Knappenweg circular route - with audio guide

Ascent with the Acherkogelbahn at the outskirts of Oetz. The starting point of the hike is the Panoramic Restaurant Hochoetz at 2,020 m above sea level. From there, a wide forest road initially leads towards the Bielefelder Hut. Afterwards, a steep ascent begins, which shortly below the Brunnenkopf summit turns into a gently running ridge path. This winds attractively along the mountainside.

At a fork in the path, the ascent to Rosskopf branches off to the left, while the trail continues to the weather cross, which you reach after a moderate climb. From the summit, there is an impressive panorama of the Stubai Alps and the Mieming chain, ideal for a short rest with a view.

The descent takes place on the back of the weather cross down into the wild romantic Wörgetal. A narrow trail winds through this secluded valley section to the Knappenhaus with stamp mill, a faithfully reconstructed ore processing plant. Here you dive deep into the over 350-year mining history of the region. A real highlight of the route.

A little further, the path leads past the idyllic Pucher Lake, then over the now dilapidated Obere Issalm. Here the path branches left to the Balbach Alm. Two short but steep ascents lead through a dreamlike landscape: past stone pines and fragrant alpine roses. The Balbach Alm invites you to a cozy stop, ideal for a break with Tyrolean delicacies. Finally, the return takes place via the so-called "Glück auf Weg" through the gentle slopes full of alpine roses towards the Hochoetz mountain station, where the loop closes.

The entire route is about 11.9 kilometers long, classified as demanding, and takes about 5-6 hours to complete. The best time for this route is between June and October.

Tip: Use the free audio guide Hearonymus and experience the Knappenweg with exciting stories directly on the trail!