The Stubaier High Route is one of Austria’s most famous multi-day hut-to-hut hiking trails. In 5–6 stages, the route leads around the main ridge of the Stubaier Alps – from hut to hut, over glacier passes and mountain ridges, with the Zuckerhütl (3,507 m) as an optional high point.
That’s no beginner’s tour. But for those who know it, they understand why the Stubaital valley is on every alpinist’s list worldwide.
The stages in overview
| Stage | Route | Vertical meters | Walking time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neustift → Starkenburger Hütte | ca. 1,100 Hm | 3.5–4 Std. |
| 2 | Starkenburger Hütte → Neue Regensburger Hütte | ca. 800 Hm | 4–5 Std. |
| 3 | Neue Regensburger Hütte → Franz-Senn-Hütte | ca. 600 Hm | 3–4 Std. |
| 4 | Franz-Senn-Hütte → Nürnberger Hütte | ca. 900 Hm | 5–6 Std. |
| 5 | Nürnberger Hütte → Sulzenau Hütte | ca. 700 Hm | 3–4 Std. |
| 6 | Sulzenau Hütte → Innsbrucker Hütte → Neustift | ca. 500 Hm | 3–4 Std. |
The order is not fixed – the high route can be hiked in both directions.
What you need
Fitness: Good endurance is a must. For each stage, 4–6 hours of pure walking time are normal, plus breaks and hut time.
Experience: Sure-footedness and acrophobia are necessary. Some crossings lead through rock terrain, boulders, and (depending on the season) snowfields.
Equipment:
- Fitting hiking boots with ankle support
- Sticks recommended
- Rain gear (even in summer)
- Hut shoes / socks
- Reserve supplies
Reservation: Booking is compulsory in high summer on all huts. Last-minute without a reservation is difficult.
The huts on the Stubaier High Route
- Starkenburger Hütte (2,237 m) – starting point, view of the Serles
- Neue Regensburger Hütte (2,286 m) – quiet location, Pinnis valley
- Franz-Senn-Hütte (2,149 m) – historically significant, Oberbergtal valley
- Nürnberger Hütte (2,280 m) – below the Zuckerhütl
- Sulzenau Hütte (2,196 m) – glacier proximity, Grawa waterfall
- Innsbrucker Hütte (2,369 m) – highest hut on the route, glacier view
- (optional: Elferhütte as entry point or exit)
Best travel time
Mid-July to mid-September is the optimal time. Beforehand, there may be snow remnants on the crossings, afterwards, the hut opening times shorten.
The Stubaier High Route is a real Alpine adventure. Once you’ve hiked it, you’ll understand the Stubaital valley differently.