Start
Heidelberger Hut
Ziel
Jamtal Hut
Weg
Follow the signs for the Kronenjoch (Crown Saddle/Pass) from the back of the Heidelberger Hut. You may notice trail markings change from yellow signs to blue and white signs and markings. This is the characteristic marking of a glacier route. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective) the glacier on the Kronenjoch has completely melted in recent years, making this a suitable route for anybody fit enough to hike hut to hut. An alternative route over the Zahnjoch, has been completely closed due to rockfall caused by the melting glacier and all markings have been removed on the Swiss side.
The route over the Kronenjoch begins with a long, gradual ascent through green and sometimes very muddy terrain. Shortly after meeting up directly with the stream that the trail has been roughly following, the trail turns uphill through rocky terrain. Luckily here the angle is manageable, and a good trail has been made in the newly exposed terrain. Follow the trail up first to a false saddle, and then eventually through thankfully flat terrain to the official saddle.
From here, there are opportunities to summit a couple 3,000 m. peaks. The first option is the Breite Krone, 3,079 m., which can be reached by an obvious trail that leaves to the left from the false saddle. This is the highest option. The other option is the Grenzeckkopf 3,047 m., which leaves also to the left from the main saddle where the border sign for the Austrian-Swiss border is located. Although lower, the Grenzeckkopf includes a spectacular and exposed ridge and a short scramble. It's the better option for anybody who enjoys exposed ridges, but anybody with a fear of heights should opt for the Breite Krone.
Descend from the saddle back into Austria, following the good trail to the northwest, eventually transitioning from the rocky landscape to a beautiful green valley. Shortly after joining the trail at the bottom of the valley, you will come across the Finanzerstein, an emergency shelter for workers of a former border post. Continue following the good trail and signs to the Jamtal Hut.
