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3 impressive peaks – 3 days full of challenges – a cozy accommodation

Big 3 Long-Distance Hike of the Tyrolean High Plateau | Challenging Long-Distance Hike in Tyrol

Great thrills, greater views, and summit moments you will never forget: This is the "Big 3" Long-Distance Hike on Tyrol's high plateau. Over the course of 3 days, you will hike with light luggage to the most prominent peaks of the region. The Grande Dame of the Alps, the starting point of the legendary Karwendel High Trail, and an apparently unconquerable insider tip combine to create an experience that's truly extraordinary. This long-distance hike is only for experienced mountaineers and presents a real challenge, promising great rewards for the brave.

Why this long-distance hike is different

From the very beginning, you'll notice that this is no ordinary multi-day tour. You'll hike through three different mountain ranges and still have a fixed accommodation every night. This grants you the blessing of a light backpack and the luxury of post-hiking wellness. Even when weather changes occur, you remain flexible. You can plan spontaneously because you don't have to book huts years in advance, and you can still fully enjoy the Alpine flair of the Tyrolean Alps. An absolute treat for the palate, soul, and mountain climber's heart.

Highlights & Requirements

• Demanding & Challenging: For fit and experienced mountaineers with surefootedness and freedom from giddiness
• Pure Reward: Unforgettable summit moments, wide views, and a lived mountain hut culture
• Diverse Nature Experience: Gentle alpine meadows, challenging ascents, alpine paths, and wide panoramas in 3 mountain ranges
• Comfort: Fixed accommodation in the valley – hiking with light luggage and wellness upon request after the tour
• Short-term planning: Hotels do not need to be booked too far in advance
• Flexible Concept: Stages and programs adjustable according to the weather
• Culinary Highlights along the way
• Optional additional challenges such as the via ferratas to the Seefelder or Reither Spitze or the Härmelkopf

The Big 3 in Profile – Overview of Stages

The recommended order for this long-distance hike is Gehrenspitze – Hohe Munde – Reither Spitze. You warm up with the "easiest" tour, tackle the toughest mountain of the trio on the second day, and save the only shortcut for the last day in case you run out of energy. But of course, the order can also be chosen individually based on the weather and personal preference.

What can you expect on the stages?

1. The Gehrenspitze – the insider tip in the Wetterstein Mountains

From the north side, the Gehrenspitze appears almost insurmountable: steep, rugged, unwelcoming. But those who know the right approach will discover a spectacular yet definitely achievable tour – a real insider tip, even for many Tyroleans. The ascent leads through a play of gentle meadows and rocky terrain. It is accompanied by the sound of sheep bells and the curious gazes of countless chamois, while climbers on the neighboring Schüsselkar search for their lines. This blend of authenticity, wildlife, and alpine drama gives the Gehrenspitze its charm. Little known outside of Leutasch, it offers a unique summit experience – tranquil, pristine, and full of surprises – especially when delicious mountain cuisine awaits tired hikers at the descent.

2. The Hohe Munde – the Grande Dame in the Mieminger Chain

A mountain that touches every heart in the region is the "Hohe Munde". Also known as the Grand Lady of the Alps, this double peak shapes the Tyrolean Oberland like no other. Almost visible from everywhere, the distinctive shape and sheer presence of the Munde evoke reverence from the valley below. To hike this beauty is a true privilege, but certainly also a great challenge. What begins in cool forests soon leads steeply upwards through the larch trees, before one dares the final ascent through the larches to the eastern peak of the Hohe Munde. After crossing over to the western peak, a short rope safety leads to the Niedere Munde and down into the Almparadies Gaistal, where the culinary reward awaits.

3. Reither Spitze – the classic in the Karwendel Mountains

The Reither Spitze is an absolute classic of the region. There is the fantastic view over Seefeld, the affiliation with the legendary Karwendel High Trail, and at least equally legendary: The Kaiserschmarrn at the Nördlinger Hütte just below the summit. This is truly a gourmet tour for everyone who brings enough stamina. Fitness is definitely required, but don't worry, not a drop of sweat is in vain. The landscape up here looks straight out of a picture book, and the ascent itself is very varied. After the first summit, there's a crossing over to the Seefelder Spitze and back down into the valley. It should be noted: A part of the trail is rightly called the "King's Tour".

If your legs are already heavy from the previous day or the weather isn't quite perfect, this tour can easily be shortened – more on that in the tour description. Sure-footedness and alpine experience are essential in any case – regardless of which variant you choose.

Wanderung durch das Puittal

Hiking

Stage 1: Gehrenspitze – Big 3 Long-Distance Hike

Length

25,00 km

Duration

11:30 h

Uphill

1560 hm

Altitude

2360 hm

Difficulty

Hard

Gipfelkreuz am Westgipfel der Hohen Munde

Hiking

Stage 2: Hohe Munde – Big 3 Long-Distance Hike

Length

21,00 km

Duration

11:30 h

Uphill

1720 hm

Altitude

2660 hm

Difficulty

Hard

Wanderer auf der Reither Spitze

Hiking

Stage 3: Reither Spitze – Big 3 Long-Distance Hike

Length

15,40 km

Duration

09:00 h

Uphill

1400 hm

Downhill

1300 hm

Altitude

2365 hm

Difficulty

Hard

Wanderer am Ostgipfel der Hohen Munde

Hiking

Complete Route – Big 3 Multi-day Hike on Tirols Hochplateau

Length

62,00 km

Duration

32:00 h

Uphill

4510 hm

Altitude

2365 hm

Difficulty

Medium

Illustration of Seefeld, Tyrol with a pin drop symbol and mountains.

Digital Guide for Demanding Summit Days

Our long-distance hiking app provides all the important information on the stages of the Big 3 long-distance hike on Tyrol's high plateau – including route details, highlights, and planning aids. Now available for Android and Apple.

Important Information

In early summer and autumn, there can still be snow remnants on these giants, so make sure to check in at our info offices beforehand before you dive into the adventure. There, you will also learn which huts are open and for how long. On these tours – especially to the Hohe Munde – you should pack enough fluids, as there are often long stretches without streams or places to stop. A via ferrata set can also be beneficial. Make sure to pack experience in alpine terrain, good hiking boots, and suitable clothing, and leave sandals at the hotel. You can find the packing list here. The exact route is best followed with GPX.

What to Consider When Planning the Big Three Long-Distance Hike:

  • Realistic self-assessment: The tour is aimed exclusively at experienced mountaineers with surefootedness, freedom from giddiness, and alpine experience.
  • Good physical condition: Three demanding summit days in a row require strength, endurance, and careful management of energy reserves.
  • Start early and plan time reserves: The risk of thunderstorms, long stages, and exposed passages make early start times sensible.
  • Check weather and conditions carefully: Snow or firn remnants are possible in early summer and autumn; wet conditions significantly increase difficulty.
  • Pay attention to water and supply management: Especially on the Hohe Munde, there are longer sections without water sources or dining options.
  • Stay flexible: Adjust the order of summits, stage lengths, and variations based on weather and daily condition.
  • Organize safety: Report tour to hotel or relatives, know emergency numbers, and have an emergency app installed.
A woman offers a snack package on a mountain peak, with mountains in the background.
Two climbers ascend a rocky mountain slope with a safety rope.
A woman on a mountain holds a gray water bottle, with clouds and mountains in the background.

Emergency numbers:

Mountain Rescue – Alpine Emergency Call: 140
EU Emergency Number: 112

Smartphone users can install the Emergency App from the Tyrol control center. It assists in sending an emergency call and simultaneously transmits one’s location.

Two hikers on a mountain trail surrounded by greenery and rocky peaks.

Equipment tip

  • Sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots with a good grip
  • Weatherproof clothing including a warm layer, even with a stable forecast
  • Helmet for rockfall-prone and exposed passages
  • Via ferrata set and gloves for secured sections and optional additional routes
  • Sufficient drinking water as well as energy-rich snacks
  • Small first-aid kit and blister plasters
  • Sun protection, cap, and sunglasses
  • Headlamp for unforeseen delays
  • Mobile phone with offline saved GPX data and power bank
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Packing List Big 3 Long-Distance Hiking
What should not be missing on the Big-3 long-distance hike? Our packing list reveals everything important for your adventure – compact and clear!
Download

Comfort and Variety

After an intense hiking day on Tyrol's high plateau, the Seefeld region offers ideal conditions for regeneration and relaxed evenings. Wellness programs in selected hotels, at the Olympiabad Seefeld, or at the Experiential World Alpenbad support recovery between stages, while cosy restaurants and local cuisine provide new energy for the next day.

Thanks to the included mobility with the guest card, you remain flexible without a car: The regional bus service and the train route between Seefeld and Scharnitz can be used free of charge, significantly easing the planning of the individual stages.

A woman stands in a hotel room, holding an object near a bed with soft morning light.

Truly flexible. All advantages.

Search and Book Suitable Accommodation
In the Seefeld region, you will find numerous accommodations that are ideal as a fixed base for the Big-3 long-distance hike. After challenging summit days, you can enjoy a hearty breakfast, targeted relaxation, and optimal preparation for the next stage. In the evenings, regional cuisine, cozy lounge areas, and optional wellness offerings in selected hotels ensure beneficial recovery and a relaxed end to the day.

Tourismusverband Seefeld | Austria +43 5 0880 | region@seefeld.com | www.seefeld.com