"This hut trek takes us deep into the wild heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, home to Austria’s highest peaks – Großglockner and Großvenediger. Far from the crowds, we hike through remote valleys, and over high passes and peaks and explore a landscape rich in wildlife and raw alpine beauty."

Programme: 

Day 1 – Saturday 1st August – Arrival

We can meet at Munich Airport, from where a shuttle taxi will drive us directly to Hotel Heimat in Prägraten (3.5 hours). We also spend our last night at the hotel, so extra luggage can be stored there during the tour. Depending on departure time, we can enjoy the Sauna and Wellness Area in the afternoon. Before dinner at the hotel, our guide, Johanna, will provide a pre-tour briefing and discuss the packing list. The hotel serves a delicious 3-course dinner in the evening.

Day 2 – Sunday 2nd August – Clarahütte (2038m)

 →10 km ↑ 700 m

We begin our trek right outside the hotel, walking along the River Isel with its many small waterfalls. Halfway we pass the Islitzer Alm, where we can stop for lunch. Here is where the park rangers usually have their information truck, and we can ask where the wildlife is currently found. The path continues way back into the valley soon opening up to great views of the glacier at the end of it. Below lies the cosy Clarahütte where we stay for the night. Last year you could watch a fox on the slopes above the hut.

Day 3 – Monday 3 August – Neue Reichneberger Hütte (2586 m)

→10km ↑800m ↓250m

We follow the path back from the hut until it turns south into Daber Valley. It is a small hiking trail along the slopes of the mountain, at times secured by metal railings and slippery in the wet. It offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains and there is a high chance of spotting ibex on this route (as we did last year). At the end of the valley is a small bivouac, offering shelter for lunch before we ascend to the pass of Daberlenke (2620 m). Our hut for the night is located an hour's walk up and down over a high Alpine meadow, which is loved by wildlife such as ibex, chamois, and numerous marmots. The hut is located directly by a lake, which is lovely to swim in.

Day 4 – Tuesday 4 August – Berger-See-Hütte (2181 m)

→10km ↑750m ↓1150m

We begin with an hour-long ascent to the Rote Lenke Pass (2794 m), from which we can already see the next pass to cross, the Michltalscharte (2652 m). But first, we descend into the valley of Kleinbachboden (2500 m). Halfway through the valley opens to the north with a fantastic view of the glacier of Austria’s second-highest peak, Großvenediger (3657 m). From Michltalscharte, we descend all the way into the Lasnitzen Valley (2056 m) to ascend on the other side along a slope to a viewpoint (2375 m) before reaching Berger-See-Hütte (2181 m), which is also located directly by a lake.

Day 5 – Wednesday 5 August – Lasörlinghütte (2293 m)

→5.5km ↑650m ↓450 m

The trail from Berger-See-Hütte to the Berger Törl begins with a steep ascent into a rocky gully, where chains are fixed to the rock to give extra security on the steep sections. It is short but demanding, and one likely needs to use their hands for support to navigate over the rocks. Descending from the ridge, the route drops briefly—again on a fairly steep grade—with a touch of light scrambling before it eases off. From here, the character of the hike changes completely. The terrain opens into wide, green alpine meadows. Eventually, the path leads to the Lasörlinghütte, a welcoming hut set on a grassy knoll. Bright sun-chairs on the terrace invite tired hikers to sit back, sip a drink, and take in the panorama—an inviting, almost playful contrast to the rugged start of the stage.

Day 6 – Thursday, 6 August – Zupalseehütte (2346 m)

→7km ↑400m ↓300m

From the Lasörlinghütte the path begins with a steady descent on alpine pastures, winding down into a broad green valley. The trail drops further toward the Merschenalm (2248 m), a traditional alpine hut with grazing cows and meadows. It is run by a lovely local family serving traditional and super delicious food, also selling homemade tea and herbal cremes in their own shop. From Merschenalm, the route climbs again on a well-trodden alpine path, gaining back elevation across grassy slopes and scattered larch trees. The final stretch traverses high above the valley with increasingly wide views until the Zupalseehütte (2,350 m) comes into sight, perched above its small mountain lake.

When we arrive in the early afternoon, one can go for a swim in the lake and enjoy the views or there is an easy peak (1-1.5 hrs uphill) to hike up to. The peak can also be done as a sunrise tour next morning if the weather plays along.

Day 7 – Friday 7 August - Virgen (1194 m)

→6km ↓850m

We are in no rush to descend to Virgen from where a short bus ride brings us back to the hotel. The afternoon can be spent in the hotel’s beautiful spa & wellness area. In the evening we have 3-course dinner again at the hotel.

Day 8 – Saturday 8 August – Departure

We finish our hiking week over breakfast.

Here at The Adventure Girls Club, we try to make our events as inclusive as possible. However, due to the wild, remote and rugged nature of this trek, some experience with mountain hiking and a good level of fitness is desirable. As we will have to get to our huts by dinner, and there is no option to have a rest day, we ask that you also have experience with hiking multiple days in a row (for example, on one of our weekenders). Our goal is to ensure everyone's safety and to provide all guests with the best possible experience. 

To book onto this trip, you must: 

• Be comfortable spending a full day outdoors in the mountains from 8am to 4pm.
• Have the ability to walk comfortably on narrow, exposed hiking paths, which are at times covered with loose rocks and tree roots.
• Have a good head for heights.
• Have experience carrying a heavier backpack than usual on long hikes.
• Have experience hiking multiple days in a row without rest days.
• Be comfortable hiking at a slow pace but continuously uphill for 4 hours, with a small break every hour.
• Have experience hiking in the mountains in the UK or similar

If you don't have this experience when booking, please make sure you prepare by training in the mountains in the UK before attending the trip. 

Alice will organise a mountain day in the UK a few months before the trip, so we can all meet and get a training day in together before the trip. 

If you have any worries or concerns about if you are fit or experienced enough to come on the trip please email us [email protected] and we can advise. 

Price includes:

• Organisation of the trip by Shanti Treks, a registered Travel Company
• Guided hikes by a fully qualified UIMLA & VDBS International Mountain Leader
• 2 nights in Prägraten at Hotel Heimat in double or triple rooms
• 5 hut nights in shared rooms
• All breakfasts and dinners during the trip
• A small group of 12 like-minded women to connect with
• Invitation to a WhatsApp group to liaise with others about flights/transport, and for communication during the trip
• A trip host, Alice Keegan, founder of The Adventure Girls club, to help out with anything our guide can't
• A pre-trip mountain day in the UK (TBC)

Not included:

• Flights and public transport to the hotel where we meet
• Lunch and beverages during the trip (you can buy these at the huts)
• Insurance cover for alpine rescue in Austria (up to 2800 meters)**

*£250 deposit is non-refundable

**The Austrian Alpine Club offers insurance for UK citizens under its Britannia Branch. Information can be found here. 

By signing up to or attending this event you agree to The Adventure Girls Club Terms and Conditions and Shanti Treks Terms and Conditions