This challenging snowshoe leading up to Wetterfahne Peak (literally ‘weather vane’) requires good fitness levels and endurance. Though there are no exposed sections or drop offs, this tour is not recommended for beginners. At the pinnacle of the mountain are a number of weather vanes, which give this peak its somewhat unusual name. Hikers wishing to extend the tour can continue as far as the Austria-Germany border before returning to the starting point through a series of pretty snow-covered meadows.
Snowshoe
Starting point
Staffenberg Car Park, Kössen (elev. 630m)
Hike to
Wetterfahne Peak
Finishing point
Staffenberg Car Park, Kössen (elev. 630m)
Mountain chain
Kaiser Mountains
Length
10 km
Total hiking time
3 h 45 min
Features
- Circular hike
Difficulty rating
medium
Altitude
1,310m 630m
Elevation uphill 710m
Vertical metres downhill 710m
Trail description
Starting at the car park in Staffen (signpost), the route leads past a few homes to the metal barrier at "Öbf-Straße Naringweg" Road. The trail climbs through forest up to an elevation of 780 meters (signpost). It then continues along the steep forest path up to Hinhageralm Lodge (elev. 1,010m; at timberline). Slightly above the lodge, it crosses a track (signpost) and then climbs along a series of switchbacks up the south side of the mountain, reaching its eastern flank at an elevation of 1,180meters. Press on over the broad ridge. Here the trail reaches a flat part, and continues in a westerly direction to gain the summit of 1,284-meter Wetterfahne Peak.
From the summit, head westward (23) along the ridge, then through open meadowland followed by a section of sparse forest before reaching a further forest clearing and the highest point of this hike at 1,314 meters. The descent begins here, first along the mountain ridge in a northerly direction (elev. 1,230m; keep your eyes out for a striking rock cairn on a tree trunk) and then over a stile to the "Rudersburg– Karalm" junction (signpost, bench) where the path divides. Continue here along path 23, then to Wegereralm (Naringalm, elev. 1,136m) and on to the bend next to Hinhageralm Lodge. The final section leads along the wide path back to the car park in Staffen.
Please Note: The trail is excellently waymarked. The risk of avalanche on the steep slope above Hinhageralm Lodge is often high. Be prepared to adjust your activity based on current conditions. As a general rule, if there is fresh snow, conditions may be better suited for snowshoeing; if the snow is old and well-travelled, it may be better for winter walking. For avalanche conditions visit lawine.tirol.gv.at.
Information on place
Hiking trails in this region
Kössen
Based on length alone, it’s a long journey at about 13 kilometers, but…
