long-distance hiking trail
Pfunderer Höhenweg
Through the Pfunderer Mountains
Südtirolalpin
Certified Mountain Guide
IFMGA - Mountain Guides Associations
Mail suedtirolalpin@gmail.com
Prices from
600,- €
ABOUT THE TOUR
Five days on foot through the quiet, authentic and often surprisingly lonely Pfunders Mountains – from Sterzing to Bruneck.
5 days · Pfunders Mountains
Pfunders High Route: On this high-level trail we move through the original, authentic and mostly quite solitary landscape of the Pfunders Mountains. It links the two small towns of Sterzing in the Wipptal and Bruneck in the Pustertal. Most of the high route runs between 2,000 and 3,000 metres and thus truly lives up to its name.
Some long stages have to be managed. For the longest daily stage with 9 hours of walking time, there is the option of splitting it over two days and spending the night in the Walter-Brenninger-Biwak. The Pfunders High Route was created in the 1970s and 1980s by the Brixen, Bruneck and Sterzing sections of the Alpenverein Südtirol.
Along the way, the classic bases of this long-distance mountain trail are the Simile-Mahd-Alm, the Brixner Hütte, the Edelrauthütte and the Tiefrastenhütte. The Edelrauthütte at Eisbruggjoch was inaugurated as early as 1908. And the Wilde Kreuzspitze, which presents itself as an optional extra summit on the second day, is at 3,132 metres the highest peak in the Pfunders Mountains.
INFO
Services
Included in the price:
- Entire organization and guidance by a state-certified mountain guide
- All necessary reservations are made in advance
Additional costs:
- 4x overnight stays in a hut with half board
- Taxi ride from Pfalzen back to Wiesen
- Transfer to and from the meeting point
- Expenses (hut, taxi) for the mountain guide
- Individual tips
* Rental equipment (€10 per piece of equipment)
Facts
Location:
Pfunderer Mountains
Best time of year:
July - September
Duration:
5 days
Meeting point:
Wiesen by Sterzing
What you need
Requirements:
- Good physical condition for up to 10 hours of walking with heavy packs
- Surefootedness
- No fear of heights
PRICING
Participants:
min. 4 people
Prices:
1-3 people:
4 people or more:
upon request
600,- €
If you have any questions or need further information, please write them in the comment field of the inquiry form.
Before submitting your request: Please read the "important information" about risks in mountaineering carefully.
Dates:
upon request
PROGRAM
Day 1: To the Simile Mahd Alm
We meet in Wiesen near Sterzing, the starting point of the Pfunders High Route. On the first day, the initial task is to gain height and enter the Pfunders Mountains. High above Freienfeld and past the Höllenkragen, we reach the Trenser Joch. From here it is not far to the Simile-Mahd-Alm, our first accommodation.
Walking time: 6 h | ↑ 1,400 m ascent | ↓ 350 m descent
⌂ Simile-Mahd-Alm (2,011 m)
Day 2: To the Brixner Hütte
From the Simile-Mahd-Alm, the second day climbs gently to the Wilder See, the deepest mountain lake in South Tyrol. Here, also because the stage is a little shorter, there is the option of adding the Wilde Kreuzspitze before descending via the Rauhtaljoch to the Brixner Hütte.
Walking time: 4 h | ↑ 850 m ascent | ↓ 600 m descent
⌂ Brixner Hütte
Day 3: Queen stage to the Edelrauthütte
Day three features the queen stage. We go from the Brixner Hütte to the Steinkarscharte and pass below Grabspitze, Felbe, Hochsäge and Rotem Beil. Two more cols follow, the Kellerscharte and the Dannelscharte, before a possible stage destination would be the Walter-Brenninger-Biwak. We intend, however, to continue to the Edelrauthütte, which we reach from the bivouac in a further 3 hours of walking.
Walking time: 9 h | ↑ 1,400 m ascent | ↓ 1,100 m descent
⌂ Edelrauthütte
Day 4: To the Tiefrastenhütte
From the Edelrauthütte, a longer descent follows through the Eisbruggtal. At the bridge that gives the valley its name, a short climb leads to the Kuhscharte, before the route continues with constant ups and downs past several alpine huts to the Passenjoch. Another col that we must cross before reaching the Tiefrastenhütte is the Hochsägenscharte behind the Hochgrubbachspitze. From here it is not far to the day’s destination.
Walking time: 6 h | ↑ 850 m ascent | ↓ 1,100 m descent
⌂ Tiefrastenhütte
Day 5: Ridge route to St. Georgen
A fine final stage still awaits us from the Tiefrastenhütte: first we need to reach the Kleine Tor. Beyond it, the route follows the ridge over several summits – Zwölferspitz, Putzenhöhe, Bärentalspitz, Plattenspitz and Sambock – to the Gasthaus Kofler am Kofl. A taxi awaits us here to take us back to Wiesen.
Walking time: 6.5 h | ↑ 900 m ascent | ↓ 1,700 m descent
Info: If the queen stage with 9 hours is too long and demanding for you, there is the option of extending the tour by an additional day and splitting this stage into two days. This creates one stage of 6 hours and one of 3 hours walking time. You are welcome to let me know this preference when booking.
Any changes to the program that may be necessary for various reasons (weather, conditions, accommodation booking situation, etc.) will always be made in consultation with the participants.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - (FAQs)
How demanding is the Pfunders High Route in 5 days?
The tour is a long and physically demanding long-distance hike through the Pfunders Mountains. On several days, many metres of ascent and descent have to be covered, and the third stage, at 9 hours of walking, is the longest. You should bring sure-footedness, stamina and enjoyment of long days in the mountains.
Can the long queen stage be shortened or split?
Yes. The stage from the Brixner Hütte to the Edelrauthütte can be split into two days. In that case, an overnight stay in the Walter-Brenninger-Biwak is possible. If you would like this, please mention it when booking.
What do I need for the tour, and can I hire equipment?
For the Pfunders High Route, you mainly need suitable mountain boots and a well-fitting rucksack for several hut days. You will receive the exact packing list with the confirmation email. Missing equipment can be hired from Südtirolalpin for a small wear-and-tear fee.
