Trip Sheet

Venediger Höhenweg — Hut-to-Hut

Date:  Sun, 27 Jul. — Sat, 2 Aug. 2008

Suggested by:   Jack Curtin

Description: The Venediger Höhenweg lies in the northwestern part of the National Park Höhe Tauern. The Grossvenediger at 3674 meters/12054 ft. dominates over the largest number of glaciers in the eastern Alps. The Venediger Höhenweg officially begins in the Läsorling Group on the south side of the Virgental. That portion, because of glaciers, is now considered quite dangerous so we will begin at Ströden and then hike from hut-to-hut on this high level path never descending below 2000 meters until reaching our final destination north of Matrei i. Osttirol. The great height and size of this mountain group is a weather maker in itself. The wind descending the glaciers is often cold and makes foggy areas persist longer than would be normally expected. Therefore, bring an extra clothing layer as well as adequate rain gear. Parts of the trail are quite close to the glaciers, so spectacular views and photos are likely.

Length of activity, difficulty: 7 days – High Alpine Tour. There will be no crossing or walking on glaciers. However, because of the height of this tour, there is high probability of some snow at the high passes. The daily hikes average between 2000-3000 meters in height and between 4 and 8 hours. You must have surefootedness, no height phobia, and the ability to negotiate a klettersteig of A-B difficulty.

Beginning point and time: Ströden bus stop at the end of the Virgental. 10:15 am. on Sunday 27 July. We will have lunch and then start on our way to the first hut, Essener-Rostocker. If most participants drive from Vienna, then it might be best for all to meet in Matrei i. O. on Saturday night, stay in a hotel there, and then go by bus or taxi to Ströden on Sunday morning. This would leave the cars closer to the ending point. Bus Nr.4412 from Matrei to Ströden 09:43 -10:14.

Ending point and time: Matreier Tauernhaus about mid-morning on Sat. 2 Aug.

Public Transportation: Train from Vienna to Kitzbühel and then via bus to Matrei i.Osttirol.   

Look at http://fahrplan.oebb.at/bin/oebb.w02/query.exe/en There are other trains and routings, but these seem to be the least time enroute. Wien Südbahnhof and Meidling are also possible. Confirm schedule with ÖBB.

Driving Instructions:    
From Vienna: 465 km and at least 5¾ hours (without rest stops).
A1 West to Salzburg — A10 South to 311 direction Bischofshofen —311 South direction Zell Am See — 168 West to Mittersill — 108 South thru Felbertauerntunnel to Matrei i.O.
A 10 minute faster, shorter (445 km), and more scenic route would be from Salzburg toward Bad Reichenhall, Lofer, St. Johann in Tirol, Kitzbühel, then Mittersill and south to Matrei. The first route is more autobahn and the second autobahn only to Salzburg. I have printouts from ÖAMTC that I can share with those who drive to Matrei.

Car sharing: See comments – who needs a ride and who can offer a ride with how many places.

Recommended Equipment: See the “Equipment List–Venediger Höhenweg” for required and optional equipment.

Food and drink: There are no mid-day hut stops, so bring food for one meal per day. Bring snacks. The equipment list suggests a minimum of a 1 liter water bottle. If you do not bring an additional Thermos bottle, then you should have a second 1 liter water bottle.

Comments:

1. Current membership in OeAV required (preferably in the English Group of Section Austria). If you wish to become a member, go to www.alpineclubvienna.org/membership.htm
2. Register via email to acvjack@gmail.com by 01 Jun at the latest so that reservations can be made at a hotel in Matrei and at the huts. Include your name, mobile phone(handy) number, email address, OeAV member nr., and if you need or can offer a ride (number of seats available). If you are seriously thinking about going on this hike but not yet certain, please register anyway but indicate the percentage of your probability of attending. This will make planning considerably easier.
3. Your physical condition must be adequate for a high alpine mountain trip up to 3000 meters elevation.
4. You must have surefootedness, no height phobia, and the ability to negotiate a klettersteig of A-B difficulty.
5. Attendance at the July 7th meeting is extremely important so that all trip details can be finalized. Participants can meet their fellow hikers and also resolve any remaining questions.
6. To enhance the enjoyment of meals prepared at the huts and ensure a healthy indoor environment, the Alpinverein beginning in 2008 no longer permits smoking in the huts.

Route detail:

Contact Information:  Phone or email if you have any questions.
Jack Curtin 0699 11 55 11 11   acvjack@gmail.com