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Edelhütte circuit from the Ahornbahn
Walk 6030

Country - Austria

Region - Zillertal (Tyrol)

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 7.0 km / 4.4 miles

Ascent - 350 metres / 1155 feet

Descent - 350 metres / 1155 feet

Time - 4.00 hours

Grade - easy/mod

Photo from the walk - Edelhütte circuit from the Ahornbahn
Click image to visit gallery of 6 images.

This circular walk visits the Edelhütte, which is located in a wonderful position on the western slops of the Ahornspitz. The route also includes a visit to the viewpoint on the flanks of Am Glatzer (2345m) to the north of the hut.

Start & End - the top station of the Ahornbahn cable car.

Exit the top station of the Ahornbahn and bear left to following the broad path rising towards the Ahornhütte. This is likely to be quite busy, especially immediately after the arrival of a cable car, as the Edelhütte is a very popular destination for walkers of all ages and abilities.

Reaching a stone wall, turn left and follow the path to the viewpoint. This gives an excellent panorama of the Ziller Valley (Zillertal) and also a good general view of the mountains into which you are about to walk. After enjoying the view, retrace you steps and continue alongside the wall to reach an ornate gateway. Go through this gate and follow the clear path across the mountainside.

The path from here to the Edelhütte is essentially uphill but initially there is some loss of altitude. The path is generally well maintained and is easy to follow in poor visibility. The views to your left are good and in fine weather you soon enjoy an excellent forward prospect with the Ahornspitze rising above the Edelhütte. Reaching a junction of paths, bear left leaving the main path that continues straight ahead.

The path descends to a further junction. Go straight ahead here and continue passing the small alpine farm of Oberlager on your right. This path is much quieter than the main path to the Edelhütte and the area by Oberlager is a perfect place to enjoy a break. Continue on the path, which now climbs in zigzags up to the Edelhütte.

Reaching the Edelhütte, walk round the back and follow the signs to the viewpoint (time approximately 15 minutes each way). The path is clear and generally follows the contours onto the flanks of Am Glatzer. Reaching a col where the path turns sharp right and descends across a ledge, turn left and take the easy path to the viewpoint with its well placed bench. Enjoy the view and then return to the Edelhütte.

The Edelhütte occupies a beautiful position and provides excellent food. In 2007 the homemade Apfelstrudel and Goulash Soup was excellent! To return to the cable car take the wide path heading southwest. This is likely to be quite busy in good weather. The path is well maintained, fairly wide and therefore easy to follow even in mist. You soon reach the point where you left the main path earlier in the day and all that remains is for you to retrace your steps back to the cable car station.

Suggested Maps

- Mayrhofen Tuxer Tal - Wanderkarte - 1:25000 - www.wave.at

 

Stay Safe

Do enjoy yourself when out walking and choose a route that is within your capabilities especially with regard to navigation.

Do turn back if the weather deteriorates especially in winter or when visibility is poor.

Do wear the right clothing for the anticipated weather conditions. If the weather is likely to change for the worse make sure you have enough extra clothing in your pack.

Do tell someone where you are planning to walk especially in areas that see few other walkers.

Do take maps and other navigational aids. Do not rely on mobile devices in areas where reception is poor. Take spare batteries especially in cold weather.

Do check the weather forecast before leaving. The Met Office has a number of forecasts for walkers that identify specific weather risks.

Please Note - These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that Walking Britain is not held responsible for the safety or well being of those following the routes as described. It is worth reiterating the point that you should embark on a walk with the correct maps preferably at 1:25000 scale. This will enable any difficulties with route finding to be assessed and corrective action taken if necessary.

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