6-lakes hut tour

The Virgenvalley belongs entirely to East Tyrol. Numerous waterfalls can be reached from the national park town of Matrei. The picturesque mountain village of Virgen, with its dark brown wooden houses, is also very attractive. Because of its sunny and convenient location, Virgen is often referred to as the 'Meran of East Tyrol'. The Slavic name 'Virgen', meaning sunny place, probably also points to this. Handover of the travel documents in a ***hotel on site. (1 night)

For overnight stays in Matrei: drive by car or public bus (to be paid on spot) to Virgen on the Isel, one of the last large alpine rivers in Austria without a power station or dam. The hike starts in Virgen and leads through a larch mountain forest up to the Wetterkreuzhut. It is already above the tree line; the view of Virgen, the fields and the Virgen north chain as well as the Venetian Group is very impressive. Austria's highest mountain, the Grossglockner at 3,798 meters, can also be seen on a clear day. The Höllerhöhe, which is overgrown with dwarf shrub heather, continues over a grass saddle. Then you cross the flank of the Legerle, - dotted with alpine roses - and you reach the Zupallake and the Zupalseehut, which stands on a flat grassy hilltop. Look forward to the cozy pine parlor and the sun terrace - they invite you to linger and pause. At 2,720 meters, the Zupalkogel is almost 300 meters higher and could lure you in for a summit tour in the afternoon. To do this, you follow a mountain path, past a lush green high plateau reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands, and you are rewarded with a magnificent view. (1 night Zupalseehut)
Hiking: approx. 3-4 hours (7 km, ascent: 1,252 m in height / descent: 20 m in height)

Today's hiking day is full of contrasts with wonderful panoramic views over the valleys shining in dark green, above them the peaks and snowy areas of the Venetian Massif. The spacious Zupal trough is first crossed over high and alpine pastures. Afterwards reach the Steinkaastrough with indelible traces of former slope glaciation, the Steinkaaslake. It invites you to take a well-deserved rest. Follow the path to the managed Merschenpasture, over the Merschenhight in the direction of Lasörlinghut. Following a junction you reach the Virgengate and set course for the Grietzer Hörndle. You cross the Gumpenlacke and the Gritzer lakes. With good visibility, you can even see the South Tyrolean Dolomites from the summit. Back at the junction, today's destination is in sight: the Lasörlinghut, a unique alpine ensemble. (1 night)
Hiking: approx. 3-4 hours (12 km, ascent: 745 m in height / descent: 802 m in height)

Today's hiking route is very varied in terms of landscape. The ascent to the Bergergate over 2,800 meters is quite steep. A small glacial lake soon comes into view, fed by the Zopatbach. It continues through a rugged stone desert landscape, past a roaring waterfall, before one hikes down to the fish-rich Bergerlake and Bergerseehut, idyllically situated between lush green mountain meadows with cotton grass moor. Stunning views await you on the Muhs-Panoramic Trail. Walking in a wide arc around the northern foothills of the Muhskopf, you reach the Zopatnitzenpasture. At the summit of the Muhsköpfl, where you might spot a marmot or two, you find a wooden table with the names of the surrounding mountains on it - a truly powerful place! Then the path leads back to the Bergerseehut. From here you have a clear view of the Venetian Group situated on the opposite side. (1 night)
Hiking: approx. 3-4 hours (10 km, ascent: 751 m in height / descent: 859 m in height)

Today you leave the mountains of the Lasörling Group and descend via the Zopatnitzen Gorge into the Virgenvalley to Prägraten. On the opposite side of the valley, a varied trail leads back up through the flower- and water-filled Timmelvalley - this time to the Venetian Group. The pretty valley is also known for its many chamois and marmots. Just below the Eisseehut, today's destination, the Timmelstream falls over a steep step at a height of almost 2500 meters. The hut marks both the end of the Timmelvalley and the entrance to the Venetian High Trail. It is the starting point for numerous three-thousander peaks and is also very popular with ski tourers in winter. (1 night)
Hiking: approx. 5-6 hours (11 km, ascent: 1,124 m in height / descent: 883 min height)

Take the opportunity of a morning hike over the Kleinitzpasture to the nearby clear Eissee. It invites you to linger and pause. With a bit of luck you will discover the rare edelweiss on this tour. The Venetian high-altitude trail to the Bonn-Matreier-Hut runs, mostly staying at the same level, below the Großer Hexenkopf and the Hoher Eichham, around the Wunspitze (all three-thousanders) and over the Eselsrücken. You actually feel like an eagle - the view of the Lasörling group and the course of the past few days is so fantastic. There is a rock chapel to discover in the immediate vicinity of the hut. The panorama with a corresponding view of the Triglav, the Dolomites and the Schober Group is breathtaking. Strengthen yourself with a good snack on the sun terrace and end the day with these views. (1 night)
Hiking: approx. 3-4 hours (10 km, ascent: 614 m in height / descent: 414 m in height)

Today it is time to say goodbye to the rocky summit structures; you get to know the whole span of the structure of a mountain landscape over the alpine region back to the forest base of the mountains during today's hike. The path leads over the Goaschartl to the small Nillvalley. We continue along alpine rose slopes to the beautifully situated Gotschaunpasture. After a rest, you will return to the center of Virgen via the district of Marin. (1 night in a ***hotel in Virgen or Matrei)
For overnight stays in Matrei: Drive by car or public bus (payable locally) to Matrei.
Hiking: approx. 3-4 hours (8 km, ascent: 13 m in height / descent: 1,560 m in height)

Additional nights can be reserved for all those who would like to spend more time in the Virgen Valley or the surrounding area. How about a few days of relaxation in front of this magnificent high mountain scenery! Otherwise individual departure from Virgen or Matrei in East Tyrol.