Stubai Hohenweg, high altitude trail, Tyrol, Austria

The Stubai Hohenweg is a circular high-level footpath of about 80 km with over 6,000 m of total ascent and descent, walked in eight or nine stages. It runs between 2,000 and 3,000 m through alpine and high alpine terrain, with some sections secured by cable and steel staples, and avoids glaciers. Eight huts serve as bases, among them the Franz-Senn-Hütte and the Dresdner Hütte.

The trail was developed to provide hikers access to the high alpine regions of the Stubai area. The route follows partly historic paths that were traditionally used by herders and mountain dwellers.

The route runs between 2000 and 3000 m and is graded "black": hikers meet narrow, steep and exposed passages, some secured with cables and steel stirrups. Surefootedness, freedom from vertigo and good fitness are required. The circuit is usually walked in 8 or 9 stages, overnighting at huts such as the Starkenburger, Franz-Senn, Neue Regensburger, Dresdner, Sulzenau, Nürnberger, Bremer and Innsbrucker Hütten.