Alpine Tour to the Seelenkogel Mountain (3,475 m)

A rewarding mountain tour with ridge scrambling to the distinctive and second-highest summit in the Passeiertal Valley.

Starting point: Pfelders

Endpoint: Pfelders

Refreshment stop: Refuge Zwickauer Hütte, Schneid Alm Alp

Directions

You start your tour at the large car park in Pfelders and walk briefly into the village. There, turn right downhill towards the Edelweiß inn, cross the bridge on the left and follow the path on the right (north-westwards) through a sparse larch forest uphill to the next bridge. Continue along a deeply worn, earthy trail climbing up to a small elevated area.

From here, follow the path to the left into a valley, cross the stream and continue ascending. Cross several gullies and eventually follow the slope first (south-westwards) and then climb uphill across the mountainside (north-westwards) to Schneid Alm Alp (trail no. 6a).

From Schneid Alm Alp, climb (south-westwards) up to the summit-like rise of the Obere Schneide. From here, after an initial level section, ascend numerous hairpin bends over a very steep mountain ridge heading north-westwards. At the upper end of the ridge, traverse slightly flatter terrain to the right across a rocky scree slope, then continue uphill and cross a snowfield in a hollow. Finally, follow the well-built, slightly exposed path up to the steep rock formation on which the clearly visible Zwickauer Hütte refuge is perched (trail no. 6a).

From Zwickauer Hütte refuge, walk westwards with only a gentle ascent along the high ridge to the eastern foot of Seelenkogel. From here, the trail leads through very steep and loose terrain, climbing in several hairpin bends over a few short scrambling sections and partly exposed, secured passages up to the ridge.

Now follow the ridge (westwards), initially without difficulty, continuing uphill until it becomes increasingly steep on the right-hand side and almost impassable. In early summer, a dangerous snowfield may remain here. Move onto the left side of the ridge and climb briefly to an exposed rise on the ridge. After descending a few metres, stay more or less on the rocky ridge crest, which drops steeply on both sides, overcoming several exposed scrambling sections before reaching the summit of Seelenkogel via a very steep final ascent (no. 6a).

From Seelenkogel, return to Zwickauer Hütte refuge via the same route (no. 6a). During the descent, take particular care not to miss the point where you have to leave the flatter lower section of the ridge and turn right onto the very steep slope (cairn and trail marker). Otherwise, you will enter increasingly difficult and dangerous terrain.

From Zwickauer Hütte refuge, descend again to Schneid Alm Alp (trail no. 6a).

From Schneid Alm Alp, return to Pfelders via the alpine pastures (trail no. 6a).

Recommended equipment

War sturdy hiking boots, appropriate clothing for the weather and bring sufficient water and provisions.

• Coming from Meran towards the Passeiertal Valley, take the Jaufenstraße/via Passo Giovo SS44 to St. Leonhard, continue towards Moos, take on the Timmelsjochstraße and continue on the SP114 to Pfelders

• Coming from the Timmelsjoch, take on the Timmelsjochstraße to Moos and continue on the SP114 to Pfelders

• Coming from the Jaufenpass towards St. Leonhard, take the Jaufenstraße S44, continue towards Moos on the Timmelsjochstraße and continue on the SP114 to Pfelders

Chargeable public car park at the entrance to the village of Pfelders

Choose a more environmentally friendly way to travel and use our public transport services:

• Bus line 240 from Meran to Pfelders

Bus stop "Pfelders"

You can find the timetables at www.suedtirolmobil.info or on the Passeiertal app!

This substantial Alpine tour requires a good head for heights, extreme sure-footedness and experience in light climbing. In early summer, a few very steep snowfields block the path (especially near the peak), making it hardly passable. In the steep terrain, there is a danger from falling rocks, especially when several people are walking close together. On the ridge, a few very exposed sections must be crossed. There are good foot and hand holds on the few short scrambles. At no point should one lose sight of the signs as one may otherwise quickly find oneself in impassable terrain.

Always stay on marked trails, check the weather conditions before you hike and pay particular attention to snow, wet ground, or slippery sections.