Paznauner Höhenweg Paznauner Höhenweg

A hiking highlight in the Tyrolean Alps

The Paznaun High Route

The Paznaun High Route at a glance

About 60 hours – that’s how long it takes mountain athletes to complete all nine stages of this Tyrolean high route. That doesn’t happen within a day, of course. It’s an experience that’ll last you for multiple days. Whether it’s while on holiday in Ischgl or on day trip during the warmer months: the Paznaun High Route should definitely be on every nature lover’s to-do list! 

The high route in numbers: 

  • length: 120 kilometres
  • difference in altitude: 11,000
  • total duration: 60 hours 
  • stages: 9 


Tip: None of the nine stages are alike. Less experienced hikers can find some easier routes and passionate mountaineers are going to find some more challenging passages where they can exert themselves. 

120 kilometres in 9 stages

The stages

Stage 1: Beginner's Stage 

  • from See to the Ascher hut
  • distance: 12.5 kilometes - 5.5 hours 
  • ascent: 1,480 metres, descent: 270 metres 
  • level of difficulty: moderate 
  • stop options: Ascher hut
  • Panoramic spots and photo points: After crossing the stream, the view of lower Paznaun.

Stage 2: Across the Lower Valley 

  • From the Ascher hut to Kappl
  • distance: 21.5 kilometres - 8 hours
  • ascent: 920 metres, descent: 2,000 metres
  • level of difficulty: moderate 
  • options for a stop: Ascher hut, Gamperthun Alm hut
  • Panoramic spots and photo points: Stial-Alm, Lake Grübelsee

Stage 3: Smugglers’ paths 

  • From Kappl to Ischgl
  • distance: 21 kilometres - 9.5 hours 
  • ascent: 2,000 metres, descent: 1,800 metres 
  • level of difficulty: moderate / or: difficult 
  • options for a stop: Visnitz Alm 
  • Panoramic spots and photo points: Visnitz valley

Stage 4: Upper Valley Dream Stage 

  • From Ischgl to Galtür
  • distance: 16 kilometres - 7.5 hours
  • ascent: 1,800 metres, descent: 1,600 metres
  • level of difficulty: moderate 
  • options for a stop: Larein Alpe
  • Panoramic spots and photo points: Rauher Kopf, Lake Berglisee

Stage 5: Relaxation Stage 

  • From Galtür to the Friedrichshafener hut
  • distance: 7 kilometres - 3.5 hours 
  • ascent: 850 metres, descent: 250 metres
  • level of difficulty: moderate 
  • options for a stop: Friedrichshafener hut
  • Panoramic spots and photo points: Verwall and Samnaun mountain range

Stage 6: the Ludwig-Dürr Trail 

  • From the Friedrichshafener hut to the Darmstädter hut
  • distance: 10 kilometres - 6.5 hours 
  • ascent: 1,150 metres descent: 950 metres
  • level of difficulty: difficult
  • options for a stop: Friedrichshafener hut, Darmstädter hut
  • only recommended for experienced alpinists

Stage 7: the Advocates' Trail & Hoppe-Seyler Trail 

  • From Darmstädter hut to Niederelbe hut
  • walking time:
  • distance: 9 kilometres - 5.5 hours
  • ascent: 1,000 metres, descent: 1,100 metres 
  • level of difficulty: difficult 
  • options for a stop: Darmstädter hut, Niederelbe hut 
  • High alpine terrain - Attention falling rocks

Stage 8: the Kieler Trail & Riffler Trail 

  • From the Niederelbe hut to the Edmund Graf hut
  • distance: 9 kilometres - 4.5 hours 
  • ascent: 700 metres, descent: 600 metres 
  • level of difficulty: moderate
  • options for a stop: Niederelbe hut, Edmund Graf hut 
  • Panoramic spots and photo points: Schmalzgrubenseen lakes

Stage 9: Supreme Stage 

  • From the Edmund Graf hut to See
  • distance: 22 kilometres - 9.5 hours
  • ascent: 1,150 metres, descent: 2,600 metres 
  • level of difficulty: moderate 
  • options for a stop: Edmund Graf hut 
  • Panoramic spots and photo points: Blankaseen lakes, Peziner Spitze

Hiking, then raking in a goodie bag!

Whoever manages to complete the entire Paznaun High Route deserves a goodie bag! Because it’s not every day that you conquer 100 kilometres and 11,000 metres of difference in altitude. 

How to get the goodie bag 

  • Get a stamp booklet (available at the tourism office Paznaun-Ischgl)! 
  • Along each of the nine stages, you’ll find “stamp stations” that you need to pass. 
  • Upon completion, take your booklet to the tourism office Paznaun-Ischgl and receive your exclusive goodie bag! 

Good to know: Which stage you complete when and in which timespan is totally up to you – the Paznaun High Route doesn’t have to be completed all in one go! 

A good plan is half the battle

The Paznaun High Route is at the top of your list for your next holiday in Ischgl in Tyrol? That’s great! There are a couple of things you should keep in mind: 

  • Equipment: weather-appropriate functional clothing, well-fitting hiking boots, fluids, food and a small first-aid kit are a must for every hiker. Useful, too: a headlamp, a bivy bag and telescope poles to make your ascents and descents a little easier 
  • Walking times: the walking times listed are an average value. Please keep in mind that longer breaks or bad weather conditions can prolong walking time! 
  • Hikers’ bus and taxi: with the hikers’ bus, you’ll conveniently get to the starting point of your hike and back. Have a look at the Ischgl taxi services as well … 
  • Hiking maps: the interactive map of the Paznaun High Route shows you important info about the route, GPS data and more. 
  • Weather: ahead of every hike, you should check the current weather forecast. In high alpine terrain, the weather can change quickly. So, keep an eye on the weather conditions during the entire duration of your hike. Alpine Association weather bureau: +43 512 291600
  • A luggage transport is not offered


You love to discover new regions while hiking? Being at eye level with the most impressive summits the Tyrolean Alps have to offer? And being close to the treasures of nature? Then book your active holiday right away! 

  • Nur fit in die Berge und nicht erst „fit durch die Berge“. 
  • Keine Bergwanderung ohne sorgfältige Tourenplanung (Wetter, Gelände, Erfahrung, Trittsicherheit & Schwindelfreiheit beachten) 
  • Für die geplante Tour die richtige Ausrüstung mitnehmen (Bergschuhe, Funktionskleidung, Stöcke, Hüttenübernachtung). 
  • Informationen über die Tour und die Wetterverhältnisse einholen. 
  • Alle zwei Stunden eine zehnminütige Rast einlegen. 
  • Während der Tour ausgiebig trinken und essen. 
  • Niemals den markierten Weg verlassen! 
  • Bei Gefahr oder Wetterverschlechterung die Tour rechtzeitig abbrechen. 
  • Eine Notfallausrüstung (Erste-Hilfe-Box, Biwaksack, Taschenlampe, Handy) gehört in jeden Rucksack. 
  • Der Höhenweg verläuft in hochalpinem Gelände, wo das Wetter sehr schnell umschlagen kann und man mitunter auch im Sommer mit tiefen Temperaturen und Schnee rechnen muss. Informiere dich vorab über die vorherrschende Wettersituation und plane dementsprechend.  
  • Die angegebenen Gehzeiten sind Durchschnittswerte, längere Pausen sind nicht eingerechnet worden. Widrige Wetterbedingungen können die Gehzeit und Schwierigkeit der Etappen erheblich verlängern. 

Im Notfall ruhig bleiben und die Bergrettung verständigen (Alpiner Notruf 140). 

  • Verletzten vor Steinschlag, Absturz, Lawine etc. sichern 
  • Erste Hilfe (Atmung, Kreislauf, Blutstillung, Schienung etc.) 
  • Verletzten vor Wettereinflüssen (Wind, Regen, Sonne etc.) schützen 
  • Verletzten niemals allein lassen. Dauernder Zuspruch und Halt sind überlebensnotwendig 

Alpines Notsignal: In regelmäßigen Abständen sechs Mal in der Minute ein optisches oder akustisches Zeichen – hierauf 1 Minute Pause – wiederholen, bis Antwort festzustellen ist. Wenn Hilfealarmierung von der Unfallstelle aus nicht möglich ist:  

  • Melder steigt ab um Hilfe zu holen 
  • Verletzten aber nie allein lassen 
  • Wenn möglich, nicht allein absteigen 
  • Folgende Daten schriftlich mitgeben: Genauer Unfallort, Art der Verletzung, Anzahl der (un-)verletzten Gruppenmitglieder 
  • warme Kleidung, Regenschutz und Verpflegung beim Verletzten zurücklassen 
Map TIROL