Directions
Ascent: From Pfelders up to Zwickauer Hütte
From the car park in Pfelders (1,630 m), follow trail no. 6A towards Zwickauer Hütte. The route first leads you comfortably through the idyllic village centre, descending to Gasthaus Edelweiß and then crossing the bridge to the old fire station.
Here, trail no. 6A branches off to the right and the ascent begins. Through a sparse larch forest, you reach the next bridge and climb up to a ridge. Above the stream, follow the marked trail along the steep slope, cross another bridge and tackle the steep hairpin bends across green pastureland. After crossing a small stream, traverse the slope below Schneid Alm Alp until you reach the next trail junctions near the alp (2,159 m), where you follow the signs towards Zwickauer Hütte.
Following trail no. 6A, you hike uphill in a south-westerly direction to a wooden cross at Obere Schneide (2,345 m). After a slightly flatter section, the trail, still following no. 6A, climbs the ridge in numerous steep hairpin bends.
The final section below your stage destination leads through barren, rocky terrain and along a sandy trail. In early summer, you should generally expect to encounter an old snowfield here. Following the well-maintained trail, which is exposed in places and secured with cables, you eventually reach Zwickauer Hütte (2,989 m), spectacularly perched on a distinctive rocky outcrop.
Ascent: High-alpine finale to Hinterer Seelenkogel
From Zwickauer Hütte, initially head westwards, climbing gently along the broad ridge towards the eastern foot of Hinterer Seelenkogel. After just a few minutes, you reach the start of the demanding high-alpine terrain.
The trail winds its way upwards through very steep and loose terrain, with tight hairpin bends. Short scrambling sections, as well as exposed passages, some secured with steel cables, require full concentration and sure-footedness. Always follow the trail markings and cairns, which guide you through the rocky terrain.
Once you reach the ridge, the terrain opens out onto a broad crest. Follow it westwards before crossing a steep slope, where an old snowfield often remains well into early summer. As the gradient increases, the route becomes increasingly exposed. Via exposed rocky steps, descend a few metres into a narrow, distinctive notch.
From the notch, continue directly along the ridge or make short diversions to the left and right around the rocky ribs before climbing again. Following the ridge line throughout, tackle the final easy scrambling moves until you reach the summit cross of Hinterer Seelenkogel, where you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views across the Ötztal Alps.
Descent: From the summit back to Pfelders
The descent follows the ascent route.
Attention: On the descent from the summit, it is essential not to miss the turn-off to the right from the flatter ridge onto the steeply descending slope above Zwickauer Hütte! Pay close attention to the cairn here. If you miss the turn-off and continue straight ahead along the ridge, you will quickly find yourself in extremely difficult, exposed and dangerous terrain.
The route is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
Description to arrive at destination
• Coming from Meran towards the Passeiertal Valley, take the Jaufenstraße/via Passo Giovo SS44 to St. Leonhard, continue towards Moos, take on the Timmelsjochstraße and continue on the SP114 to Pfelders
• Coming from the Timmelsjoch, take on the Timmelsjochstraße to Moos and continue on the SP114 to Pfelders
• Coming from the Jaufenpass towards St. Leonhard, take the Jaufenstraße S44, continue towards Moos on the Timmelsjochstraße and continue on the SP114 to Pfelders
Author's tip
This substantial Alpine tour requires a good head for heights, extreme sure-footedness and experience in light climbing. In early summer, a few very steep snowfields block the path (especially near the peak), making it hardly passable. In the steep terrain, there is a danger from falling rocks, especially when several people are walking close together. On the ridge, a few very exposed sections must be crossed. There are good foot and hand holds on the few short scrambles. At no point should one lose sight of the signs as one may otherwise quickly find oneself in impassable terrain.
Always stay on marked trails, check the weather conditions before you hike and pay particular attention to snow, wet ground, or slippery sections.