Intensive Peter Habeler Runde
Bookatrekking.com Trips - 5 days
-
Regular days with
- 10 - 15 km per day
- 500 - 1000m ascent per day
- T3 Trails
Overview
> Follow in the footsteps of Peter Habeler> Enjoy Austrian cuisine in cosy huts
> Do the fast track version (5 stages instead of 7)
Are you looking to complete the famous Peter Habeler Runde? Also known as the Peter Habeler Trek, this trek is a circular route that starts and ends in Vals, a mountain village with 537 inhabitants in Tyrol. Dedicated to Austrian mountaineer Peter Habeler on his 70th birthday, this trek is one of the most renowned hikes in the region. Peter Habeler was born in Mayrhofen, Tyrol, and made Alpine history when he and Reinhold Messner climbed Mount Everest without wearing artificial oxygen in 1978.
The trek is 56.1 kilometers long, has a total ascent and descent of 4,230 meters. The original trek is a 7-day hike. On the accelerated version, you cover the Peter Habeler in 5 days. Are you ready?
Itinerary
What's the plan?Stage 1: Vals - Geraer hut
From Gasthaus Touristenrast at the end of the Valsertal (bus stop or free parking at the Nockeralmen) you first walk along a wide farm track (no. 502) for about one hour, ascending gently to the top of the cable car. From there, the trek leads you through an undulating, beautifully laid trail to the border of the forest. From here, follow trail no. 502 in open terrain to the Geraer Hütte, at 2,324 m.
Ascent: 1.000 meters
Walking time: 3 hours
Stage 2: Geraer hut - Tuxerjochhaus
From the Geraer Hut, the stage starts north to the Steinernes Lamm (No. 527) and leads over old glacial moraines through the front Höllwand and further to the Kleegrubenscharte, Kasererscharte, and Frauenwand. Finally, a path through alpine pastures will lead you to the Tuxerjochhaus, at 2,313 meters.
Ascent: 500 meters
Descent: 500 meters
Walking time: 5 hours
Stage 3: Tuxerjochhaus - Friesenberghaus
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.
Ascent: 910meters
Descent: 740 meters
Walking time: 5 hours
Stage 4: Friesenberghaus - Pfitscherjochhaus
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.
Ascent: 650 meters
Descent: 1080 meters
Walking time: 6 hours
Stage 5: Pfitscherjochhaus - Vals
From the Pfitscherjochhaus the path leads past small lakes and through a bare 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.
Ascent: 675 meters
Descent: 1.550 meters
Walking time: 7 hours
Included
Included:
Excluded:
Accommodation
AccommodationOn this version of the Peter Habeler Runde you will stay in the following huts:
Geraer Hut
The Geraerhütte team welcomes you daily in the summertime in their small natural paradise. The basis of the team is the Lanthaler family, with the hut owner Arthur and hut manager Katharina, as well as son René and daughter Elena. The meals are regional dishes, always prepared with regional and fresh produce. At the Geraerhütte you can find private and shared accommodation, and even dogs are welcome to spend the night!

Tuxerjochhaus
The Tuxerjochhaus was built between 1910 and 1911 by Franz Hotter, the great-grandfather of the current host. The hut can accommodate 35 trekkers and offers running water, showers, and sanitary facilities with flush toilets, connected to the public sewerage system. From the end of June to the end of September, the Tuxerjochhaus welcomes visitors from all over the world!

Friesenberghaus
At the Friesenberghaus, they focus on giving their visitors a pleasant, cozy atmosphere and friendly service. In the kitchen, they work with regional products and offer you a complete menu with different daily dishes and cakes. Enjoy the summer, the fresh air, and the great views at the Friesenberghaus at 2498 meters!

Pfitscherjochhaus
The Pfitscherjochhaus is the oldest private refuge in South Tyrol. The Pfitscherjochhaus is located in the Zillertal Alps, directly on the border between Italy and Austria, in the immediate vicinity of the Pfitscherjoch. Since 1888 the refuge has been run as a family business - today it is already in its 5th generation by the Leopold Volgger family.

Packing List
FAQ
FAQ
Who is Peter Habeler?
Peter Habeler was born in 1942 in Mayrhofen, in Tyrol, Austria, and is known all over the world for his mountaineering experience. Among his many achievements, he was the first European to climb the great wall of Yosemite National Park, USA, and in 1978, together with Reinhold Messner, he made the first ascent to the top of Mount Everest without the aid of supplemental oxygen, which was previously thought to be impossible. Nowadays, he runs the "Peter Habeler Ski & Mountaineering School" in his hometown, Mayrhofen.
When is the best season to do the Peter Habeler Runde?
Like most treks in the region, the Peter Habeler Loop can be hiked from mid-June to mid-September. During this time of the year, the chances of finding snow at higher altitudes are lower. However, always look up the weather forecast before starting your trek and be aware that, on the mountains, weather can be unpredictable. At the huts, the staff will also be able to give you some guidance and inform you of the conditions of the trails.
How do I get to the starting point of the Peter Habeler Runde trek?
As you saw on the map, the Peter Habeler Runde is a circular trek, which means that there are various starting points for the trek. The village of Vals, in a side valley of the Wipptal, is the traditional starting point. In order to get there, the best way is to take a train from Innsbruck to St. Jodok am Brenner, and the bus line 4144 down to Vals (timetables at oebb.at). From Vals, you have to make your way to the end of the valley, where you will find the beginning of the trek. At Nockeralmen, close to the Peter Habeler Runde starting pint, there is free parking (in case you travel by car) and also a bus stop in case you prefer public transport.
Other starting points of the Peter Habeler trek are from the South Tyrolean Pfitschtal to the Pfitscherjoch, in Zillertal from the Schlegeisspeicher or Hintertux, or you can also climb over the Venntal to the Europahütte directly from the Brenner Pass.
How hard is the Peter Habeler Runde?
The Peter Habeler Runde is a moderate trek that can be completed without a guide. That being said, it is not a walk in the park. The trail goes over rough terrain and has some exposed sections, not suitable for people with a fear of heights. The narrow, exposed paths do have ropes to help with the climb. As for every high-altitude trail, the Peter Habeler Runde requires experience hiking on alpine terrain and sure-footedness.
Between Tuxerjochhaus and Friesenberghaus you will come across the Friesenbergscharte at 2,911 metres. The Friesenbergscharte is the most difficult part of your hike and can only be crossed in good weather. You walk close to the cliffs and the route is very technical. However, there are steel cables everywhere to hold on to during the most difficult parts. Because of the altitude, this part of the Peter Habeler Runde is often the first and last part to see snow and therefore can be impassable. The warden of the Tuxerjochhaus will be pleased to inform you whether the weather is good enough for your crossing. If the crossing is not possible, you can descend from the Tuxerjochhaus to Hintertux and take the bus there to skip this part of the route. That way you can still continue your Peter Habeler Runde.
Safety
COVID-19
Covid-19
The Corona pandemic has had its grip on us, and mountain huts in the Alpine region have had to take several preventive measures over the past two years. In the meantime, the first relaxations in the Alps are noticeable, yet it is definitely still a factor to take into account. Some Covid restrictions that are worth mentioning:
- Don't go to the huts if you have symptoms!
- Not all mountain huts are allowed to operate at full capacity yet, so make sure you book your stay in advance.
- To be on the safe side, always take a mouth mask with you.
- In some mountain huts it is still compulsory to bring your own sleeping bag, in others a sheet bag and pillowcase are sufficient. Your personal travel guide will tell you which rules apply to your route.
- Bring your own towel
How to Book
How to Book?
On Bookatrekking.com you can find and compare the adventures of your dreams. Is this trekking your match? In that case, you can proceed with your booking. At Bookatrekking.com you make a deposit of 30% of the total amount. In the case of this trek, we will check the availability at the respective accommodations for you. There are two possible outcomes:
√ There is availability
We go ahead and make all necessary arrangements for your trip. Once confirmed, we will send you a confirmation and your personal hiking guide. The remaining 70% must be paid at least two (2) weeks before the start of the trekking.
X There is no availability
If there is no availability, we will look for other starting dates or another trekking in agreement with you. Are there no other options for you? Then your deposit of 30% will be refunded.
Cancellation Policy
If all the accommodations of this trekking are booked and confirmed, you will lose your deposit of 30% at all times. If you cancel within 14 days of your start date, you will lose your full booking amount.
Is it not quite clear yet or do you have questions? Please contact us via support@bookatrekking.com. We are happy to help you.
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