Читать книгу Walking in Austria - Kev Reynolds - Страница 22

ROUTE 10

Bielerhöhe (2036m) – Saarbrucker Hut (2538m)

Start	Bielerhöhe (2036m)
Valley base	Bielerhöhe or Galtür
Distance	6km
Height gain	502m
Grade	2
Time	3hrs
Location	Southwest of the Bielerhöhe

Built upon a rocky spur projecting from the Klein Litzner at the head of the Kromertal, the Saarbrucker Hut is used by climbers tackling an assortment of neighbouring peaks, as well as by hut-to-hut trekkers, for there are several passes nearby that link with other refuges on both sides of the frontier. It’s a traditional hut, easily accessible and often very busy. There are two routes to it through the Kromertal, the shorter of which follows a track all the way from the southern end of the Vermunt reservoir. The route described here, though longer and slightly more demanding, is the more scenic option.

From the western side of the Bielerhöhe car park take a waymarked path which descends below the road to the Madlener-Haus. Pass along its left-hand side and, a few paces later, follow the red-and-white waymarked path (no 302) cutting left ahead along the edge of a gully. It then descends into the gully and crosses a stream before working along the lower hillside to a signed fork at 1950m.

The Grosser Seehorn overlooks the Saarbrücker Hut

Branch left and angle across the hillside, rising to turn a spur and reach a sloping shelf above the entrance to the Kromertal. Crossing minor streams the path rises again, making a few twists, then over a rocky shoulder and a rock tip beyond. A succession of shoulders are crossed or turned before coming to two small tarns. Soon after, the way descends a little to cross the Kromer Bach by footbridge. A few paces later come onto the track which serves the hut. A sign here indicates 50mins to reach it.

Either follow the track as it winds up into a stony basin below glacial remnants, or take the more direct, but steeper, waymarked path leading directly to the Saarbrucker Hut.

The Saarbrucker Hut is a large Category I hut with 20 beds in rooms, and 80 dormitory places. It is manned at Easter and Whitsun, and from July to the end of September (tel 05558 4235).