The Forchheimer Biwak (2,443 metres) is a small emergency shelter high in the Ötztal Alps, Tirol.
Emergency shelter on the Forchheim Trail in the Ötztal Valley
German Alpine Club, Forchheim Division
This basic shelter high in the Ötztal Alps is nothing more than a simple metal shack providing protection from the elements. Food and water must be brought by walkers and hikers themselves. The shelter lies on the Forchheim Trail, which traces the Geigenkamm ridge in the Ötztal Alps. The route begins in Roppen in the Inn Valley and leads up into the high alpine terrain around the Erlanger Hütte. The Forchheim Division of the German Alpine Club has been active in this region since the 1930s. In 1932 they created the Forchheim Trail. In 1963 this refuge was added by young members of the division in order to provide a place to stay on the long trek from Roppen. There are plenty of interesting walks and hikes around the refuge, which include summit adventures to the top of the Wildgratspitze.
How to get to the hut
From the Maisalm hut (2.5 hours), from Roppen (4.5 hours).
Walks and hikes in the area (walking time to summit)
Mutzeiger (2,277 metres), 40 minutes, intermediate
Maisalm (1,631 metres), 2.5 hours, intermediate
Wildgratspitze (2,974 metres), 5 hours, difficult
Further huts in the area, long-distance hiking trails
Erlanger Hütte, 3 hours
The Forchheimer Biwakschachtel lies on the Ötztal Trek (Stage 22).
Emergency shelter on the Forchheim Trail in the Ötztal Valley German Alpine Club, Forchheim Division This basic shelter high in the Ötztal…
