Walk to Sölden via Gaislachkogelbahn and the Pitztaler Jöchl

Die Tour

Hike the Pitztaler Jöchl ridge and down to the mountain restaurant on the Rettenbach glacier in Sölden

Hike from Braunschweiger Hut via Pitztaler Jöchl: An attractive route variant with a number of technical challenges. The path passes through large boulders and a 300m long exposed crossing equipped with wire ropes along a steep edge. Your efforts are rewarded with fantastic views of the ridge. The descent over rocks and boulders is very steep, with wire ropes for protection in some areas. In wet conditions, the rocky path across the Pitztaler Jöchl is very slippery. In rainy or foggy conditions, the route via Rettenbachjoch is recommended (see separate notes)

Catch the bus to Sölden from the Rettenbach glacier valley station.

Autorentipp

 Be sure to ask the staff at Braunschweiger Hut whether the route via Pitztaler Jöchl is passable.

Info

Aufstieg
379 hm
Abstieg
965 hm
Tiefster Punkt 2077 m
Höchster Punkt 2981 m
Dauer
3:45 h
Strecke
11,0 km

Wegbeschreibung

Start

Braunschweiger Hut

Ziel

Rettenbach Glacier Restaurant

Weg

0.00 km - START from the  Braunschweiger Hut, with the hut on the right. There are now two options for your journey today: Via Rettenbachjoch (see separate entry for this option) or Pitztaler Jöchl (continue to follow instructions below)

If you wish to walk via Pitztaler JöchlTURN LEFT. PASS through a section of boulders and then walk up a steep path diagonally to the slope.

0.8 km - REACH a plateau. The views from here are the best views of today’s hike. The next section of the route is the most challenging. Take great care as you navigate the exposed crossing across the almost vertical slope. This part of the route is equipped with wire ropes. Hold on and tread carefully.

1.2km - REACH Pitztaler Jöchl. This is the highest point on today’s hike and your journey through the Alps! The descent from the ridge is steep and includes boulders and a short section of often snowy terrain. Many of the passages are equipped with wire ropes.

2.00 km -Reach a gravel road. TURN RIGHT and follow the rocky road as it snakes down towards the Rettenbach glacier restaurant, which you will see in the distance (on a clear day). There is also a footpath which you can take as a shortcut.

2.30km - The bus stop for bus 8404 to Sölden is outside the glacier restaurant. You’ve reached today’s destination.

To continue to the Gaislachkogel middle station, cross the glacier road and follow the E5 markings through the Rettenbachtal valley. after approx. 1 hour in the Rettenbachtal valley, you will come across the glacier road again. Above the glacier road is the Rettenbachalm. From here you can take the bus as a shortcut.

Weitere Informationen

From the Rettenbachferner valley station, take the bus to Sölden. The last bus leaves at approx. 15.30 hrs. Please inform yourself in advance about the departure times, and timetable information at https://fahrplan.vvt.at

There are possibilities for refreshments at the following places: 

Berghof Steinbock: https://www.berghof-steinbock.at/de/sommer/e5-wanderer  

Gletschertisch Bedienungsrestaurant mit Café-Lounge: https://www.soelden.com/infrastructure-summer?do=info&id=5499 

Opening hours can vary so we recommend always carrying enough food with you to keep you going!

Ausrüstung

Always wear good walking boots with a robust sole, and take waterproofs. Don’t forget to take plenty of water with you (at least two litres) and protect yourself against the sun. Trekking poles are recommended.

Sicherheitshinweise

Today you may be walking past a few different areas where cows graze. Although generally very docile and used to walkers, keep your distance and never turn your back on a cow that is behaving strangely or aggressive. Be particularly vigilant around cows with calves. 

If you’re feeling tired from the previous stages or have experienced problems with heights, do not attempt this stage – it is more challenging, both physically and technically than the previous stages!

This route is NOT SUITABLE for poor weather conditions.  Watch out for falling rocks and keep your distance from other walkers. At the start of the season, there may still be snow on this section of the route.

The path to the ridge is very exposed. A good head for heights and sure-footedness are essential!

Always allow plenty of time for your hike. The walking times indicated do not include breaks. Rest and photo breaks must be added to the times indicated.

Check the latest weather information and be on the lookout for changes in the weather. Storms can develop rapidly in the Alps.

Do not leave the marked hiking trails.