> Climb the 2,859-metre-high Friesenbergscharte Pass
> Cross the border into Italy and stay at the Pfitscherjochhaus
> We take care of all your overnight stays at Tyrolean mountain huts
Are you looking for something more challenging? The Hardcore Peter Habeler Runde is your heavyweight title fight. This expert-level route loops through the stunning Valsertal Nature Reserve, taking the classic Peter Habeler Runde to the next level. Starting and finishing in the remote village of Vals, you'll experience tough but rewarding days. From alpine passes to rugged high trails, this route holds nothing back.
This 4-day adventure will take you through the raw power of the Zillertal Alps. You'll stay in legendary huts such as the Friesenberghaus and the Tuxerjochhaus, where sweeping views and challenging terrain will demand your focus, stamina and grit. Designed for experienced hikers, this itinerary is the real deal. Are you ready to take on the challenge? This hardcore trek is waiting for you!
Your trek begins in the peaceful alpine village of Vals, located deep within the Valsertal nature reserve. The first few kilometres will warm you up and reward you with a stunning view of the Tux Alps. Shortly afterwards, enjoy the waterfalls along the route, where cold mountain water tumbles from alpine heights — perfect for a refreshing dip! You will soon pass the quaint Chapel of St. Valentine, tucked above Innervals, before the terrain becomes more rugged.
The shortcut over the scree marks the start of a more challenging section, where secure footing and mountain experience are necessary. The route then continues into the forest, winding through stone pine woodlands before opening out into alpine meadows. Follow path 527 further up to take in the panoramic views of the Tuxertal valley and the towering Frauenwand peak. The final stretch includes an exposed and technical segment — advanced hikers will love the challenge!
Finally, you will arrive at Tuxerjochhaus, your hut for the night, where the Tux Alps, Zillertal Alps, and Tux Main Ridge converge. A dramatic and rewarding end to a serious alpine day.
From the Tuxerjochhaus, follow path No. 326 downhill to below the Lärmstange. Then turn southeast to the Spannagelhaus, at 2,531 meters, and continue to the Friesenbergscharte, at 2,911 meters. Here, at the highest point of the Peter-Habeler-Runde, you can enjoy the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. Over several zigzags, the path finally leads down to today's destination, the Friesenberghaus, at 2,498 meters. If the Friesenbergscharte isn't passable today you can take a detour which includes a short bus ride.
Today you will descend to the Friesenberg lake, after which you will climb up steep slopes again. The trail then follows the Berliner Höhenweg, no. 526, for a short section and continues to the Olpererhütte, which is located at 2,389 m. From there take trail no. 502 in the direction of Unterschrammachkar, at 2,280 m. A short climb takes us below the Ameiskopf, at 2,400 m. From there, trail no. 528 leads along glacier tracks to Kastenschneid and under the Stamplkee to the Pfitscherjochhaus, at 2,276 metres.
Endpoint: Vals, Austria
From the Pfitscherjochhaus the path leads past small lakes and through a barren stone landscape along the Landshuter Höhenweg (No. 3 and No. 528) and leads to the Friedrichshöhe to the Landshuter Europa-Hütte, at 2,693 metres. From the Landshuter Europa Hütte the Geistbeckweg, path no. 529, leads towards the Sumpfschaftl, at 2,666 metres, and then over the Lange Wand to the Inner Zeischalm and finally back to the starting point of the tour in Vals.
You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Peter Habeler Runde. 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.
During your Peter Habeler Runde, you will spend your nights in mountain huts. In the mountain huts we normally only book dormitories, but we can look into private rooms on request. If the private rooms are fully booked or not available in the hut, we automatically book a bed in dormitories for you. Please note that private rooms are more expensive and there will be an additional charge for this.
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.
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.
You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport.
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.
Half-board is included in the price of this trek. Lunch, however, is not. You can get something to eat at the mountain huts along the way.
Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.
Personal expenses on such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.