Alpine traverse from Timmelsalm to Brunnenkogelgrat. From green meadows to glacial heights | 2981m

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We start from Belprato, a small settlement in the highlands near the Timmelsjoch Pass.
From the parking space we follow the signpost no. 30 heading northward towards the Lago Nero di Tumulo lake. A forest path leads us after a 30-minute walk to Timmelsalm, a picturesque alpine pasture hut offering local cheese and refreshments. We get close to the Biotop Mösler, a protected wetland area recognized for its ecological importance. It serves as a vital habitat for a diverse range of plant and animal species, contributing significantly to regional biodiversity.​The biotope supports various wetland plants, including reeds, sedges, and mosses, which play a crucial role in maintaining the area's ecological balance.​ It also provides a sanctuary for amphibians like frogs and newts, numerous insect species, and serves as a habitat for various bird species, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching.
The Passer River, which further downstream joins the Timmels Bach to form the river that gives its name to the valley, always accompanies us in a spectacular way, between waterfalls and passages through narrow gorges, occasionally forming small crystal-clear basins.
After a fairly steep and tiring section, a small hut on a hill to our right marks the beginning of a flatter section.
We have arrived now at the large Unterkrumpwasser plateau, which together with the one above Oberkrumpwasser is crossed by the Passer river in a very particular way, forming a series of long snakes that, when seen from above, almost seem drawn.
A high alpine trail snakes its way to the terraces of Krumpwasser where the Rio Tumulo (source of the Passirio river) meanders through the natural moorland.
Here, right above the timber line, you'll find undisturbed nature. Cattle and sheep graze on the mountain pastures and the glaciers of Mount Hochfirst in the west and Mount Botzer in the east, as well as the marble rocks of the Schneeberger Weisse mountain, tower into the sky.
Finally we leave the high alpine meadows of Unterkrumpwasser and Oberkrumpwasser and reach the 2,500 m limit where Lake Nero di Tumulo (Grosser Timmler Schwarzsee, in Geman) is located. We enjoy a stop at the shores of this wonderful lake. with crystal-clear waters reflecting the rugged peaks around it. The color of the lake is actually dark, and it is not a coincidence, since at its deepest point it almost reaches 30 meters! This is a great spot to take a break, enjoy the serene atmosphere, before the steepest and most technical section of todays hike starts.

From the lake, the trail ascends steadily towards the Austrian border, following a well-marked but rugged path with the landscape characterized with scree fields, moraines and high-alpine tundra, occasionally requiring careful footing over boulder sections. Hikers will be rewarded with panoramic views of surrounding peaks such as Fineilspitze (3,514 m) and the Weißkugel (3,739 m) in the distance. Upon reaching the border ridge, you officially enter Austria. Here, the trail begins a descent into the Windachtal (Windach Valley), a remote and wild alpine valley known for its rugged beauty. The descent can be steep in parts, with loose rocks, but the scenery of glaciated peaks and green pastures makes it worthwhile.
After descending into the valley, the trail climbs again towards the Siegerlandhütte (2710 m), a charming mountain hut situated on a terrace overlooking the valley. The final section involves a mix of grassy slopes and rocky paths. The Siegerlandhütte will be a good place to have a rest for us.
From here, the trail ascends gradually towards the Windachscharte, a high pass offering great views of the surrounding peaks.

If we have time and the conditions allow it, we could get a scenic detour leading southward towards Triebenkarsee, a remote alpine lake surrounded by rugged cliffs. The lake often remains partially frozen even in early summer, adding to its dramatic beauty. From Triebenkarsee, the trail climbs steeply up on the Kar des Scheiblehnferner, leading us through the inner Windachtal with the end of the valley marked from striking Gaiskogl (3128 meters). A wonderful panoramic panoramic view at Gamsplatzl (2951 m) compensates for the last steep climb at about 3000 m (Gamsjochl). After crossing Gamsplatzl, the trail descends into the Gaiskar Valley, a wild and remote section with dramatic alpine scenery. The descent is steep, with some exposed sections requiring careful footing. From here, the path reconnects with the main route leading toward Hildesheimer Hütte.

The last major climb of the day takes you up steep switchbacks and rocky paths to the Hildesheimer Hütte. Some sections have fixed cables for support. Upon reaching the hut, Hildesheimer Hütte (2,899 m), you can finally enjoy a well-earned rest with spectacular sunset views over the Stubai Glacier. Perfect end of first day!

The second day after breakfast we start hiking towards Windachtal. It is also called the silent valley, surrounded by towering peaks, including the Hinterer Spiegelkogel (3,426 m) to the west and Gaislachkogel (3,058 m) to the north. The lower sections of the trail are rich with alpine flora, including edelweiss and alpine roses in summer. After around 2 hours of steady ascent, you leave the valley floor behind and begin climbing steeper terrain towards Brunnenkogelhaus. As you gain altitude, the vegetation transitions from larch and Swiss stone pine forests to rugged alpine grasslands and scree fields. At 2,738 m, the Brunnenkogelhaus sits on a scenic plateau with breathtaking views of the Ötztal Alps. The original hut was built in the early 20th century for shepherds and mountaineers but has since been modernized while retaining its rustic charm.
From the terrace, you can see: Wildspitze (3,770 m), Austria’s second-highest peak., the deep valley of the Windachtal from above and the Pitztal Glacier, a remnant of the last Ice Age.
From Brunnenkogelhaus, the path follows the Gratweg, a narrow ridge trail leading toward the Timmelsjoch pass. This section is both the most spectacular of the day!
The ridge offers stunning views of glacial moraines, turquoise alpine lakes, and sharp rock faces. The Hoher First (3,403 m) dominates the skyline to the east. Wannenkarsee is also visible, a small, remote alpine lake situated in the Wannenkar Cirque, a glacially carved basin with gorgeous colours. Historically, this high-alpine ridge served as a natural barrier between the Ötztal and Passeier Valley, making it an important part of early trade routes and smuggling paths between Austria and Italy. In World War II, the region was also used for secret crossings.
As you descend toward Timmelsjoch, you pass remnants of ancient shepherd routes and possibly encounter marmots, golden eagles, and ibexes, which are common in this area. The final section of the hike leads down toward Timmelsjoch (2,474 m), an important mountain pass on the Austrian-Italian border. The Timmelsjoch Pass Road, built in the 1950s, follows the route of historic Roman and medieval trade paths. Evidence of Neolithic settlements has been found in this region, suggesting humans have been crossing these mountains for thousands of years.
Our long journey from valley to glacier is finally at the end.

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By public transport:
    Train station near start point: Zentrum Shuttle (12.1 Km from start point)
    Bus stop near start point: Timmelsjoch Staatsgrenze (2738 m from start point)

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Siegerlandhütte (2710 m):
    Website: Homepage
    Opening hours: Jul-Sep: open
    Wikipedia: Wikipedia page
    Location: Google maps

Hildesheimer Hütte (2900 m):
    Website: Homepage
    Phone: +43 5254 2300
    Opening hours: Jul,Aug: open; Jun,Sep: End of June - End of September
    Wikipedia: Wikipedia page
    Location: Google maps

Brunnenkogelhaus (2738 m):
    Website: Homepage
    Wikipedia: Wikipedia page
    Location: Google maps

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Technical Difficulty Medium Difficult
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Route statistics

Highest point 2981m
Total gain 2746m
Total loss 2688m
Duration 19h11m
Distance 34.0Km
Rating 2775

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Author

Marco

IT

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