the direction of Tilisunahütte – Bilkengrat (signed 3:15 hours). 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 Sulzfluh 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 meter 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 Lake Tilisunasee 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 limestone basin. 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 Sulzfluh.
From the Swiss side, Sulzfluh looks like a lumpy thumb, nonetheless 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.
Stay in Carschinahütte (Switzerland)
Carschinahütte (2236 m) was our favorite mountain hut in the Rätikon. Facing the mighty square-shaped Drusenfluh (2827 m) on one side and more mountains than can be named on all the other side, 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 has since changed since our visit. Hopefully, the new management follows closely in their predecessors’ footsteps.
Reservation | Carschinahütte – Online Reservation via hut-reseration.org
Payment | Cash Only. They accept payment in EUR and Swiss Francs.
Showers | None
Drinking Water | Water available in a canister at the entrance, free of charge.
Electronic Charging Stations | In the dining room.
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 dormitory only
Rätikon High Trail Stage 3: Carschinahütte – Schesaplanahütte
Stage 3 Trail Stats
Distance | 15.8 km
Time Needed | 6 hours
Elevation Gain | 326 meters
Elevation Loss | 653 meters
Difficulty | Easy – Moderate
Minimum Elevation | 1907 meters
Maximum Elevation | 2261 meters
Route | Carschinahütte (2,236 m) – Cavelljoch (2,239 m) – Schesaplanahütte (1,908 m)
Lunch Option | None
Carschinahütte – Cavelljoch – Schesaplanahütte (6 hours)
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 (2239 m, also spelled Gafalljoch), the ridge between Austria and Switzerland. You’ll see Lünersee from here.
Note: If you want to do a 3-day tour of the Rätikon, descend from Cavelljoch to Lünersee.
From Cavelljoch, the hike continues to Schesaplanahütte (1:45 hours). The trail to the hut is mostly straight and characterized by pastures and a river valley below. It drags on.
Stay in Schesaplanahütte (Switzerland)
Reservation | Schesaplanahütte – Online Reservation via hut-reservation.org
Payment | Cash only
Showers | 5 Swiss Francs for a 3 Minute Shower
Drinking Water | Tap water safe to drink
Electronic Charging Stations | Hallway of the main hut
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 served).
Rätikon High Trail Stage 4: Schesaplanahütte – Lünersee
Stage 4 Trail Stats
Distance | 8.8 km
Time Needed | 5 hours
Elevation Gain | 1063 meteres
Elevation Loss | 994 meters
Difficulty | Difficult / Potentially Treacherous when there is lingering/melting snow
Minimum Elevation | 1908 meters
Maximum Elevation | 2965 meters
Route | Schesaplanahütte (1,908 m) – Schesaplanasattel (2,739 m) – Schesaplana (2,965 m) – Totalphütte (2,385 m) – Lünersee / Douglass Hütte (1,976 m) – (Brand)
Lunch Option | Totalphütte or Douglashütte
Schesaplanahütte to Schesaplana (3 hours)
Marked with the white-blue-white waymarks, the trail to Schesaplana from the Swiss-side is a serious high-alpine trail. 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 white-blue-white trail markers can be hard to spot, and you’ll need a bit of trail intuition to figure out where to go. Note: this may have changed in recent years.
After 2:15 hours of ascending, you’ll reach the Schesaplana saddle. It looks like you’re walking on a volcano. Continue ascending another 45 min to Schesaplana Peak (2965 m), the highest mountain in the Rätikon Alps.
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 that you just spent the last few days walking around.
Schesaplana – Totalphütte – Lünersee – Douglashütte (2 hours)
Just below the peak (151 meters distance), there’s a trail at the Austrian-Swiss border, which leads to Totalphütte and Lünersee.
It takes about an hour to descend 2.2 km (600 meters elevation loss) to Totalphütte.
The initial descent is extremely slippery and challenging, due to the deep sandy, paste-like slate (“Tonschiefer”).
Soon, the trail drops down a rugged slope of skeletal slate sheets, where the path follows a indentation, secured with a long fixed chain. About halfway down, it’s best to face the mountain in order to safely make your way down this tricky passage.
The trail continues to drop down very rugged rock steps, where there’s another fixed cable (which can be buried in snow until late July).
The path gets easier as it twists down a rock slope, delivering you to a “flat” section where cairns abound. Despite the brutal landscape, the path is relatively smooth.
Slate gives way to limestone. The trail, now crumbling scree and limestone (good traction), follows a falling crest. Take extra care. Hiking poles are very helpful.
As you near the hut, the path gets significantly easier. The hardest part is now over.
At Totalphütte (2385 m), enjoy the view and a delicious homemade Apfelstrudel.
The descent continues all the way down to Lünersee, following white-red-white waymarks. Before reaching the lake, the trail splits. You can head straight down to the lake, or take the left “high” path to Douglasshütte, which runs parallel to the circuit trail, just at a higher elevation (recommended).
Eventually, the trail joins the Lünersee circuit path. It’s a quick flat walk to Douglasshütte, just in time for lunch.
Douglashütte to Brand
Take the Lünerseebahn cableway down to Branderntal Valley.
Stay in Brand
After completing the trek, stay in Brand for the most stress-free experience.
Midrange | Pension Bergkristall
Midrange | Hotel Lün
Luxury | Aktiv-Hotel Sarotla
Look for accommodation in Brandnertal.
More Vorarlberg Hikes + Hut to Hut Hiking Trails
Vorarlberg Hikes:
- Vorarlberg Hiking Trails
- Lech am Arlberg Summer Hiking
- Montafon Hut to Hut Circuit
- Hohes Rad Peak Hike
Hut to hut hiking trails in Austria:
- Best Treks in Austria
- Emperor’s Crown (Kaiserkrone) Trek
- Karwendel High Trail
- Eagle Walk
- Berlin High Trail
- Schladminger Tauern High Trail
- Venediger High Trail
Multi-day hikes in Europe:
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What a beautiful hike! Is it easier to do the route clockwise or anticlockwise?
Hi Grace,
I recommend following the Rätikon trail as described, in order to tackle the most difficult section (stage 4) ascending, rather than descending,
Kindly,
Sabrina
Thank you for your helpful writeups! We’re looking forward to doing the 3 day version of this hike in July as a family. What is the typical temperature range in the mountains in the summer? I wonder what mix of clothing we should bring to be comfortable hiking in the day and relaxing in the evening.
Hi Stacey,
It’s impossible to predict the temp/conditions. In July, we’ve experienced cold, rainy days as well as heat waves. We always pack a rain jacket, puffer jacket, and hiking vest, whenever we go hut to hut hiking in the Alps.
Have a great hiking trip.
Sabrina
Hi there,
We are planning on doing this hut-to-hut hike this july and we were wondering if it’s worth it to hike to the mannheimerhütte as well?
There are interesting views from the Mannheimer Hut, but ultimately it’s an unnecessary detour.
Happy trails,
Sabrina
Hello! I’m doing this hike at the end of this month (July) & I’m wondering if there is an alternate way down from the last hut. In case of rain or lack of alpine experience, is there an easier way back down?
Hi Sarah,
From Schesaplana Hütte, you could return to Gafalljoch and hike down to Lünersee from there. For other options, reach out to the hut.
Have a safe and memorable hut-to-hut hike in Vorarlberg.
Kindly,
Sabrina
Thanks for this suggestion. My husband and I will do this and it will allow us one more night in the huts. Thanks so much for all you do and the wonderful information
I’ve loved reading all this information! Is there a way or a place I can use to get all this booked for me and I can just turn up where I need to be on my dates and crack on?
Hi Jude,
It’s only possible to book this Rätikon trek independently. If you’re interested in a self-guided trek, check out these routes with Alpenventures UNGUIDED:
Hut-to-Hut Light in the Austrian Alps, or this 6-Day Hut Hike in Appenzell Alps (Switzerland).
Kindly,
Sabrina
Hi !!! thanks for the great information. we are planning to hike there in the beginning of September. we will take the option of the 3 days circuit, as we want it to be the easiest way for our children, especially for the 9 years old daughter. Is there a preferable direction? whether to begin with Lindaure hutte and then Carschinahutte or the opposite.
and maybe you know if there is any service of bag transfer from hut to hut .
thank you!!
Shir
Hi Shir,
There is no luggage transfer service along this route. Also, though this trail is easy-moderate for Austrian standards, it’s still a mountain trail. You may want to consult the Brand Valley (Branderntal) Tourist Office re: hiking this path with a 9-year-old.
Kindest Regards,
Sabrina
Hi, thanks for these detailed directions – this is so helpful!
I’m planning to go in August but have booked a 4th night at the Mannheimer Hutte.
Could you explain how you travel from Schesaplana Hutte – Mannheimer Hutte and then back down to Lunersee?
I would appreciate your insight so much! I’m having trouble finding alternative directions online:)
Hi Riley,
We no longer recommend staying in Mannheimer Hut for this particular tour. After staying at Mannheimer Hut, we backtracked to Schesaplanasattel and then followed the airy, and somewhat exposed Südwandsteig to Totalphütte and then continued all the way down to Lünersee. Alternatively, it’s possible to descend from Mannheimer Hut to Oberzalimhütte via the difficult Leibersteig and then walk all the way down to Brand via Zalimtal valley. The latter route makes more sense, but we haven’t personally hiked it yet.
All of these options are technical routes, though no special equipment is needed (other than hiking poles).
All the best,
Sabrina
Hi, thanks for the great info!
I was hoping to do the 3 day version during July 2025.
With Carschinahütte closed for renovations, is hiking directly from Berghaus Alpenrösli back to Lunarsee realistic for one day? It looks like it would add several hours of entirely uphill climbing.
Thanks!
Hi Michael,
The stage (Berghaus Alpenrösli – Carschinahütte – Gafalljoch – Lünerseebahn mountain station) would be 17.4 km and take 6:30 hours (without breaks / strictly hiking), so count on 8 hours with breaks. The elevation gain/loss seems ok to me (872 meters uphill and 668 meters downhill). I think it is doable as the elevation gain is still under 1000 m, but it is 4 km / 2 hours longer.
Kindly,
Sabrina
Hi Sabrina,
Is there alternative route for the last day in this 3-days version? Maybe a different hut ti stay in the 2nd night instead of Berghaus Alpenrosli? We really want to hike this route but afraid from the last day as it will be too difficult for us.
Thanks!
Hi Noa,
I don’t know of any other huts. Perhaps reach out to the tourist office for their guidance; they may have some other ideas.
Happy trails,
Sabrina
Hi,
thank you very much for the detailed information
now that Carschinahütte will be closed in the summer of 2025, is it still possible to do the trek with a reasonable length of hiking every day (the original plan of the hike looks perfect for us but the question is if it is possible to adjust without Carschinahütte ?)
thanks,
Laliv
Hi Laliv,
You’re welcome! Yes, with the closing of Carschinahütte, the stages will be longer. If you stay in Berghaus Alpenrösli, stage 3 to Schesaplana Hütte will be 4 km (at least 2 hours) longer.
Kindly,
Sabrina
Hi Sabrina & Kati,
I’m such a big fan of your guides, I use them for every trip I take (Julian Alps and Kamnik-Savinja were my personal faves). I am planning to hike most of this in July but was thinking of going from Schesaplanahütte to Pfälzerhütte in Lichtenstein to combine what sound like two of your favourite trips and avoiding the more dangerous section of the Ratikon trip. I appreciate that weather is always a big unknown in mid-July but I was curious how you would rate the first three stages of this Ratikon tour in the event of some lingering snow, and if you knew about the connection between the two. It looks possible but was curious if you’ve explored it.
Any guidance is appreciated,
Andy
Hi Andy,
Thank you for your loyal readership! I don’t think you’ll encounter any snow on the first 3 stages in July.
We have not hiked any of the connections, but when we were researching the Liechtenstein trail, we considered hiking from Pfälzer Hütte to Brand via Nenzinger Himmel. The Schesaplana Hütte – Hochjoch/Grosse Furgga (2353 m) – Pfälzer Hütte route is 9.1 km and takes 3:45 hours (without breaks). It seems to be a very standard route, though I can’t find any info on the difficulty.
Looking forward to hearing about your trip,
Sabrina
Hi! Thank you for this incredibly helpful itinerary! I was wondering if you think it would be reasonable to stay at Tilisuna-Hütte and then continue to Schesaplana Hütte, given that Carschinahütte is currently closed for renovations. I saw your recommendation for Berghaus Alpenrösli but was curious if the Tilisuna-Hütte to Schesaplana Hütte route would also be a viable option.
Could you share your thoughts on how the breakdown of days would look for both options? I’m just trying to figure out the best approach for the trek. Thanks so much!
Hi Morgan,
It would be a very long day. The route from Tilisuna-Hütte to Schesaplanhütte is ~ 21.8 km / 7:10 hours without breaks / 602 meters up / 902 meters down. But, the advantage would be you wouldn’t have to deviate from the trail. Tilisuna-Hütte is also a beautifully situated hut.
The route from Berghaus Alpenrösli to Schesaplanhütte is ~ 19.2 km / 6:40 hours without breaks / 786 meters up / 653 meters down.
Best of luck planning your adventure in Vorarlberg and Graubünden.
Kindly,
Sabrina
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it.
Hi, I wanted to know how the cellphone reception is on this hike. Also is there any access to WiFi at the huts?
Hi David,
I recall having reception on the peaks and high mountain saddles like Gafalljoch. When we hiked this Rätikon route, huts didn’t offer WIFI, but that may have changed. You can always email the mountain hut directly and ask, if you can’t locate the information on the hut website.
Kindly,
Sabrina