Difficulty

Very Hard

Elevation

1,889 m

Distance

24.9 km

Duration

9.5-13.5h

User Ratings

10.0 (7 reviews)

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Technical DIFF

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Berlinerhütte over Mörchnerscharte Hike

Name: Berlinerhütte over Mörchnerscharte Hike
Rating: 10

Panorama of Berlinerhütte over Mörchnerscharte hike near Mayrhofen, Zillertal Valley, Austria

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Berlinerhütte over Mörchnerscharte is a challenging and spectacular hike! It is part of the famous “Berliner Höhenweg” and requires sure-footedness and endurance. It is part of the annual Steinbockmarsch when people will compete against each other to show their strength.

Route Description for Berlinerhütte over Mörchnerscharte Hike

Start at the Naturparkhaus in Ginzling and follow the asphalt road on the left side. Follow this road as it soon becomes a gravel road. Pass Tristenbachalm and then Steinbockhütte, which is a great place for a quick refreshment.

After about 1.5 hours of following the Floitenbach stream, you get to a point where the path becomes smaller. Follow the red marks on the rocks to a yellow sign and keep right to cross a mountain stream. If you need a break, the Greizer Hütte is up ahead (although we did not make a stop there).

Once over the stream the route will become steeper with some obstacles like a ladder used to climb up rocks. Hike up to Mörchnerscharte and always watch out for red marks on the rocks to stay on the right path. In bad weather the ladders and ropes are very challenging, and not recommended.

The views from the Mörchnerscharte are spectacular. Continue down the other side to a lake called Schwarzsee.

From Schwarzensee, follow the yellow signs to Berliner Hütte. This is a very nice hut, with great food in a beautiful location. Many people stop here for the night, making this a 2-day trip rather than one long day.

From the Berliner Hütte, the path leads down to Breitlahner, passing several other huts along the way. Once in Breitlahner you can catch the bus back to Ginzling Naturparkhaus.

Insider Hints for Berlinerhütte over Mörchnerscharte Hike

This is a difficult, exposed hike. Before you start the hike, check the weather to see if there are any thunderstorms coming up later in the day. Ask at the tourist office if there have been any rockfalls or heavy temperature fluctuations the last few days. If so, ask if they recommend a different tour.
Start slowly to save your energy for the really steep parts.
Take some snacks with you.
Watch out for marmots, chamois and other animals. There is a good chance to see some around the highest peak but be careful because they can cause rockfalls.
Have a great meal at the Berliner Hütte to reenergize and to get back to Breitlahner. Your body will need it!
Check bus times to see when the last bus is. Currently Route 4102 from Mayrhofen to Schlegeis Stausee is the route. From Mayrhofen to Ginzling you can choose between two streets. Definitely take time and wait at the traffic light to drive through the tunnel at least one way.

Getting to the Berlinerhütte over Mörchnerscharte Hike Trailhead

From Mayrhofen to the B169 south. Make a left to Ginzling and follow this street to the Naturpark Haus in Ginzling, where there is a parking lot.

Route Information

When to do:
July to September
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Toilets:
At the tourist office right at the start, at Berliner Hütte and in Breitlahner at the Restaurant.
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Good
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Loop