Hut to hut trekking on the Berliner Hohenweg in Austria A fantastic Alpine trek on the border between Italy and Austria Option to climb the Schonbichler Horn (3134m) The sparkling lake of Schlegeisstausee Stunningly situated mountain hut accommodation HOLIDAY CODE AZT Austria, Trek & Walk, 8 Days 5 nights mountain hut / refuge, 2 nights guesthouse, 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners, max group size: 12, 7 days trekking, max. altitude - 3281m VIEW DATES, PRICES & BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY HERE
PAGE 2 Introduction East of the Stubai Alps and the Brenner Pass between Austria and Italy, the tranquil Zillertal Alps lying within the province of Tyrol, have a peaceful ambience far removed from some of the more popular Alpine walking areas. Only a handful of trails access these 3000 metre plus peaks from Austria and the Berliner Hohenweg is the only well-known route on the north side of the main ridge. This excellent trek makes a loop to the south of the winter ski resort of Mayrhofen, keeping generally to the north of the highest Zillertal peaks. We trek in 3 days to the stunningly located Berliner Hut beneath the Grosser Moseler (3480m) and from there make the challenging crossing of the the Schönbichler Scarte Pass at 3081 metres. Beyond the sparkling lake of Schlegeisstausee, we climb to the Olperer and the Friesenberghaus Hut and we complete the circuit with a traverse high above the Zemmgrund Valley and a final descent to the pretty alpine patures at Pitzen Alm. With options of climbing the walkers' peak of the Schonbichler Horn (3134m) for spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks, this outstanding route offers a great taste of Austrian Alpine trekking. Is this holiday for you? This walking holiday is a high level circuit of the Austrian Zillertal, staying in mountain huts and involves walking on an established waymarked trail over variety of terrain including forest paths, alpine meadows and over rocky passes. The trails used for the most part offer very good underfoot conditions but there are several sections where we will cross boulders and others where we may encounter lying winter snow. A few places along the route involve some easy scrambling with some exposure including a 5 metre ladder section. Exposed parts of this route are well protected with cables but a good head for heights is a requirement. We average around 6 to 8 hours walking each day with typically 750 to 1200 metres of ascent and / or descent each day. Accommodation is in comfortable mountain huts with basic facilities. Holiday Itinerary Day 1: A single transfer is provided from Munich Airport to the group hotel in Hippach-Schwendberg. A single transfer is provided from Munich Airport to the group hotel in Hippach-Schwendberg. We meet our guide and have a briefing about the week ahead. GUESTHOUSE MEALS D Day 2: Local farm visit, then short transfer to Mayrhofen and walk to the Kasseler Hut (2177m). We make a leisurely start to the itinerary, with a visit to a local cheese-making dairy farm, which has an associated museum. Then, we take a short transfer to the start of our hike in the Stillupgrund Valley above Mayrhofen. Starting out close to the Grune Wand Hut, we follow a zig-zagging track up to our first overnight stopping place at the Kasseler Hut (2177m) which is situated beneath the arching headwall of the valley. MOUNTAIN HUT / REFUGE ASCENT 750M TIME 3 HRS Day 3: Walk via the Loffelkar to the viewpoint of Lapenscharte (2701m). Descend to the Greizer Hut (2227m). Today, we cross from the high valley of the Stillupgrund into its western neighbour, the Floitengrund. We pass the Loffelkar (2200m) where we may encounter snow patches and cross the boulders of the Elfenklamm. We climb up
PAGE 3 to the ridge between the two valleys, with our high point at the Lapenscharte (2701m), from which rocky vantage we have superb views across the valley to the Roswand Spitze and to the nearby Schwarzenstein (3369m). As we begin our descent to the Greizer Hut (2227m), where we spend the night, we can also see the path that we will take tomorrow. MOUNTAIN HUT / REFUGE ASCENT 700M DESCENT 650M TIME 6-7 HRS Day 4: Long and steep ascent to the summit of Morchnerscharte (2872m). Descend to the Berliner Hut (2042m). We start the day with a descent of almost 400 metres to a bridge across the Floitense, the stream issuing from the diminishing Floitenkees Glacier. Then, we have an unrelenting 1000 metre ascent across steep ground including short sections protected by fixed rope and even a 5 metre ladder. We finally reach the pass of Morchnerscharte (2872m) where we have glimpses of the mountains on the frontier between Austria and Italy. Dropping down from the pass, we reach the high tarn of the Schwarzee and continue more easily to the historic and imposing Berliner Hut (2042m) at the head of the Zemmgrund. MOUNTAIN HUT / REFUGE ASCENT 1050M DESCENT 1220M TIME 6-7 HRS Day 5: Climb to the Schonbichler Horn (3134m) then descend to the Furtschaglhaus. Our route skirts around the headwall of the Zemmgrund, crossing a number of streams, negotiating rough glacial debris and climbing on a zig zag trail which climbs steeply, protected by cables at times, to the Schonbichler Scharte Pass at 3081 metres. From the col we can make a short (10 minute) scramble to the summit of the Schonbichler Horns (3134m) for views of the Grosser Moseler, Hochfeiler, Olperer and Grosser Loffler. Returning to the col we make the long descent to the Furtschaglhaus (2293m). MOUNTAIN HUT / REFUGE ASCENT 1200M DESCENT 940M TIME 7-8 HRS Day 6: Descend, then walk via the Zamsergrund Valley to overnight at the Friesenberghaus (2477m). Another long day that starts out with a descent to the southern end of the Shlegeis reservoir and then an easy stroll along the lake shore for 3 kilometres. We then climb almost 600 metres up to the Olperer Hut (2388m), with most of the walk through lush forest. There are great views back to the lake and across the high valley of the Zamsergrund. We now make a rising traverse high above the valley on a good trail and negotiate a final steep descent to reach our overnight stop at the Friesenberghaus (2477m).
PAGE 4 MOUNTAIN HUT / REFUGE ASCENT 900M DESCENT 720M TIME 7-8 HRS Day 7: Traverse via the Kassel Alm (2006m) and Pitzen Alm to Ginzling. Transfer to Hippach-Schwendberg. The final section of the Berliner Hohenweg traverses at roughly the 2000 metre contour, below the ridges of the Realspitze and the Grindleberg Spitze, passing the Kassel Alm (2006m) to reach Pitzen Alm (1874m). There is more vegetation on this section of the route than we have been used to and the chances of spotting chamois and marmots are good. From here, our trail leads down to the village of Ginzling (985m) where we meet our transport for the transfer to Hippach-Schwendberg and the group guesthouse. GUESTHOUSE ASCENT 250M DESCENT 1650M TIME 6 HRS Day 8: Departure day. A single transfer to Munich Airport is provided. After breakfast at the guesthouse we have a group transfer to Munich Airport where KE Land Only package services end. MEALS B Holiday Information What's Included An English-speaking qualified mountain guide Single timed group transfers between Munich Airport and the beginning and end of the trip 2 nights guesthouse and 6 nights mountain hut accommodation All meals except lunches All land transport and transfers required by the itinerary What's Not Included Travel insurance Lunches and snacks Miscellaneous personal expenses Entrance fees and costs involved in any optional activities Meal Plan All meals except lunches are included, from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8. Food
PAGE 5 As you might expect, the food available in restaurants, hotels and even in the mountain huts in Austria is excellent. Continental breakfasts and full 3-course evening meals are included everyday. Lunches and/or hill snacks can be purchased in Mayrhofen on the first day of trekking and from the huts on subsequent days. Joining Arrangements & Transfers A single escorted group transfer on public transport is provided from Munich Airport to the group hotel in Hippach-Schwendberg on Day 1. The group will rendezvous in Munich Airport at a prearranged time (usually late morning) for this transfer. A single escorted group transfer is provided back to the airport on Day 8. This will leave the hotel breakfast and takes approximately 2 hrs. Accommodation We spend 2 nights in a guesthouse in Hippach-Schwendberg close to the town of Mayrhofen. We also have 6 nights in mountain huts. Huts in the Zillertal provide simple accommodation in non-segregated dormitory rooms. All the huts have a dining room, toilets and washing facilities. Some also have drying rooms and showers. Group Leader & Support Staff The group will be led by an English-speaking local mountain guide. Altitude This holiday involves going to moderately high altitude. During the course of your trip you will reach altitudes in excess of 2500 metres. Most people will have no difficulty with this level of altitude but before coming on the holiday, we recommend you read the advice on trekking at high altitude. You can also talk to one of our trekking experts if you have any concerns about altitude. Spending Money The package price includes all accommodation, guiding and all meals except lunches. You should make an allowance for lunches or hill food snacks plus drinks, including bottled water. Note: bottled water, if bought in the huts, is very expensive. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available every night. 200 should be sufficient to cover all personal expenses including your lunches. The currency in Austria is the euro and there are cash point facilities in Munich Airport and in Mayrhofen. Free KE Gift We give you a free gift as a way to thank all our clients who book a KE holiday. Choose from KE T-shirts, buffs, KE trek bags* (where applicable) plus many more. Alternatively you can choose to make a 10 donation to the Juniper Trust Charity. You can make your selection in your My KE account after booking. * A trek bag is not required for this holiday. You can however purchase a KE trek bag for 24.95. Delivery outside of the UK will be charged. Baggage Allowance For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage and a daypack (of around 30-40 litres). For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline. Since group members will carry all personal equipment during the trek, it is important to keep the overall weight of this equipment to a minimum. Neither a
PAGE 6 sleeping bag nor a camping mattress is needed and it should be possible to keep the weight of your pack to under 9kg. Whilst in the mountains you will leave your main bag and travel clothes in the group s guesthouse in Hippach- Schwendberg. Luggage with wheels can be useful for this holiday. Group Size & Holiday Status For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in Dates and Prices table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements. General Information Passport & Visas A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required for visits to countries outside the EU. The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice. If you are travelling outside the EU you should have at least 2 blank pages in your passport for each country that you visit. Visa Europe UK and USA passport holders do not require a visa. Health & Vaccinations You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations. UK residents should obtain a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is still vital when travelling overseas. Currency The unit of currency in Europe is the Euro. Electricity Supply & Plug We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/ Preparing For Your Holiday It makes a lot of sense to spend some time before coming on a trekking or climbing trip getting some additional exercise. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. We would suggest that you adopt a weekly exercise regime leading up to your trip. The best exercise for a trip like this is regular hiking but jogging, squash and swimming are also good for developing better stamina. Before departure, we suggest that you try to fit in a number of long walks in hilly country.
PAGE 7 Travel Aware As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign & Commonwealth Offices' Travel Aware campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips. KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe. Should the FCO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation. We receive regular updates direct from the FCO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office. Climate The temperatures that we can expect to encounter during the day will be reasonably warm, ranging from 10 C / 50 F to 25 C/ 77 F. It can be cool in the evenings at our highest overnight stopping places, falling close to freezing point at night. The weather is usually stable during July and August, but mountainous areas do generate their own weather systems and occasional rain and even stormy weather cannot be ruled out. You should be prepared for all eventualities! Books Trekking in the Zillertal Alps. Allan Hartley. A Cicerone Guide. Flight Information Flight Inclusive Or Land Only? On our website we display a UK Flight inclusive package price and Land only package price for the majority of our holidays. Land Only Notes We sell this holiday on a Land Only basis and recommend that you book your flights to Munich Airport. Please refer to the 'Joining Arrangements and Transfers' for further details. Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until you have received your booking confirmation and the departure is showing 'Guaranteed to Run' or 'Limited'. If flying from the UK there are a number of low cost airlines offering flights to Munich. These include Easyjet who have flights from London & Edinburgh. Other airports may be available. If you would prefer to book a 'flight inclusive package' using scheduled airlines from the UK please contact our flights department for a quote. Whilst flight prices are likely to be more expensive you will benefit from full financial protection.
PAGE 8 Why Choose KE Adventure Travel? Why Choose KE Adventure Travel? Experience KE has 34 years experience of adventure travel worldwide. All of our holidays are accompanied by an experienced leader, some of whom have worked with KE groups for many years. Many are professional guides and instructors with an unrivalled knowledge of the areas in which they work. In many parts of the world, we recruit local guides with appropriate training and experience. In addition to having the technical skills to ensure your safety, KE expects its leaders to be active members of the group. A leader should be fun to travel with and ready to share with you their enthusiasm for adventure travel and their knowledge of the area. Alongside the group leader, there will be a local support crew, which could be just a driver, or a complete team of guides, drivers, porters, muleherders and cooks. The hard work of our support crews, along with the fascinating insight they can offer into their local culture, is integral to providing you with the very best adventure travel experience. The team of KE office staff is amongst the most experienced in the business, with the proven ability to set up and operate a worldwide programme of adventures. Every one has adventure travel at heart and joins at least one trip a year. It is this depth of experience that makes KE stand out from other adventure travel operators. When you contact KE, by phone or e-mail, or visit our office, you will find the help and advice you need, from someone who has actually done the trip and can give you the benefit of their first-hand experience. KE can guarantee the very best in trek support, excellent food, a good standard of hotel and camp accommodation, plus the back up of one of the most respected companies in the business. Client satisfaction is at the top of our agenda and almost 50% of our bookings each year come from repeat business. If you are looking for adventure then look no further than KE. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AND AWARDS Responsible Tourism has always fitted naturally with KEs travel ethic. It is important to us that our clients are not the only beneficiaries of the travel experience, but that we share a two-way relationship with the areas that we visit. We make sure that our local staff are well treated and well paid, we respect indigenous cultures, take care to protect the environment and make the most of every opportunity to make a positive contribution wherever we travel. In addition to holding an AITO 5-star Sustainable Tourism rating, we are recipients of AITO s Achievement in Sustainable Tourism Award in recognition of the work carried out over the past 20 years, giving back to the communities and areas we visit. We have been awarded Highly Commended status in the Best Tour Operator category of the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards, and were named Best Trekking Operator on Earth by National Geographic Magazine, whose criteria included commitment to responsible tourism. We continue to travel responsibly, and more information on our policy, practice, and specific projects can be found at www.keadventure.com, and on the website of our partner charity the Juniper Trust: www.junipertrust.co.uk. KEs Mountain Code is issued to our staff, trek leaders and overseas agents, and we recommend it to our clients, too!
PAGE 9 Your Complete Financial Protection KE Adventure Travel is a fully licensed and bonded tour operator. We are a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), bonded with the CAA (ATOL 2808) and ABTA licensed (W4341). You can book your trip with KE Adventure Travel in complete confidence that all monies you pay for a trip are fully protected. BOOKING YOUR HOLIDAY Making a Booking The easiest way to make your booking is online. You will need to pay a deposit at the time of booking. This is normally 200 but for some holidays with special permit fees or internal flights, this may be more. The amount of deposit required for an individual holiday is given on the dates and prices page of the holiday. Late bookings will require full payment. We cannot confirm any booking until we receive your fully completed booking form. Adventure Travel Insurance IMPORTANT - It is a condition of joining any of our trips that you are insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services). We also strongly recommend that you take out holiday cancellation insurance, as all deposits paid are non-refundable. Please ensure that your insurer is aware of your KE Adventure itinerary and can agree to cover the activities being undertaken. You will then need to advise us of your policy details and complete an Insurance Declaration Form. CAMPBELL IRVINE DIRECT travel insurance is available to EU residents and will cover the majority of KE Adventure holidays. It has been designed to provide cover for activities normally excluded by other insurers such as trekking, mountain biking and climbing. Please note that certain activities may attract a higher premium. In addition Campbell Irvine Direct cannot provide cover for KE climbing trips above 6000m. Cover for these can be obtained through either the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) or Snowcard. TRAVELEX is a USA based insurer offering travel insurance, which can be used by US citizens and US residents only. KE recommends the "Travelex Select" package for our holidays. If your holiday involves using mountaineering equipment (ropes, harness or crampons), for climbing or glacial travel, you should consider the "Adventure Plus Pak" optional upgrade on the Travelex Select Plan. Please refer to the 'Description of Coverage' for a summary of the terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations of the applicable Protection Plan. This policy will also cover KE climbing trips above 6000m. We hope that this trip notes has answered most of your questions. Please feel free to contact us and speak to one of our experts.
PAGE 10 Equipment List The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your pack to a minimum. During this holiday you will carry all of the things you need during the trek. It is possible to leave travel clothes in your luggage at the guesthouse. You Must Bring The Following Items: Walking boots* Shoes or sandals for use in the huts Gaiters Walking socks are best (2/3 pairs) Underwear Trekking Trousers (not cotton) Thermal Base Layer x 2 (one long sleeved) Fleece jacket or warm jumper Waterproof jacket (with hood) Waterproof overtrousers Sunhat Warm hat Sunglasses Warm and waterproof gloves or mittens Sleeping bag liner/sheet sleeping bag (silk is lightest)** Rucksack 40 to 50 litres Headtorch and spare batteries Sun Protection (high factor for skin) Lip salve with sunscreen Small Wash kit and Pack Towel Water bottle x 1 litre Dry bag to keep essentials dry Basic First Aid Kit. Including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, Insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). The Following Items Are Optional: Trekking poles Extra warm layer (prima loft or lightweight down)
PAGE 11 Shorts T-shirt or casual shirts x 2 Earplugs (particularly if you are not the one snoring!) Pen-knife (note: always pack sharp objects in hold baggage) Repair kit (eg. needle, thread, duck tape) Camera Travel Clothes Notes * Walking Boots: Recommended boots for this trip are comfortable, warm and sufficiently robust to protect feet and ankles on a variety of terrain including boulders and loose scree. You may also encounter snow patches and boots should be waterproof. **Sleeping bags are NOT required as bedding is provided at mountain huts. However, you must bring a sheet sleeping bag. Please note: This document was downloaded on 4 May 2018, and the trip is subject to change.