Eagle Walk Stage 01: St. Johann in Tirol - Gaudeamushütte

Pull on your walking boots and join us on a hike across Tirol! The first stage of the Eagle Walk provides a truly spectacular start to what is set to be an unforgettable journey from east to west. We begin our adventure in the Kaiser Mountains with their craggy grey peaks towering above lush green meadows. Some of the most famous mountains in this part of Tirol include the Maukspitze, Ackerlspitze, Regalpspitze and Törlspitze, all of which are over 2,000 metres high. The hike begins at the Gasthaus Rummlerhof, a guesthouse to the north-west of the centre of St. Johann. Upon arrival at your destination, the Gaudeamushütte, you can raise your glass and to a successful day and sing: "Gaudeamus igitur - Let us be happy!". Alternatively, why not add an extra challenge and take on the 400 vertical metres up to the Gruttenhütte?

Interesting Facts

Eagle View · At the exit of the Klamml gorge there are impressive views of the stunning rock massif with its pinnacles, spires, caves, ledges and buttresses. Known as the “Wild Castle”, it is the stuff of legends – but it is best to invent your own story.

Eagle Kick · The Klamml via ferrata is recommended for experienced climbers only. A spectacular 12-metre-long bridge connects the via ferrata’s lower section (graded B/C) and its upper section with some sections graded D. Safety equipment for climbers, including a helmet and harness, is mandatory. The mountain trail that winds its way across Klamml gorge also involves some climbing.

Tip! There is a Black Diamond Service Station at the Gaudeamushütte, where hikers who have broken a walking pole or lost a glove can get a free replacement.

Interesting Facts Eagle View · At the exit of the Klamml gorge there are impressive views of the stunning rock massif with its pinnacles,…

Trail description

Starting point: St. Johann in Tirol

Trailhead of Eagle Walk Stage 1 is Rummlerhof Inn in the hamlet of Hinterkaiser, northwest of the village centre of St. Johann in Tirol. Traveling by car, you can
park at the Steinlechnerplatz/Dampflfeld car park (around 400 m from the tourist information office). From Rummlerhof Inn, take the narrow paved road and walk westwards towards Maurerhof, following signage to “Schleierwasserfall”. Pass the (farm)house No. 80 on its left hand side. Now, an easy climb takes you through a thicket of trees. Cross the forest road and follow the red-white blazes upstream along a brook. The trail eventually joins a forest road, turn left first, then right towards “Schleierwasserfall” (keep walking on Trail No. 33 until you reach Schleier Waterfall).

You’ll access the falls along a steep path that winds through forest and takes you to Diebsöfen; and you will make your way around and up the cliff s assisted by a fixed anchoring system of cables. A brook winds along a perpendicular rock face − this is where you will find a cave. Descend to the brook and follow the markings in the cave (the trail traverses the cave). From Diebsöfen, an easy climb takes you up to mighty Schleier Waterfall where you’ll walk between waterfall and rock face. From here the climb continues onto “Obere Regalm” Alpine Pasture Hut, passing along climbing walls. You’ll pass another waterfall and descend through a meadow, soon reaching a fork, where you aim right and walk up again (No. 817). From there follow signage to “Regalm” and “Gaudeamushütte”. The trail enters the wide open world of Alpine pastures, descends again and eventually turns onto a forest road that takes you to Obere Regalm Alpine Pasture Hut.

Food & drink: Obere Regalm

Above the hut, walk towards “Gaudeamushütte” with the trail climbing atop a saddleback (right next to it is where you will find the mountaineer’s grave atop Brennender Palven). On the other side of the col the trail descends towards “Gaudeamushütte”, to an elevation of 1,263 metres. You’ll pass Freiberg Hut on your way down to Gaudeamus Hut, your comfy base for the night (keep to Trail No. 824 from the saddle onwards).

Finishing point: Gaudeamushütte hut