> Hike along the stunning Lake Lüner
> Sleep in cozy and modern Austrian huts
> Discover Vorarlberg’s alpine magic at your own pace
Ready for a relaxed hut-to-hut adventure? The Beginner Montafon Fun Trek is a 5-day journey through the quieter corners of Austria’s Montafon Valley, perfect for anyone new to alpine trekking or simply looking for shorter hiking days. You’ll start in Tschagguns and make your way south to Grüneck Bergstation, your finish line above the clouds!
Expect stages under 10 km, charming huts like Gauenhütte, Lindauer Hütte, Totalphütte and Heinrich-Hueter-Hütte, and plenty of time to enjoy the views. From alpine meadows to gentle ridgelines, the route offers a real mountain experience without the pressure. A trek for beginners, and anyone who just wants to have some alpine fun without rushing.
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 echoing through the trees. Suddenly, a small hidden waterfall comes into view, your first little reward!
The trail climbs steadily but gently, providing the perfect opportunity to warm up without expending too much energy. You hike through forests and past scenic viewpoints that offer glimpses of the peaks you will see in the coming days. This stage combines paved roads, forest paths and mountain trails, perfect for maintaining a steady pace.
After roughly 2 hours and just under 5 kilometres, you will reach the Gauenhütte. This rustic mountain hut is tucked away in the greenery and is the perfect place to end the day with a slice of homemade strudel. Day one done but Montafon has only just begun!
Leave your hut behind and quickly immerse yourself in the alpine magic of the Gauertal Valley. The trail winds its way through secluded flower-filled meadows and alongside towering cliffs, which gradually close in around you. With every step, the dramatic scenery intensifies, as does the excitement.
This short stage involves steadily gaining elevation as you head towards the heart of the Rätikon mountains. Expect some steeper sections, particularly in the second half, but nothing too challenging. The views of the valley floor and of distant peaks such as the Drei Türme (2830 m) are well worth the effort.
You will reach the Lindauer Hütte, a mountain hut surrounded by rocky giants that feels like an alpine hideaway. Grab a drink, put your feet up, and enjoy the peace and quiet. The real mountain experience begins tomorrow!
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 will lead you across open alpine terrain, offering sweeping views in all directions. From the outset, the rocky ridgelines, narrow saddles and jagged peaks create an authentic high-mountain experience.
This stage is a real mountain day: longer, higher and with more elevation gain than the others. You will pass the Verajoch peak and the iconic Schweizer Tor, a dramatic rock archway that marks the border between Austria and Switzerland. After a gentle descent and crossing a plateau, you will hike alongside the turquoise waters of the Lünersee, before making the final ascent to tonight's hut.
With over 1,000 metres of ascent, this is the most challenging day of the trek, but also the most rewarding. Arriving at the Totalphütte, which is nestled just above the lake, will be pure mountain bliss. You've earned your dinner tonight!
Following yesterday's challenging hike, today's route begins with a gentle descent to give your legs a rest. Starting from the Totalphütte, you will wind your way back down towards the turquoise Lünersee mountain lake, whose waters reflect the surrounding peaks. We know it's difficult not to stop every few minutes to admire the view!
The route continues along the shoreline towards the Saulajoch Pass. This section of the trail is quieter, and you may only encounter a few marmots and mountain goats along the way. You can enjoy one last look back at the lake and the wild ridgelines of the Rätikon range from the dam and a little further on. Then you will descend into a completely different alpine world.
The path to the Heinrich-Hueter-Hütte then leads you into the lush alpine meadows of the Brandnertal valley. After a few more kilometres, the hut appears, nestled amongst rolling hills and limestone walls. It’s the perfect place to unwind and perhaps treat yourself to an extra dessert!
On the final day, you will enjoy a peaceful walk through the lush green alpine pastures surrounding the Heinrich-Hueter-Hütte. This gentle trail takes you past traditional alpine huts and through the serene beauty of the Rellstal Valley. With birdsong in the air and the scent of pine, it’s a relaxing end to your adventure.
As you walk, you can enjoy clear views of the Vandans Valley and the ridgelines you have crossed in the distance. After passing Alpe Platzis, the terrain evens out, leading you smoothly towards your final destination: the Grüneck mountain station of the Golmerbahn cable car.
After 5 days of mountain trails, cosy huts and epic views, the trek concludes with one final scenic stretch. From here, you can take the cable car back down to the valley, your legs tired, your camera roll full, and your heart full too. Well done!
