Route: Kreuzjoch
Area: Austria, Stubai Valley, Tyrol
Date of walk: 12th September 2023
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 3.5 miles
Ascent: 900 feet
Weather: Mostly sunny and warm, distant views very hazy
Inspired by the wonderful views seen on yesterday’s walk we decided to revisit the start point and explore the area further. The base station of the Schlick2000 cable car is located just above the village of Fulpmes, and is served by the local bus service. Our Stubai Super Card ‘One Valley, One Card’ covered both the bus journey from our base in Milders, and the cable car
We passed through the middle station, where we’d ended yesterday’s walk, and alighted at the Kreuzjoch top station at a height of 7,200 feet. The views of the Stubai Massif were as awesome as they’d been the day before, and we were lucky to enjoy the scene in good light. We had in mind that we may be able to get as far as the Starkenburger Hutte but were prepared to turn back earlier if the going got too difficult or dangerous
We headed along an initially easy narrow path below Kreuzjoch, with dramatic views ahead, before reaching some rather more testing terrain. This started with an eroded staircase and was followed by a narrow metal bridge over a gully. There were steep drops to the side and we needed to concentrate carefully – a slip could have had serious consequences. Eventually a viewpoint appeared in the distance and we decided to climb up to it and make that the destination of our walk. Continuing to the Starkenburger Hutte would have involved a steep descent and re-ascent through rough and unknown terrain and I wasn’t sure if my new knee would be up to that yet
By the time we reached the viewpoint, blue skies had been replaced by grey and the views of the distant mountains were very hazy and rather disappointing. It was a dramatic scene nonetheless. From this point there was no alternative other than to retrace our steps, more confidently this time as we knew what lay in store. It was a fabulous walk and a fitting climax to our walking holiday in the Stubai Alps
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The start of the walk, and the same wonderful view which we enjoyed yesterday at the top station of Schlick2000
We'd descended to the right on yesterday's walk - today we keep to the left and climb up towards the peaks ahead
Schlicker Seespitze and Riepenwand, which are 9,200 feet and 9,100 feet above sea level respectively
Looking back to the start, and the Panorama Trail which we followed yesterday
Hoher Burgstall ahead
Looking back
Schlicker Seespitze on the right
We aim for The Sennjochhütte, a mountain hut and restaurant, left of picture...
That view again - yesterday's walk had taken us down the valley below the feet of Schlicker Seespitze and Riepenwand
Looking back
We continue to follow the signs for the Starkenburger Hut
We pass above The Sennjochhütte
Looking back to Kreuzjoch - our path had taken us along its foot. In restropect I wish we'd come via its summit as the path looks easy seen from here
As we approach Niederer Burgstall the scenery becomes more dramatic
We follow a path which zig zags up the lower slopes of Niederer Burgstall...
The start of a thrilling section below the limestone crags of Niederer Burgstall
Our walk will end at the viewing area mid left of picture, although we hadn't made the decision at this point
I admit to some trepidation here, as we had no idea what lay beyond each twist and turn in the path. The weather seemed to be closing in too...
The viewing station ahead, at the top of the picture
Mind how you go, Gilly
We cross a gully via this old metal bridge
The hard section is over and we continue up the winding path ahead...
We make it to the viewing station. Looking down we spot the Starkenburger Hut on the right. We decide that it's too far, especially as clouds are rolling in and rain is forecast (though the weather improved as things turned out)
The Starkenburger Hut
A view back, which encompasses the entire route. From here we retrace our steps
Refreshments back at the start
Good light on Schlicker Seespitze and its neighbours
We enjoy the view one last time on this final day of our walking holiday in Austria...
