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Etappe Berliner Höhenweg (Zillertal Runde): Furtschaglhaus - Berliner Hütte
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We are hiking to Berlin! Only nicer. To the Berliner Hütte to be precise, and not across Germany but across the Zillertal Alps and over the Schönbichler Horn.
On the Berliner Höhenweg stage from the Furtschaglhaus to the Berliner Hütte, this crossing of the Schönbichler Horn is a real treat. This challenging tour requires sure-footedness and a head for heights on some airy passages secured by steel ropes. You will be rewarded with an overnight stay at the impressive Berliner Hütte, the only listed Alpine Club hut.
From the hut, follow the well-marked trail No. 502 northeast towards Schönbichler Horn, 3.133 m. The path steadily ascends, crossing several streams and passing through increasingly sparse vegetation. At about 2.700 m, you reach a prominent rock outcrop on the left (northern) side, which you ascend via several switchbacks from the south. Then, continue climbing through steeper scree slopes to the summit structure of Schönbichler Horn, 3.133 m. A steep, cable-secured gully leads right up to the south ridge. The frequently mentioned Schönbichler Scharte remains to the south below and is not traversed.
Follow the airy south ridge up to just below the summit, then continue on the path into the eastern flank of the mountain. Most hikers take the opportunity to climb the few meters to the summit of Schönbichler Horn, 3.133 m, and enjoy the splendid view. From the summit, return to the path in a few steps.
Now, descend through the steep, cable-secured eastern flank of the mountain to the faintly defined northeast ridge. Over well-layered stone slabs, you reach the high point at 2.763 m with a beautiful view of the Berliner Hütte. Here, turn sharply right into the southern flank of the ridge and follow a steep, cable-secured section down to the floor of Garberkar. Continue descending through the kar and in wide switchbacks to the northern lateral moraine of Waxeggkees. Follow the ridge of the moraine down over 200 meters in altitude to the trail junction at 2.040 m and turn left towards Alpenrosenhütte, 1.878 m. Then, turn sharply right or southeast, descend the moraine slope, cross the bridge over the glacier outflow, and briefly ascend the opposite moraine. Continue horizontally through meadows, past another stream, along the northern slope of Steinmandl. Shortly before the bridge over the stream coming from Hornkees, the Roßruggsteig joins from the right. Cross the stream and ascend slightly over magnificent glacially polished slabs to the Berliner Hütte, 2.042 m.
Etappe Berliner Höhenweg (Zillertal Runde): Furtschaglhaus - Berliner Hütte
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