This hike leads through some fascinating, isolated Alpine terrain at unusually low altitude down in the valley.
Starting point: Öberst-Vernuer
Endpoint: Öberst-Vernuer
Refreshment stop: Obere Obisell Alm Alp
Directions
The ascent: via Hahnenkamm Hut to the mountain lake
You begin your circular hike at the Öberst-Höfe farms (1,390 m) in Vernuer. First, follow trail no. 21A, which initially leads across open meadows and later through shady forest while steadily climbing uphill. After about 1.5 hours of hiking, you reach a prominent mountain ridge.
Here, switch onto trail no. 21. Continue ascending along the ridge until you reach the unmanaged Hahnenkammhütte Hut (2,037 m). From the hut, remain on trail no. 21, which now traverses the landscape with hardly any significant elevation gain until you arrive at the unmanaged Untere Obisell Alm Alp (2,000 m).
For the final section, change onto trail no. 5. This path climbs somewhat more steeply up to the managed Obisell Alm (2,160 m) and the nearby Obisellsee Lake (2,150 m), located directly below the hut.
Variant route via Pfitschkopf:
Attention: This variant is steep and exposed. Sure-footedness and no fear of heights are absolutely essential!
At Hahnekammhütte Hut, you may alternatively follow the Kameradensteig trail (no. 5A). This route climbs steeply and exposed up to Pfitschkopf (2,120 m). Continue along the path as it traverses a steep exposed slope until it eventually rejoins trail no. 5. The final section to the Obisell Alm Alp then follows the same route as described in the main ascent.
The return route:
From Obisellsee Lake, first follow trail no. 5 back downhill to the Untere Obisell Alm Alp.
There, the trail branches off and continues on trail no. 5, descending quite steeply in tight switchbacks through the mountainside. Eventually, the narrow path joins a broader gravel road, which you follow comfortably back to the starting point at the Öberst-Höfe farms.
The trail is not suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Description to arrive at destination
• Coming from Meran towards the Passeiertal Valley, take the Jaufenstraße SS44 shortly after Riffian, turn left to Vernuer
• Coming from the Jaufenpass towards Meran, take the Jaufenstraße SS44 shortly before Riffian, turn right to Vernuer
• Coming from the Timmelsjoch towards Moos, continue on the Timmelsjochstraße shortly before Riffian, turn right to Vernuer
Public transport
Choose a more environmentally friendly way to travel and use our public transport services:
• Bus line 240 from Meran towards St. Leonhard/Moos/Pfelders
• Bus line 240 from St. Leonhard/Moos/Pfelders towards Meran
Bus stop "Riffian, Abzweigung Vernuer"
continue with
• Bus line 224 to Öbersthöfe (operates only from mid-May to early October)
Bus stop "Riffian, Öbersthöfe"