Beginner Montafon Fun Trek

  • Duration
    Total 4 days
    Average 3 h 51m
  • Distance
    Total 35.0 km
    Average 8.8 km
  • Ascent
    Total +2860 m
    Average +715 m
  • Descent
    Total -1650 m
    Average -550 m

> Take your next step into adventurous alpine trekking
> Hike past the stunning turquoise waters of Lünersee
> Spend the nights in cosy Austrian mountain huts

Are you ready to take your mountain hiking experience to the next level? The Montafon trek is a rewarding four-day hut-to-hut trekking trip in the Alps for adventurous beginners who already have some experience in the mountains and are looking for an extra challenge. Starting at Gauenhütte, the route leads through the impressive Montafon landscape before finishing at Grüneck mountain station.

The daily distances are relatively short, with stages of under 10 kilometres, but this does not make the trek easy. Expect considerable elevation gain, long and steep descents, loose scree, narrow mountain paths and several exposed sections. Good fitness, sure-footedness and a head for heights are essential. Nights are spent at welcoming huts such as Lindauer Hütte, Totalp-Hütte and Heinrich Hueter Hütte. This is a great next step for confident beginners, but it is not suitable as a first mountain trek or for hikers with a strong fear of heights.

Itinerary

Day
1

Tschagguns - Gauenhütte - Lindauer Hütte

Duration: 03:50 h
Distance: 8.8 km
Ascent: 1070 m

Your trek begins in the charming village of Tschagguns, but it won’t be long before you’re fully surrounded by nature. As you pass alpine houses and gentle slopes, the sound of a mountain stream echoes through the trees. Suddenly, a small hidden waterfall comes into view, your first little reward!

Leaving Gauenhütte behind, you’ll quickly immerse yourself in the alpine scenery of the Gauertal Valley. The trail winds through secluded flower-filled meadows and alongside towering cliffs, which gradually close in around you. With every step, the landscape becomes more dramatic.

Although this is a relatively short stage, you will gain a considerable amount of elevation on the way towards the heart of the Rätikon mountains. The second half becomes steeper and more demanding, with uneven mountain paths that require a steady pace and sure-footedness. Previous experience walking in the mountains and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended. The views over the valley and towards peaks such as the Drei Türme (2,830 m) make the effort worthwhile.

You will eventually reach the Lindauer Hütte, a mountain hut surrounded by rocky giants that feels like a true alpine hideaway. Grab a drink, put your feet up and enjoy the peace and quiet. Tomorrow, the route becomes more technical and the real mountain challenge begins.

Lindauer Hütte

Info
Lindauer Hütte
Lindauer Hütte
Day
2

Lindauer Hütte - Totalp-Hütte

Duration: 05:20 h
Distance: 10.7 km
Ascent: 1100 m
Descent: 470 m

Today, you will leave the forests behind and venture deep into the rocky terrain of the Rätikon mountain range. Starting from the Lindauer Hütte, the trail leads across open alpine terrain, offering sweeping views in all directions. Rocky ridgelines, narrow mountain paths and jagged peaks create an authentic high-mountain experience from the outset.

This is a serious mountain day: longer, higher and with considerably more elevation gain than the other stages. You will pass the Verajoch and the iconic Schweizer Tor, a dramatic mountain pass on the border between Austria and Switzerland. The route includes steep ascents and descents, loose rock and scree, narrow paths and some exposed passages. Sure-footedness, a good head for heights, solid fitness and previous mountain-hiking experience are essential.

After descending and crossing a plateau, you will hike alongside the turquoise waters of the Lünersee before beginning the final ascent to tonight’s hut. With more than 1,000 metres of ascent, this is the most physically and technically demanding day of the trek. Take your time, especially on loose or steep sections. Your reward is the Totalphütte, spectacularly situated above the lake, where you can relax after a challenging day in the mountains.

Totalp-Hütte

Info
Totalp-Hütte
Totalp-Hütte
Day
3

Totalp-Hütte - Heinrich Hueter Hütte

Duration: 03:25 h
Distance: 8.3 km
Ascent: 210 m
Descent: 820 m

Following yesterday’s demanding hike, today’s route begins with a descent from the Totalphütte towards the turquoise waters of the Lünersee. Do not underestimate this first section: the mountain path is rocky and can be steep in places, requiring concentration and sure-footedness. Take your time and stop safely whenever you want to admire the lake and the surrounding peaks.

The route continues along the shoreline before turning towards the Saulajoch Pass. Although this section is quieter, the trail remains alpine and includes narrow, uneven paths and sections with loose rock. From the dam and higher points along the route, you can enjoy one last look back at the lake and the rugged ridgelines of the Rätikon range before beginning the long descent into a completely different alpine landscape.

The descent towards the Heinrich-Hueter-Hütte can be demanding and should not be underestimated, particularly if the ground is wet or your legs are tired. Good fitness, sure-footedness and previous mountain-hiking experience are important. The route eventually leads into the lush alpine meadows of the Brandnertal valley, where the hut appears among rolling hills and limestone walls. It is the perfect place to relax after another challenging day in the mountains.

Heinrich Hueter Hütte

Info
Heinrich Hueter Hütte
Heinrich Hueter Hütte
Day
4

Heinrich Hueter Hütte - Grüneck Bergstation

Duration: 02:50 h
Distance: 7.25 km
Ascent: 480 m
Descent: 360 m

On the final day, you will leave the Heinrich-Hueter-Hütte and cross the green alpine pastures of the Rellstal Valley. The surroundings may feel gentler than on the previous stages, but this is still an alpine mountain route. Expect uneven paths, several steeper sections and a considerable amount of ascent and descent. Sure-footedness and concentration remain important until the end.

Along the way, you will pass traditional alpine huts and enjoy views over the Vandans Valley and the distant ridgelines you crossed during the previous days. After passing Alpe Platzis, the route continues across varied mountain terrain towards your final destination: the Grüneck mountain station of the Golmerbahn cable car. Take particular care on any steep, narrow or loose sections, especially when the ground is wet.

After four days of challenging mountain paths, cosy huts and impressive alpine views, the trek concludes with one final scenic stretch. From Grüneck, you can take the cable car back down into the valley and look back on a rewarding introduction to more adventurous alpine trekking. Well done!

Contact our Trekking Expert
Naida Bonnema
Naida Bonnema
Naida Bonnema

Included

  • Accommodation

    During your Montafon Trek, you will stay overnight in comfortable accommodations. You'll sleep in private rooms, ensuring a good night's rest after each day on the trail.

  • Full travel guide

    You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Montafon Trek. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.

  • Accommodation

    During the trek, you’ll stay overnight in mountain huts. Accommodation is booked in dormitories (Lager) by default. Some huts offer private rooms (€50 per room, per night) or Mehrbettzimmer / small shared rooms (€12.50 per person, per night), subject to limited availability. If you’d like an upgrade, you can leave a comment while booking or email us immediately after booking. If a private room isn’t available, your booking will be placed in a Mehrbettzimmer or dormitory instead.

  • Half board in huts (where possible)

    Accommodation in the huts includes dinner and breakfast, unless otherwise indicated in the exclusive list. This allows you to travel lighter and not have to worry about an extra meal. Please note, however, that lunch is not included, but can be purchased at the huts. Beverages may also be charged separately at some huts.

  • Navigation support

    Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport.

  • Transfers

    Should you need any form of (public) transport on location, this is not part of the trekking package. This includes the use of taxi, bus, cable cars, gondolas, ferries, etc.

  • Lunch

    Half-board is included in the price of this trek. Lunch, however, is not. Many huts offer packed lunches, which can usually be requested the night before. Alternatively, you can stop for lunch at mountain huts along the way.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses on such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.

  • Payment Heinrich Hueter Hütte and Totalp-Hütte

    Your stays at Heinrich Hueter Hütte and Totalp-Hütte have been reserved, but payment has not yet been made. Please note that both huts do NOT accept card payments, so make sure to bring sufficient cash with you (approximately €80 per person, per hut). These costs are not included in the total trip price and must be paid directly at the huts upon arrival.

FAQ

  • How to Get to the Starting Point of the Montafon Trek

  • End point: Grüneck Bergstation

  • What if the dates I want are not available?

  • If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?

  • How do I know if this trek is right for me?

  • Can meals be adapted to my dietary requirements?

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy