High Pasture alpine hut hike above the Gaistal Valley

Route: Leutasch / car park Stupfer (P2) – Alpine Hut Wettersteinhütte – Alpine Hut Wangalm – Alpine Hut Rotmoosalm – Alpine Hut Steinernes Hüttl – Alpine Hut Tillfußalm – Path Ganghoferweg - car park Stupfer (P2)

This extensive and varied hike through the alpine paradise of Gaistal can also be done in sections, depending on your mood.

The versatile Hochalmrunde starts directly from the P2 hiking parking lot (Stupfer) in the Leutascher Gaistal. Here you will also find the large wooden signpost for the ascent in the direction of Wettersteinhütte and Wangalm. At the beginning, you have to master a sporty steep section over beautiful forest paths before you reach the wide gravel forest road. Follow the yellow hiking signs until just below the rustic Wettersteinhütte (1,717m). Here you have the choice: left over a spectacular climb directly to the hut, or right over a somewhat more moderate climb. Both variants require good footing and calf strength, until you can enjoy a first delicious stop at the hut with a picturesque view over the Wetterstein mountains.

Only a little further lies the idyllic Wangalm (1,753m). With original coziness you can experience the traditional alpine life on the Wangalm once up close - and taste! Children and families can expect lush alpine meadows and numerous animals. Climbing enthusiasts can also climb some varied routes in the rock not far from the hut, summit strikers follow the signs to the Gehrenspitze (2,367m).

From the Wangalm, the hike then continues northward to the Südwandsteig, on which you continue to Schönberg (2,142m). On the way, attentive mountaineers can often also observe many native wild animals here. Finally, you reach the highest hut in the Wetterstein Mountains at 2,030m: the Rotmoosalm. In addition to excellent Tyrolean cuisine, the alp offers its guests during the summer months on request also high-alpine accommodation. Shortcut option: From the last hiking parking lot at the Salzbach you can also climb directly to the Rotmoosalm (steep and beautiful).

From the Rotmoosalm, the Hochalm hike follows the Südwandsteig further westward, crosses the Mitterjöchl below the Kleinwanner and Hochwanner (2,546m and 2,774m) and a little later reaches the Steinerne Hüttl (1,925m) with views of the Hochwanner, Germany's second highest peak, the Hohe Munde and in the distance the Zillertal glacier. Tip: If you reserve a night's lodging on the rocky refuge in advance, you can conquer the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain, from here. Alternatively, treat yourself to refreshments on the panoramic sun terrace and finally descend on winding hiking trails to the historic Tillfussalm (1,382m) in Gaistal.

Here you are greeted from afar by the neat Jagdhaus Hubertus, where the Bavarian folk writer Ludwig Ganghofer created his most famous works. The legendary inn of the Tillfussalm also knows how to inspire - from the original Kaspressknödel to homemade cake variations. If you prefer to hike a little further, leave the Tillfussalm to the left and follow the course of the turquoise-blue Leutascher Ache river to the Gaistalalm (1,373m). On the famous Ganghoferweg trail, you will finally head out of the valley with a great view. On the way, you can make one last detour to the rustic Hämmermoosalm (1,417m) - the last opportunity to stop for a bite to eat on the extensive high alpine hike, before the return path leads you comfortably back to the starting point at the Leutascher Salzbach.

As a regenerative end to the high alpine hike in the Gaistal, we recommend a visit to the wildly beautiful natural Kneipp facility on the Leutascher Ache (between the hiking parking lots P4 and P5).

You can also find an exciting experience report of a high alpine pasture hike on our blog.