Silvrettagebirge

The stage for this is provided on the one hand by the Austrian federal states of Tyrol and Vorarlberg, and on the other hand by neighboring Switzerland. The highest mountain in the Silvretta group is Piz Linard (3,410 meters) in the Swiss canton of Graubünden in the Rhaetian Alps.

If we focus on the Austrian territory, we find the highest peak on the Fluchthorn (3,399 meters), the second highest mountain in the Silvretta, on the Austrian-Swiss border. It is actually the southern summit, as the Fluchthorn has three peaks, all of which are among the top 5 highest elevations. The central summit also reaches an impressive 3,397 meters, and the northern summit is not far behind at 3,309 meters.

The Fluchthorn is not named by chance, but rather by local hunters who named a place where the hunted chamois had taken refuge. Perhaps you will be lucky and can observe the talented climbers in their natural environment.

A suitable starting point for climbing the southern summit is the managed Jamtalhütte (open from February to September) near Galtür, which even has its own climbing garden with passages of varying difficulty. The route leads along the Futschölbach and past the Breiten Wasser to the Finanzerstein (a rock shelter) and further into the Weilenmannrinne, which is partially quite steep (crampons recommended, as it is often covered in snow). After the ravine, the further ascent to the summit awaits, with not too difficult climbing passages. Then a stretch along the ridge and soon you have mastered the mountain and can enjoy the extensive view over the entire Silvretta.

The Piz Buin (3,312 meters) also has a special place in the hearts of hikers. Located on the border between Austria and Switzerland, the third highest elevation of the mountain massif is highly regarded among mountaineers and ski tourers. However, due to the shrinking glaciers, the ascent is becoming increasingly difficult and risky. The exposed rock then tends to pose a risk of rockfall. By the way, a series of sun care products is named after this mountain because its developer got sunburned during the ascent.

Especially on the Austrian north side and in Switzerland north of the Flüelapass, there are several larger and smaller glacier formations - a fact that has earned the area the promising name "Blaue Silvretta" ("Blue Silvretta").

For hikers who want to see more than just a part of the extensive area, the Silvretta Round offers a multi-day, challenging high mountain tour through rugged mountain ridges, barren moraines, and majestic glaciers. Alpine knowledge and appropriate equipment are required. The route covers approximately seven stages from Ischgl in Tyrol to Vermuntsee in Vorarlberg. From here, the post bus will conveniently take you back to Ischgl. The Heidelberger Hütte, Jamtalhütte, Tuoi Hütte, Wiesbadener Hütte, Saarbrücker Hütte, and Tübinger Hütte each offer a cozy spot for rest and overnight stays.

Also, the Red Trail of the Via Alpina, a cross-border long-distance hiking trail from Trieste to Monaco, winds through the Silvretta landscape in four stages.