Beginner Solstein Trek

From the train station at Hochzirl, the trail begins immediately behind the hospital grounds. A forest path leads you gently upward, and before long you leave the village sounds behind. The trail twists through shaded pine woods, gaining altitude without too much effort a perfect warm-up for the days ahead.

After a few switchbacks, the forest opens up, revealing views over the Inn valley and across to the Karwendel. You’re now fully in alpine territory. The path continues along grassy slopes and through sparse forest as the horizon stretches wider with each step.

As you get closer to the Neue Magdeburger Hütte, the terrain flattens out and the views explode. The hut sits beautifully at 1,637 meters, with the rugged peaks of the Nordkette behind and the Stubai Alps far ahead. A perfect first night and a reward well earned. Time to take your boots off, order a Spezi or a Radler, and enjoy the last light of the day.

Today, you hike from Neue Magdeburger Hütte to Solsteinhaus on a short but serious alpine crossing. Although the route is only 5.5 km long, the 850 m of ascent makes the climb steep and sustained, so plan your day carefully. The route includes technical and potentially hazardous terrain, so it is only suitable for hikers who are sure-footed, comfortable with exposure and experienced in alpine conditions.

From Neue Magdeburger Hütte, the trail climbs steadily into the Wörglkar, gaining height quickly on rocky ground. It then continues through high mountain terrain below the Great Solstein and on to the Solstein Saddle. Shortly after the start, a long technical section of about 2.5 km begins. There are no fixed cables here, so take extra care.

After the Solstein Saddle, the trail climbs a little further to the high point of the day at around 2,480 m before the descent towards Solsteinhaus begins. The ground stays alpine at first, with a steady loss of almost 700 m, before the terrain gradually becomes easier near the hut. Solsteinhaus is a well-earned overnight stop after a demanding day in the mountains.

This day is a steady descent from Solsteinhaus to Hochzirl, losing around 860 m of elevation along the way. There are no major climbs, but the continuous downhill walking can still be tiring, especially towards the end. The route gradually leaves the higher mountain terrain behind and leads into extensive forest, with a mixture of narrower paths and wider forest tracks underfoot.

From Solsteinhaus, the route descends through open slopes before entering the forest. You pass the Schnapps Spruce and continue downhill towards the Ehrnbach, where the route crosses the stream before continuing through the forest. From here, the path winds downhill through dense woodland, with several bends as you lose height. Lower down, the route joins broader forest tracks and passes the end of a bike trail before continuing towards the Goaßboden Shelter.

The final part continues through the pine forest towards Hochzirl. As you approach the railway, the long descent gradually comes to an end and you reach the small settlement of Hochzirl, marking the end of your trek.