Toprecommended route
From Vent to Similaun at 3,606 m
Ötztal Verified partner Explorers Choice
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SimilaunPhoto: Jochen Müller, Ötztal Tourismus
Located on the Italian-Austrian border, the eye-catching three thousand meter high mountain not only attracts beginners, the magnificent view from its summit also inspires mountain professionals time and again. In addition, its ancient paths crossed the traces of a true celebrity. More than 30 years ago, the glacier mummy Ötzi - the "Iceman" - was discovered on nearby Hauslabjoch saddle. Visiting the place of finding, only 1¼ hours from Similaunhütte, is almost a must for experienced hikers.
What’s important: surefootedness, fitness and a very good physical condition are absolutely required for the long tour up to Similaun, but there are two base camps along the route for regenerating overnight stay or refreshment stop at Martin Busch Hütte (2501 m) and Similaunhütte (3019 m). No matter if you conquer the peak in stages or in one go, the well-deserved "Berg Heil" greeting among mountaineers at the summit against the backdrop of this magnificent alpine scenery will remain a precious memory forever.
Author’s recommendation
Reservation of the hut sleeping places necessary.
Tipp: Visit to Ötzi’s finding site, 1¼ hiking hours from Similaunhütte.
Track types
Rest stops
Martin Busch HütteSimilaunhütte
Safety information
For high alpine experienced mountaineers that are free from vertigo & surefooted. Excellent physical condition, extensive mountain experience, alpine climbing gear, safety- and orientation guide, good weather conditions recommended. Please pay attention to the current weather report: www.oetztal.comTips and hints
More details about hiking In Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com/wandern
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
From Vent to Ochsenkopf lift, halfway up the lift turn left into Niedertal side valley. On a wide trail past the mountain guide chapel and the shepherd's hut on a moderately ascending path towards Martin Busch Hütte; walking time: 2 ½ - 3 hours.
Martin-Busch-Hütte - Similaunhütte
From the hut first continue on a flat trail in the direction of Niederjoch col, after about 30 minutes ascend straight up to the lateral moraine of Niederjochferner glacier, crossing the crevasse-free glacier during the last 30 walking minutes towards Similaunhütte; walking time: 2 hours.
Similaunhütte - Similaun auf 3.606 m
From Similaunhütte over the moraine ridge in a few minutes to Niederjochferner glacier. Cross the glacier near the rocks and continue to the ridge, which protrudes into the glacier field. Follow the narrow footpath up to the rocky ridge and the glacier located behind it (caution: crevasses!) until you get to the even steeper summit ascent. Then continue either over corn snow (“firn”) or – if it is icy – on the right side over rocks to the ridge. Cross the ridge, the last few meters are quite exposed, and continue to the summit cross; walking time: approx. 2 ½ hours.
Similaun - Vent
Descent on the same route back to Similaunhütte and via Martin-Busch-Hütte to Vent. Alternative descent branches off to the right from Niederjochferner glacier towards Marzellkamm ridge. A little steeper over the ridge to Martin-Busch-Hütte and back to Vent (1,900 m). Walking time: approx. 5 ½ hours.
Total walking distance
Ascent: from Vent to the summit - approx. 7 - 7 ½ hours walking time
Descent: from the summit to Vent - approx. 5 ½ hours walking time
Public transport
Enjoy a both comfortable and relaxing train ride to the train station in Ötztal Bahnhof. You get off the train in ÖTZTAL Bahnhof where you change to a public bus or local taxi. The current bus schedule can be found at: http://fahrplan.vvt.at
Directions
Vent is located in the western part of Austria in the state TYROL, in a southern side valley of the Inn valley - the ÖTZTAL. For your arrival by car, you can plan the best route from your home town with the route planner online at https://www.google.at/maps
Parking
The following parking options are available in the mountaineering village Vent- In summertime in front of the village (parking machine, only coins or EC card) and at the chairlift (at the ticket office of the mountain railways)
- In wintertime only at the chairlift
Cost: € 6,00 per day/car
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Author’s map recommendations
Kompass #042 | Inneres Ötztal und Pitztal, Gurgler Tal, Venter Tal | 1:25.000
Kompass #43 | Ötztaler Alpen, Ötztal, Pitztal | 1:50.000
Freytag&Bernd WK 251 | Ötztal, Pitztal, Kaunertal, Wildspitze | 1:25:000
Kompass | Bike- & Wanderkarte Ötztal | 1:35.000
Equipment
It is recommended to wear hiking equipment such as breathable and weather-adapted outdoor clothing, ankle-high mountain boots, wind, rain and sun protection, cap and possibly gloves. It is also important to have enough food, as well as a first-aid package, a cell phone and a hiking map.
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