The Stubaier High Route is one of Austria’s most famous multi-day hut-to-hut hiking trails. In 7 stages, the route leads from hut to hut, over glacier passes and mountain ridges, with the Zuckerhütl (3,507 m) as an optional highlight at the edge of the route.
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 | Length | Vertical meters | Walking time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Starkenburger Hütte → Franz-Senn-Hütte | 15 km | 690 Hm | approx. 7 hrs |
| 2 | Franz-Senn-Hütte → Neue Regensburger Hütte | 9 km | 603 Hm | approx. 4 hrs |
| 3 | Neue Regensburger Hütte → Dresdner Hütte | 13 km | 1,033 Hm | approx. 7 hrs |
| 4 | Dresdner Hütte → Sulzenau Hütte | 5 km | 419 Hm | approx. 3 hrs |
| 5 | Sulzenau Hütte → Nürnberger Hütte | 4.4 km | 461 Hm | approx. 4 hrs |
| 6 | Nürnberger Hütte → Bremer Hütte | 6 km | 642 Hm | approx. 4 hrs |
| 7 | Bremer Hütte → Innsbrucker Hütte | 9.5 km | 839 Hm | approx. 7 hrs |
The order is not fixed – the high route can be hiked in both directions. The approach to the Starkenburger Hütte (start of the stages) is done separately from Neustift.
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
- Franz-Senn-Hütte (2,147 m) – historically significant, Oberbergtal valley
- Neue Regensburger Hütte (2,286 m) – quiet location, Falbesoner valley
- Dresdner Hütte (2,308 m) – at the top station of the glacier cable car
- Sulzenau Hütte (2,191 m) – glacier proximity, Grawa waterfall
- Nürnberger Hütte (2,280 m) – below the Zuckerhütl
- Bremer Hütte (2,413 m) – highest hut on the route
- Innsbrucker Hütte (2,369 m) – glacier view, final stage destination
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.