Eagle Walk Stage O8: Kalser Tauernhaus - Stüdlhütte

This Eagle Walk segment has you hiking under the watchful gaze of the majestic Großglockner peak and under the jagged, towering spires of the Zollspitze, Säulspitze, Bretterspitze, Kristallspitze, and Kreuzwandspitze. The forces of nature have conspired here to create an improbably gorgeous landscape. From Kalser Tauernhaus, a scenic trail ambles peacefully through rolling alpine meadows blanketing the idyllic Dorfertal Valley that is dotted by the Schönebenalm, Bergeralm, Moaebenalm and Moaalm huts. This awesome setting is made all the more spectacular by contrast with the dramatic mountainous terrain that stretches off in every direction near and far. Quaint mountain huts along the trail provide the perfect rest stops for hikers. The route gradually gains elevation into the Teischnitz Valley, while the last section follows the Herrensteig trail past the Figerhorn, Freiwandspitze and Fanotkogel mountains to the Stüdlhütte beneath the peak of the Großglockner mountain.

Interesting Facts

Eagle View ·There are many peaks between Matrei and Kals bearing the word “Brett” in their names, such as the Bretterwand and the Bretterspitze. Their perpendicular slate rocks resemble smooth "planks" ("Brett" meaning "plank" in German).

Eagle Kick ·One section of this walk leads near the creek-carrying ravine of the spectacular Dabaklamm gorge with its thundering waters on a rocky steep trail with some exposed areas that can be treacherous in rain or adverse weather conditions.

Interesting Facts Eagle View ·There are many peaks between Matrei and Kals bearing the word “Brett” in their names, such as the…

Trail description

Starting point: Kalser Tauernhaus

From the Kalser Tauernhaus lodge, the Eagle Walk heads southward across the lovely Dorfertal Valley, gently down a wide alpine path towards the Moaalm hut. On your way, you’ll pass the alpine pastures of Kals named Rumesoi and Schönebene. Beyond Bergeralm, trail number 40 branches off to the left, climbing steeply up to the Moaalm hut (1,793 m) high above Kals on a demanding trail (dubbed “the stairs”) that requires sure-footedness. From there, walk down the Moaalm road to the bridge crossing the Teischnitzbach stream, where you will find a sign at a gap in a fence leading into the Teischnitztal Valley. This pristine and remote valley is a wilderness area of awesome natural beauty. The route follows an alpine path that climbs the right side of the valley through groves of larches. There’s an optional trail that takes a shortcut across that loop. It's steeper, but it's shorter, crossing the alpine path several times on its way up. At Mauriger Trog (2,101 m) the trail crosses a narrow, 800-metre-long rocky ravine (2,075 m). At the entrance to the high valley trough of Teischnitz Plateau, follow signage to Stüdlhütte at the bridge. The trail drops down to the right, descending steep mountain slopes.

Food & drink: Bergeralm

A short way down, the rushing Teischnitzbach stream and the towering seracs of the Teischnitzkees glacier can be seen glinting through the trees. You’ll have to tackle steep slopes, gullies and chutes before nearing the Stüdlhütte from the south. The final stretch becomes increasingly rock-laden, slowing your pace as you clamber up and around scree and talus slopes and large boulders. At an elevation of 2,802 metres, the Stüdlhütte sits in a rugged bowl beneath the peak of the majestic Großglockner mountain. From here you can enjoy a superb panorama of nearly every glacier and peak in the area. Trail descriptions also available in the book "Osttiroler Wanderbuch" by Walter Mair.

Finishing point: Stüdlhütte