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ROUTE 21

Sulztalalm (1915m) – Amberger Hut (2136m)

Location Southeast of Gries

Valley base Längenfeld or Gries

Grade 2

Distance 6km (one way)

Height gain 567m

Time 2hrs (+ 1½hrs return)

The Amberger Hut overlooks such an idyllic scene that this walk would be worthwhile even if the rest of the valley held little of interest. But the Sulztal is delightful throughout its length, which compensates for the fact that this hut approach follows a dirt road all the way.

Walk through Gries heading upvalley, passing the car park at the eastern end of the village. The paved road soon become a dirt road, at first on the north side of the river, then crossing to the south side and twisting uphill through woodland. For some way views are restricted, but now and again a gap in the trees reveals the unmistakable pointed 3497m Schrankogel directly ahead. About 12mins after crossing the river, the road forks – the right branch goes to Nisslalm and the Schönrinnen See – but we continue ahead in the direction of the Sulztalalm.

About 1hr 15mins from Gries, the path comes to Vorderer Sulztalalm (1915m, refreshments) where a sign gives 45mins to the Amberger Hut. The way rises at a steady angle, then curves through a narrowing gap to emerge to the secluded meadows of Hinterer Sulztalalm (2085m).

The dirt road eases through the meadows, crosses the river for the last time, then angles above a minor gorge before turning rocks for a final short rise to the Amberger Hut.

The Amberger Hut (2136m) overlooks a vast meadowland sliced by the Fischbach which flows directly from the Sulztalferner, the valley’s most important glacier hanging from the Windacher Daunkogel. The Category I hut has 10 beds and 59 dormitory places, and is fully staffed from early February to the end of April, and from mid-June to the beginning of October (Tel: 05253 5605).