Mountain Tour to the Königsjoch Ridge (2,819 m)
On the old, secret smuggler trails at the border
A beautiful panoramic hike along a relatively quiet trail leading to the Austrian border. The upper section of the route is suitable only for experienced hikers who are sure-footed and have a head for heights. This moderately difficult hike rewards you with stunning panoramic views.
Starting point: Timmelsjoch mountain pass road at km 22.9
Endpoint: Timmelsjoch mountain pass road at km 22.9
Refreshment stop: Oberglanegg Alm Alp
Directions
You start your tour at the parking area near Oberglanegg Alm Alp, located at the 5th hairpin bend (Timmelsjoch Road km 22.9), and follow a forest track (No. 43A) into the valley towards Oberglanegg Alm Alp (2,060 m).
From the alpine hut, follow the remains of the path uphill on the right, climbing directly across the slope (No. 20). Cross the disused tourist trail and then continue uphill without a path until you reach Karboden, a large, level alpine pasture area.
From Karboden, hike further into the valley along a gently ascending trail towards Innere Kar and pass the elongated Schaferegg on the right-hand side. Continue along the trail into the valley, keeping to the left side of the inner slope of Schaferegg and ascending further until you reach the point where the narrow, rocky ridge rises steeply upwards.
From here, climb along an exposed but easily manageable trail, following the ridge all the way until it joins the main ridge. The path then becomes very steep. Finally, traverse to the left across steep slopes and sharply dropping gullies on a narrow trail, ascending to Königsjoch, the border pass between Italy and Austria.
Once you reach Königsjoch (2,819 m), enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the upper Passeiertal valley and the glaciers at the head of the Seebertal valley. A descent to Obergurgl (Austria) is possible.
From Königsjoch, carefully return along the same route back to Innere Kar, continue to Karboden and from there descend directly across the slope to Oberglanegg Alm Alp.
From Oberglanegg Alm Alp, follow the forest track (No. 43A) back down the valley to the starting point at the parking area near Oberglanegg Alm Alp.
The route is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
Recommended equipment
War sturdy hiking boots, appropriate clothing for the weather and bring sufficient water and provisions.
Description to arrive at destination
• Coming from Meran towards the Passeiertal Valley, take the Jaufenstraße SS44 to St. Leonhard, continue on the Timmelsjochstraße to Moos. After Moos, continue to the parking area at the Oberglanegg Alm Alp
• Coming from the Timmelsjoch, take the Timmelsjochstraße towards Moos to the parking area at the Oberglanegg Alm Alp
• Coming from the Jaufenpass towards St. Leonhard, take the Jaufenstraße SS44, continue on the Timmelsjochstraße towards Moos and further along the Timmelsjochstraße. After Moos, continue to the parking area at the Oberglanegg Alm Alp
Parking
Parking is available at the parking area at the Oberglanegg Alm Alp
Public transport
Choose a more environmentally friendly way to travel and use our public transport services:
• Bus line 240 from Meran towards Moos, Pfelders
• Bus line 240 from Pfelders towards Meran
Bus stop "Moos, Rathaus"
and on with:
• Bus line 335 (operates only from begin June to end September) or bus line 242 (operates from end September to mid-October) from Moos towards Timmelsjoch - Obergurgl (AUT)
Bus stop "Moos, Oberglanegg Kehre"
or directly
• Bus line 335 (operates only from begin June to end September) or bus line 242 (operates from end September to mid-October) from Moos towards Timmelsjoch - Obergurgl (AUT)
• Bus line 335 (operates only from begin June to end September) or bus line 242 (operates from end September to mid-October) from Obergurgl (AUT) - Timmelsjoch towards Moos
Bus stop "Moos, Oberglanegg Kehre"
You can find the timetables at www.suedtirolmobil.info or on the Passeiertal app!
Author's tip
From the half of the tour the path is quite exposed. On the partly narrow path, surefootedness and a head for heights are a prerequisite. At a passage a little below the Königsjoch the path is secured with steel ropes.
Always stay on marked trails, check the weather conditions before you hike and pay particular attention to snow, wet ground, or slippery sections.
