Full Venediger Höhenweg
Duration: 7 days
Trails: T3 trails
Distance: 0 - 10 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day
> Hike through Austria's oldest National Park
> Stay in historic Austrian mountain huts
> Breathtaking views of the Großvenediger
> Stay in historic Austrian mountain huts
> Breathtaking views of the Großvenediger
The Venetian High Road, better known as "Venediger Höhenweg" in German, is a popular long-distance hiking trail in the Austrian Alps. This route offers hikers spectacular views of some of the most impressive mountain landscapes in Austria, including the Venediger Group, from which the route takes its name.
One of the best things about the Venediger Höhenweg is the variety of landscapes. The steep mountain passes and rugged trails will test you but you will be rewarded with impressive mountain peaks, glaciers, mountain lakes, rivers and alpine meadows. In short, you can fully enjoy true Austrian beauty on this tour. The Venediger Group dominates the panoramic view with its distinctive peaks, including the Großvenediger, Austria's 4th highest mountain.
All in all, this challenging hiking trail offers an unforgettable hiking experience for nature and mountain lovers. With a little experience and sense of adventure, you can get used to using steel cables here and there and walk around the Grossvenediger.
Itinerary
Day
1
Hinterbichl - Essener-Rostocker-Hütte
Duration: 04:30 h
Distance: 8.7 km
Ascent: 900 m
Descent: 40 m
You begin the Venediger Höhenweg journey with a leisurely walk from the cozy village of Hinterbichl. From there, you'll walk the first 3 km (1,8 miles) along the Isel River to the Ströden parking lot and the entrance to the Hohe Tauern National Park. To slightly shorten today's total distance, you could park at this lot and start your mountain adventure from here. The next 2 km (1,2 miles) are a tranquil stroll, and shortly after passing the Stornalm, today's challenge begins. The final 4 km (2,4 miles) involve a considerably steeper ascent, and after about 2.5 hours, you will have gained 640 meters (2.099 feet) in altitude. Don't forget to look around and enjoy the vast green plains, waterfalls, and bridges you encounter. At the end of this stage, you will find the Essener-Rostocker-Hütte, your accommodation for tonight.
Essener-Rostocker-Hütte
Day
2
Essener-Rostocker-Hütte - Johannishütte
Duration: 04:40 h
Distance: 7.7 km
Ascent: 560 m
Descent: 640 m
Today is all about the Türmljoch, which is located at an altitude of 2,844 meters (9.330 feet). After a good breakfast at the Essener-Rostocker-Hütte, pack your bag early and head northwest. The first 2 km (1,2 miles) involve a gradual ascent, and after about 1 hour, you'll be at the base of today's challenge. Over a span of 4.5 km (2.8 miles), you'll climb to 2,761 meters (9.058 feet) via zigzag paths, passing by the Türmljoch Spitze. It's a great spot for a short break with stunning views as clouds roll over the mountain peaks. After catching your breath, you'll descend to the Johannishütte, where a cold beer awaits you.
Johannishütte
Day
3
Johannishütte - Eisseehütte
Duration: 04:20 h
Distance: 5.5 km
Ascent: 800 m
Descent: 430 m
The real challenge of the Venediger Höhenweg begins today and can be compared slightly to some sections of the Stubaier Höhenweg. Are you ready for it? It's a relatively short 5 km (3,1 miles) that you need to cover, but today will test your endurance. The narrow paths and rugged terrain demand the right mindset. Fortunately, you'll be aided by the steel cables in the mountains that you can hold onto. With some climbing and scrambling, you'll be guided over the Zopetscharte (2,958m/9.704ft) and past the Tulpspitze (3,054m/10.019ft). After ascending for 3.5 km (2,2 miles), the descent begins, which will take you down to a lower point in the same way and through the same landscape. Here, you can take a break at the Eisseehütte with other hikers. Not tired yet? You can continue hiking to the Eissee. More information about this in the Hiking Guide.
Eisseehütte
Day
4
Eisseehütte - Bonn-Matreier Hütte
Duration: 04:45 h
Distance: 6.8 km
Ascent: 450 m
Descent: 220 m
Today is the shortest day of the Venediger Höhenweg. However, this doesn't make it any less beautiful. You'll be walking along narrow paths where you can look relatively steeply down the side, so be sure to leave your fear of heights at home. This provides impressive panoramic views of the surrounding mountain peaks and a true sense of freedom. After completing two-thirds of the hike, you'll need to climb steeply twice more over a span of 2,5 km (1,5 miles). Then, you'll arrive at the Bonn-Matreier Hütte, the endpoint for today.
Bonn-Matreier Hütte
Day
5
Bonn-Matreier Hütte - Badener Hütte
Duration: 05:30 h
Distance: 9.2 km
Ascent: 530 m
Descent: 680 m
Your Venediger Höhenweg and its challenge continues. During this stage, you'll begin with a short ascent to the highest point of the day. Once you reach 2.840 meters (9.317), you'll walk over the Galtenscharte with the 2.986-meter-high (9.796 feet) Galtenkogel on your right. Immediately after crossing the rugged ridge, the descent of over 500 altitude meters (1.640 feet) begins. For 4 kilometers (2,5 miles), you'll walk through a lower-lying area where you'll trade the rocky landscape of the mountain ridge for greener plains. You'll pass narrow mountain paths and steep mountain walls before steadily ascending to the Badener Hütte.
Badener Hütte
Day
6
Badener Hütte - Neue Prager Hütte
Duration: 05:10 h
Distance: 10.4 km
Ascent: 780 m
Descent: 630 m
Your day starts peacefully, but you'll soon be put to the test as you are required to climb a small mountain wall using a steel cable. Be especially cautious if it has rained, as the rocks may be even more slippery. After conquering this short climb, you'll have about 1.5 kilometers (0,9 miles) at high altitude before descending about 580 meters (1.902 miles) to reach today's lowest point. You'll get to enjoy a slightly flatter path for a brief moment before continuing with today's ascent. During the last 3 kilometers (1,9 miles), you'll encounter glaciers, rocks eroded by meltwater, and the historic Alte Prager Hütte. A little further, you'll find the Neue Prager Hütte. Here, it's time to trade your hiking boots for a delicious Austrian Apfelstrudel and appreciate the surroundings of the Großvenediger.
Please note: The Neue Prager Hütte is a beautiful example of an authentic Austrian mountain hut and therefore only accepts cash payments at the time of arrival. Of course, Bookatrekking.com will take care of your reservation including half board but the cost is not included in the total package. Therefore, make sure you have enough cash with you to pay for the hut (+/- €70 per person).
Neue Prager Hütte
Day
7
Neue Prager Hütte - Matreier Tauernhaus
Duration: 04:30 h
Distance: 10.9 km
Descent: 1240 m
Today marks the relatively straightforward final stage of the Venediger Höhenweg. After breakfast, you'll walk back to the Alte Prager Hütte. Take one last look in the direction of the Grossvenediger before continuing with the steady 4,5-kilometer (2,8 miles) descent. Once you've reached the valley, it's still a little over 6 kilometers (3,7 miles) to the endpoint. After passing the Felsenkapelle, a small chapel built into the rock wall, the Matreier Tauernhaus is the last stop for today. Here, you can take the bus or a taxi to Matrei in Osttirol, and your beautiful Venediger Höhenweg adventure will come to an end. Well done!
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