Ötztal Trek Stage 22

Route: Ascending, footpath, (asphalted) route Requirements: stability, dizziness, condition, endurance; Mountain road red Difficulties: no special difficulties; Huts: Erlanger Hut, Maisalm Hut Acess / exit point: from Umhausen to the Erlanger hut (about 4,5 h ascent, approx. 3,5 h descent),
alternatively taxish shuttle from Umhausen to the Vordere Leierstalalm - then about 2 h ascent to the Erlanger hut, approx 2 h descent);
Taxi Scharfetter: T +43 (0) 5255 5858

TWO DAYS ON VORDERER GEIGENKAMM

If it wasn’t for Maisalm where you can spend the night on your way between Erlanger Hütte and Ötztal-Bahnhof you would be forced to climb down 2350 meters in only one day. From Erlanger Hütte the trail descends northwards, crosses a few slopes, climbs up to a ridge and drops steeply down into Tumpental valley. You ascend to Murmentenkarjoch col where the route descends in a northern direction and travels along a ridge down to the small Forchheimer Bivouac (a basic mountain shelter left unlocked; sleeps four persons).

The trail contours along the ridge to Hahnenkamm which is bypassed through a scree field to the east. Then the route heads towards Vorderer Geigenkamm and continues to Mutkopf peak and Muthütte (not serviced). Follow a descending cart road until you reach Maisalm hut (approx. 6 hours from Erlanger Hütte) where you spend the night (advance booking absolutely required).

The next day you continue along cart roads and trails down to Roppen where you follow the road parallel to the rail tracks in an eastern direction. From Ötztaler Ache mountain brook you continue on the Ötztal Cycle Trail until you get to the village of Ötztal-Bahnhof.

Umhausen-Niederthai is located in the western part of Austria in the state TYROL, in a southern side valley of the Inn valley - the ÖTZTAL. For your arrival by car, you can plan the best route from your home town with the route planner online at https://www.google.at/maps