Berliner Hohenweg

The Berliner Höhenweg is arguably the finest section of the Zillertal Höhenweg. One of Austria’s great walks. While it is often walked east-west, it officially runs west-east. 

The first stage is a 3.5hr, 1,200m, climb to the Gams Hut (1,928m). 

Stage 2 is long (14km/10hr or so) and demanding (with lots of ups and downs), but gorgeous, traversing upward along the northern sides of the Zamergrund valley to the Friesenberghaus (2,477m).  

Stage 3 is again superb, dropping to the depths of the Zamsergrund before climbing to the Furtschaglhaus (2,293m). 5-6hrs for most people. 

The thrilling stage 4 crosses the high and exposed Schönbichler Scharte (3,081m, take great care in poor weather), then drops across the high bowl of the upper Zemmgrund valley, below the border ridge with Italy, to the wonderfully sited Berliner Hut. 6-7hrs for most people. 

Thence, the last stage descends the Zemmgrund valley to the road at the Gasthof Breitlahmer. This is quite a short stage (2.5hrs or so), so could be combined with stage 4 by the fit and keen. 

This is a hut-to-hut walk, so heavy loads don’t need to be carried. It is a demanding walk, with exposed (cabled) sections, long climbs from huts to passes, and in remote mountains with uncertain weather. Come fully prepared, 

Have a look at TripAdvisor– you should get good, current views on the area. 

Walking in Austria – Allan Hartley for Cicerone is the book for this walk, and has other walks in the area. Find relevant books on Amazon.

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For more information and photos, including detailed practical information and some warnings, see our Zillertal Alps walk page.