Schlegesspeicher - Friesenberghaus - Olpererhütte

We recommend hiking to Olperer mountain hut via Friesenberghaus (Option #2) along trail 532. Though there’s a shorter and more direct way to the hut, this approach rewards you with magical views of the reservoir, Schlegeiskees glacier, and many photogenic peaks along a memorable balcony trail that forms part of the multi-day Berlin High Trail. 

Schlegeisspeicher reservoir to Friesenberghaus (2 hours)

From the Schlegeisspeicher reservoir, head to Dominikushütte (in the direction of the tunnel). Before reaching Dominikushütte, you’ll see a signed intersection indicating right towards Friesenberghaus (signed 2 hours) along Trail 532.

The narrow trail ascends gently. You’ll cross a river via a wood plank and continue through the forest. Eventually, you’ll cross a marshy meadow over wooden planks. The views open up and you’ll see Schlegeis Stausee. The trail continues to ascend to Friesenberghaus. 

Atmospheric and cozy, Friesenberghaus is a perfect place for lunch. The hut staff is swift and friendly, and the food is very good.

Friesenberghaus to Olpererhütte (1:30 – 2 hours)

After lunch, you’ll descend a few meters from the hut in the direction of Friesenbergsee lake. After a water crossing, you’ll start a steep 170 m ascent. It looks more daunting than it is – you’re not going all the way to the top.

The trail levels and you’ll hike along a breathtaking balcony trail to Olpererhütte (1 hour and 15 min). This stretch of the Berliner Höhenweg is remarkable, as you’ll have continuous views of the Schlegeis Stausee below cradled by 3000+ m peaks.

Shortly before reaching the Olpererhütte, you’ll hike across that Instagram-famous suspension bridge.

Staying the Night in Olpererhütte

If you wanted to extend your Zillertal Alps experience, you could also stay the night in Olpererhütte. This allows you to enjoy the hut at sunset when most day visitors are already gone. You’ll be sharing the hut with hikers who are trekking the Berlin High Trail, as well as visitors who are planning 2, or 3-day hiking tours in the Zillertal Alps. As beautiful as Olpererhütte is, it’s first and foremost a mountain refuge for hikers. So, sleeping and bathroom quarters are shared. 

Showers: 3 EUR for a 4 min shower

Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink

Electronic Charging Stations: Readily available in rooms

Payment: Credit cards and cash are accepted

Food: Really good.

Half Board or à la carte: We recommend opting for à la carte. The half-board portions were really small.

Rooms: The hut offers shared rooms for 4 people and shared rooms for 8 people.

 

Credits:
Photo: http://www.everydaybetty.at