The Stubai High Trail (Stubaier Höhenweg) is a multi-day hut-to-hut hike through the Stubai Alps, linking a chain of alpine huts across roughly 90 km of high-altitude terrain. We’ve explored several sections of the trail on day hikes. However, a good friend completed a 4-day stretch of the trail and generously shares her detailed account below.
Stubai High Trail Basic Info
| Where | Stubai Alps, Tyrol, Austria |
| Trail length | 80 km (varies by route/variants chosen) |
| Duration | 8–10 days (standard itinerary) |
| Number of huts | 9 main huts (circuit connects them) |
| Difficulty | Demanding — alpine hiking experience required; some sections involve exposed terrain, via ferrata-style sections, and glacier proximity |
| Highest point | Wilder Freiger area / around 3,000 m+ depending on optional summit extensions |
| Total ascent/descent | Roughly 8,000–9,000 m cumulative (varies by variant) |
| Best season | Mid-July to mid-September (snow-free window) |
| Starting point | Typically Neustift im Stubaital or Mutterberg (via cable car) |
| Terrain type | High alpine trail, rocky paths, some glacier-adjacent sections, ladders/fixed ropes in places |
| Recommended gear | Sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, via ferrata kit (for optional sections), layers for alpine weather |
| Fitness/experience level | Experienced hikers; not suitable for beginners |
| Accommodation | Alpine club huts (Alpenverein) — reservations recommended in peak season |
5 Good Reasons to Hike the Stubai Höhenweg
Rare Alpine Flora — You pass through zones where glacier buttercups and dwarf willow cling to life above 2,500 m, creating one of the densest high‑altitude plant mosaics in the Eastern Alps.
Peak‑Rich Skyline — The trail is surrounded by over 80 peaks above 3,000 m, giving you constant, dramatic summit views without needing to climb them.
Hut‑to‑Hut Comfort — Each stage ends at a classic Austrian mountain hut, where you get hot food, warm beds, and sunrise panoramas.
Glacier Drama — You skirt the edges of the mighty Stubai Glacier system, with crevasse fields and icefalls visible right from the trail.
Wildlife Encounters — Marmots whistle warnings, chamois hop across ridges, and golden eagles often circle above the valley.
Stubai High Trail Stages
| Stage | Route | Distance | Elevation uphill | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Starkenburger Hut → Franz-Senn Hut | 15 km | 690 m | 7 hrs |
| 2 | Franz-Senn Hut → Neue Regensburger Hut | 9 km | 603 m | 4 hrs |
| 3 | Neue Regensburger Hut → Dresdner Hut | 13 km | 1,033 m | 7 hrs |
| 4 | Dresdner Hut → Sulzenau Hut | 5 km | 419 m | 3 hrs |
| 5 | Sulzenau Hut → Nürnberger Hut | 4.4 km | 461 m | 4 hrs |
| 6 | Nürnberger Hut → Bremer Hut | 6 km | 642 m | 4 hrs |
| 7 | Bremer Hut → Innsbrucker Hut | 9.5 km | 839 m | 7 hrs |
Getting to the Start
Getting to the start and back from the finish of the Stubai Höhenweg takes some planning. On day one, the Starkenburger Hut is reached by taking the Schlick 2000 cable car from Fulpmes up to the Kreuzjoch mountain station, from where a gently rising panoramic trail leads to the hut in around 1.5 to 2 hours.
On the last day, the walk down from the Innsbrucker Hütte goes via the Karalm (about an hour) and the Pinnisalm, before climbing up to the Elfer mountain station and taking the cable car down into Neustift, or alternatively continuing on foot into the Gschnitztal.
Go Off the Beaten Track
If you want to add a bit of high-alpine adventure to the standard route, several of the huts make excellent bases for side trips onto nearby 3,000 m summits. The classic option is the Wilder Freiger (3,418 m), tackled as a long day out from the Sulzenauhütte via the Sulzenau Alm and the Seescharte: reckon on around 1,300 m of ascent and 4 to 5 hours to the top, on a glacier route that requires crampons, a rope and proper alpine experience.
Fit, well-equipped parties sometimes extend this into a bigger traverse from the Nürnberger Hütte, linking the Wilder Freiger with the Wilder Pfaff and the Zuckerhütl, the highest peak in the Stubai Alps at 3,507 m. These are serious mountaineering days rather than simple detours, so they’re best done with a guide or with solid glacier experience of your own, good weather and an early start.
Stubai High Trail Huts
- Starkenburger Hütte (2,237 m) – perched above Fulpmes and reached via the Schlick 2000 cable car, this hut is run by the German Alpine Club’s Darmstadt-Starkenburg section and is a popular base for hikers and mountain bikers alike.
- Franz-Senn-Hütte (2,147 m) – the largest hut of the Innsbruck section of the Austrian Alpine Club, with room for well over a hundred guests, a lively atmosphere and hot showers.
- Neue Regensburger Hütte (2,286 m) – built in 1930/31 above the Hohes Moos, this is Tyrol’s first purely vegetarian alpine club hut, serving regional, plant-based fare.
- Dresdner Hütte (2,308 m) – open year-round beside the Fernau middle station of the Stubai Glacier cableways, this hut has welcomed climbers and skiers since 1887.
- Sulzenauhütte (2,191 m) – built in 1926 above the Sulzenau Alm amid larch meadows and glacier-fed lakes, and the usual jumping-off point for the Wilder Freiger.
- Nürnberger Hütte (2,297 m) – a traditional hut dating from 1886, set in the Langental at the foot of the Wilder Freiger and run by the DAV section Nürnberg.
- Bremer Hütte (2,413 m) – built in 1897 on the main Alpine ridge at the foot of the Innere Wetterspitze in the Gschnitztal, run by the DAV section Bremen.
- Innsbrucker Hütte (2,369 m) – at the foot of the Habicht (3,277 m), with beds for around 130 in rooms and dormitories; note that only cash is accepted on the hut.
Reserve your mattress early!
The Stubai valley in summer is a popular destination among hikers and adventure seekers from all over Europe. Plan well in advance and make sure you reserve a spot to lie your tired body down after a long day´s hiking.
4 Days on the Trail
By Karin Robertson
We recently decided to veer away from giving stuff for birthdays and Christmas in favour of new experiences. Staying in huts along half of the Stubai Höhenweg or Stubai High Trail became one such experience.
The thought of black rated tracks on the Stubai High Trail made for some nervousness. All information about the route states sure-footedness, a head for heights and good condition as prerequisites. This would be true advice.
We had three days of drizzly weather and sun on the last. The clouded views worked out well for not seeing exactly how high up or close to very long drops we were. However, there was no hiding up to the highest point of the hike on the last day.
It was a great experience: challenging at times but really rewarding – a birthday to remember. I am quietly chuffed that I am pretty fit and could tackle things outside my comfort zone. I put all that mindfulness I’ve been trying to get on board with into practice – “in this moment I am okay, and this one, and this one!”
Day 1 – Schlick 2000 Bergstation (2,136 m) to Starkenburger Hütte (2,237 m)
A short afternoon hike from the mountain station of the Schlick 2000 cable car. Nothing scary to deal with other than your own puffing. Maps advise around 2 hours for this section but we took a little less – a bit of rain motivated a quicker pace!
It’s always interesting to see how your ski field haunts look without the snow. The area where the Schlick 2000 ski resort is in winter was stunning when the clouds cleared now and then.
Our room in the Starkenburger Hütte was just for us and very cosy. Power points outside in the hall for charging phones etc. No showers, but a shared washroom.
Day 2 – Starkenburger Hütte (2,237 m) to Franz Senn Hütte (2,147 m)
Allow 6 to 7 hours for this section, depending on which map of the Stubai Höhenweg you read. It took us just over 6 hours of moving time. The track was good with a couple of proper steep bits and a couple of wired sections but, again, nothing too scary. Although it was overcast we got a taste of the spectacular Stubai scenery.
A tea break at Seducker Hochalm is recommended. Independently run by a born and bred Stubai family, we found a super friendly host with a cosy warm kitchen.
Franz Senn Hütte has showers! This much bigger hut had a different atmosphere to the others – plus it was rammed with people. There was a big group on a climbing course and a group of doctors on an Alpine medicine course (I think?).
This was our first time staying in the Lager (open area, basically two big rows of mattresses in the attic, sleeping up to 80 people). Although everyone was well behaved and quiet, it takes getting used to.
- Much amusement to be known as Mr and Mrs Engines here. My other half’s email address caused some confusion! I am not even Ms Engines…
Day 3 – Franz Senn Hütte (2,147 m) to Neue Regensburger Hütte (2,287 m)
This was supposed to be the short day on the Stubai Höhenweg, with 4 hours the expected duration. Well, it’s a trap!
Short doesn’t necessarily mean easy. It was pretty much straight up from the hut for 2,5 hours on a rock staircase. (Okay, so now we know we are fit). Then we edged our way around a kind of snow plug at the top of a narrow saddle (Schrimmennieder, 2,714 m) and beat our toes up for 2 hours of downhill to Neue Regensburger Hütte (NRH).
Very welcome showers at a cosy NRH. But beware, not to be used when there is lightning about! 1 Euro gets you 2 minutes of hot water. We had a room to ourselves with a bunk bed, power to charge gadgets and a view of the next day’s route.
Day 4 – Neue Regensburger Hütte (2,287 m) to Mutterbergalm (1,725 m)
Another long day of 6 to 7 hours of hiking. It took us 6 hours to come down to Mutterbergalm via the Wasserfallweg. It was challenging. This time we hit parts where climbing with wires and staples was necessary. No need to be attached but the help was needed to make it up to Grawagrubennieder at 2,881 m.
This was after first negotiating a rock slope where the markers had moved in the snowmelt and crossing some stubborn snow to catch the trail again. I was like a rat up a drain pipe. No looking down, not too much looking up – just focusing on the next track marker until I got to the top.
There were a couple more wire/staple sections but nothing as challenging as the Grawagrubennieder. Or maybe they just felt easier after doing this bit?
The scenery was glorious as we slowly made our way down to the small lakes above the Wasserfallweg, which in turn took us back to Mutterbergalm at the Stubai Glacier cable car valley station. Quite a lot of up and down – 600 m up and 1,100 m down to be precise.
Interesting Tale from the Trail
The really nice thing about a multi-day hiking gig like the Stubai Höhenweg is that you end out going along with the same crowd of folks who started with you on the first day. You may not hike with them but every breakfast, dinner and the odd track break there’s a chance to catch up and share stories.
We met a pair of exceptionally happy Dutch women who seemed to bounce their way along the track at a great pace. You couldn’t help but take in some of their joy at just being in the mountains.
There were also quite a few Czech people about, including one family group with a teenage daughter whose feet barely seemed to touch the ground. She was fast, and always itching to get going. We dared to pass them once. After 10 minutes or so we had the definite feeling we were being “hunted” by this future trail running champ.
A group of three German guys, friends since university, were on the Stubai Höhenweg too. They meet up once a year to go hiking. They were having fun even when they had to sleep in a hallway because they didn’t book for one of the huts.
One of them had the best line of our trip, just because I don’t eat the little biscuits that come with tea or coffee. He called out in German, “Halt, what’s happening with the biscuit?”, stopping me in my tracks as I carried my cup to the kitchen.
Everyone concerned had to giggle, because all three guys had just conquered the most enormous chunks of cake I have ever seen served… And one hawk eye was on my biscuit!
Karin´s Useful Tips for Hiking the Stubai High Trail
- Reserve, reserve, reserve – then you have a chance to get your own room for your group. The Lager rooms are okay, but at Franz Senn Hütte (the biggest on the Stubai High Trail) you will be sharing with around 80 others up in the attic. The Lager is, of course, cheaper than individual rooms.
- There is no need to bring sleeping bags, but you must bring sleeping bag inners/liners.
- If you’re a member of an alpine club, make this known for discounts and have your card handy.
- Although early and late season have their appeal (fewer folks about), you may have to contend with late/early snow and associated track conditions.
- Alternative diets (different to solid meat and cheese ?) take note you will see a lot of salad and potatoes in the huts. I hear beer has lots of vitamins… You must take your own lunches, so they should be substantial enough to make up for salad dinners. We are plant-eaters and by the last day, we were eating into body fat reserves!
- We had a 1:25000 scale, weatherproof map with us: Mayr XL Edition – Wandern-, Rad- und MTB-Karte – Stubaital – 2-teiliges Kartenset. It is a useful 2-sheet map set.
- We used the bus to get back to Fulpmes and made the short hike to our car in the Schlick 2000 carpark.
- Read this for more information on the Stubai Höhenweg, one of the best multi-day hikes in the world in our opinion.
About Karin
Karin Robertson was born in Scotland, raised in New-Zealand, and has lived in England and Australia before moving to Tyrol in 2006. When she’s not hiking with hubby Ian or tackling a DIY project at home, she runs half marathons to raise money for OMS (Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis). In fact, she ran one half marathon in each of the eight countries bordering Austria in one year.
Relax and Recharge at a Spa Hotel
After spending several days hiking the Stubai High Trail, your body will appreciate some well-deserved rest. Long mountain days, steep ascents, and carrying a backpack can leave even experienced hikers with tired muscles and sore feet.
Spending a day or two at one of the spa hotels in Neustift im Stubaital is the perfect way to recover before heading home. Soak in warm pools, unwind in panoramic saunas, and enjoy wellness treatments while surrounded by the same stunning Alpine scenery you’ve just explored on foot.
1. Spa Hotel Jagdhof
One of the valley’s most luxurious wellness retreats, Spa Hotel Jagdhof offers an award-winning spa covering more than 3,000 square metres. Guests can relax in multiple indoor and outdoor pools, a large sauna village, steam baths, whirlpools, and beautifully designed relaxation rooms. It’s an ideal place to soothe tired hiking muscles with a massage or wellness treatment after completing the trail.
2. Alpeiner – Nature Resort Tirol
Combining modern Alpine design with impressive mountain views, Alpeiner – Nature Resort Tirol is a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts. Its wellness area includes indoor and outdoor pools, several saunas, steam baths, infrared cabins, and comfortable relaxation areas overlooking the surrounding peaks. The peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for recharging after days spent in the mountains.
3. Hotel Stubaierhof
Located in the heart of Neustift, Hotel Stubaierhof offers a welcoming atmosphere with a strong focus on wellness and hiking. The spa features indoor and outdoor pools, Finnish and bio saunas, steam baths, relaxation lounges, and a range of massages and beauty treatments. It’s an excellent choice for hikers wanting comfort without sacrificing authentic Tyrolean hospitality.
4. Activehotel Bergkönig
Designed with active travellers in mind, Activehotel Bergkönig provides everything needed for post-hike recovery. The wellness centre includes an indoor pool, heated outdoor pool, whirlpool, several saunas, steam baths, and relaxation rooms, while professional massages help ease sore muscles. Its central location also makes it easy to explore Neustift after your adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Stubai High Trail?
The Stubai High Trail is a multi-day hut-to-hut hike through the Stubai Alps, linking a chain of 8 alpine huts across roughly 90 km of high-altitude terrain with 8–10 days.
How difficult is the Stubai Höhenweg?
The trail is demanding and requires alpine hiking experience. Some sections are exposed, feature via ferrata–style elements, and come near glacier areas, with a total ascent/descent of about 8,000–9,000 m depending on variant.
When is the best season to hike the Stubai Höhenweg?
The best season is mid-July to mid-September when snow-free conditions prevail; early or late season may present track conditions due to snow, and weather can be variable with occasional rain.
What huts are on the Stubai High Trail?
The trail connects nine main huts such as Starkenburger Hütte, Franz-Senn-Hütte, Neue Regensburger Hütte, Dresdner Hütte, Sulzenauhütte, Nürnberger Hütte, Bremer Hütte, and Innsbrucker Hütte; reservations are recommended in peak season, and rooms range from private to lager dormitories, with some huts offering showers and meals.
It’s also possible to visit these huts, as well as the others on the Stubaier Hochenweg, by making day trips from the valley. Dresdener Huette at the very south of the valley is accessible by the Eisgrat cable car from Mutterberg. Others like Franz Senn and Innsbrucker are a long ways away but there are shuttles that will eliminate much of the less spectacular valley parts of the walk.