Variation 13

Rüsselsheimer Hütte (2328 m) – Kapuzinerjöchl (2710 m) – Breitlehnjöchl (2637 m) – Huben (1189 m)

Information:
Route:	steep path, footpath, road
Requirements:	surefootedness, good head for heights, good physical condition; black mountain trail
Difficulties:	none
Equipment:	standard hiking equipment
Walking time:	approx. 7 hrs.
Changes in elevation:	approx. 700 meters climbing, 1850 meters descending
Highest point:	2710 m
Distance:	approx. 12 km
Lodging, refreshment stops:	Rüsselsheimer Hütte, Breitlehnalm
Access/Exit points:	from Plangeross (St. Leonhard im Pitztal) to Rüsselsheimer Hütte (approx. 2 hrs. up and 1 ½ hrs. down)

From Pitztal To Ötztal

The trail leaves Rüsselsheimer Hütte in an eastern direction and then makes a left towards Gahwinden vista point (approx. 1 hour). On your way up you cross several chutes, some of which have chains for you to hold on to. From Gahwinden the trail descends through scree into isolated Rötkarle and then climbs gradually, then steeply up to Kapuzinerjöchl (also known as Rötkarljoch; approx. 1 hour from Gahwinden). In this section you can often see ibexes. Beyond Kapuzinerjöchl the trail drops down through steep and rocky terrain (fixed cables) before leveling out and climbing leisurely towards Breitlehnjöchl. From Breitlehnjöchl the trail descends steeply through rocky, boulder-strewn terrain to secluded Breitlehntal where it continues gently down to Breitlehnalm – a great place to take a rest and refuel. From Breitlehnalm continue on “Hubener Jubiläumsweg”, a superbly maintained footpath, through a forest and along a road to the houses of Mühl from where it’s only a stone’s throw to Huben (Längenfeld).

Option: by taxi from Breitlehnalm to Huben (walking time is reduced by approx. 1 ½ hrs. and 700 meters in elevation); please asked at the tourist office for taxis.