Hike to the Kolbenspitze Peak (2,868 m) and Circular Route via Ulfaseralm Alp

Rewarding mountain hike with panoramic views across the entire mountain landscape of the Passeiertal Valley

Starting point: Kratzegg car park in Ulfas

End point: Kratzegg car park in Ulfas

Refreshment points: Schartalm Alp, Ulfaseralm Alp

Directions

Ascent to Kolbenspitze

The hike starts at the Kratzegg parking area (1,512 m) in Ulfas. Follow forest road no. 2, leaving the Kratzegg farmstead behind. After a few minutes, cross a stream. Shortly afterwards, a narrow trail (trail no. 2) branches off to the right and climbs through a cool coniferous forest towards extensive alpine meadows.

Continue following the trail markers and cross another stream. At the next fork, keep right towards peak Kolbenspitze. From here, the route becomes noticeably steeper. Crossing lush alpine pastures and ascending natural steps in the terrain, you eventually reach an area scattered with impressive boulders.

The increasingly rocky trail traverses to the left below the ridge and climbs towards the distinctive cairn at around 2,600 m on the ridge.

From here, trail no. 3 leads across the sunny southern slope, initially over open alpine terrain and later across scree and rocky ground, towards the final ridge. Following this somewhat narrower but easily manageable ridge, you eventually reach the summit of the peak Kolbenspitze (2,868 m).

Descent via Ulfaseralm Alp

On the way back, initially follow the ascent route down to the cairn. From there, stay on trail no. 3 and enjoy a scenic ridge walk towards St. Martin, passing the peak Mutspitze (2,265 m), a small elevation without a summit cross.

Tip & safety: Some sections along the ridge are slightly exposed and require sure footing and good hiking experience.

About an hour after the cairn, a steeper trail branches off to the left and descends towards the alpine meadows. At a rustic old shepherd’s hut, change onto trail no. 2B and continue downhill to the next junction towards Ulfaseralm Alp.

Trail no. 2A eventually leads directly to the picturesque Ulfaseralm Alp (1,601 m). The final section descends from the alpine pasture along a shady forest trail, which joins a forest road. Follow the forest road back comfortably to the Kratzegg parking area.

The trail is not suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

Recommended equipment

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

• Coming from Pfelders, take the SP114 towards Platt and shortly before reaching Platt, turn right at the junction for Ulfas

• Coming from Meran towards the Passeiertal Valley, take the Jaufenstraße SS44 to St. Leonhard, continue towards Moos, take on the Timmelsjochstraße and continue on the SP114 to Platt. After Platt, continue towards Pfelders an turn left at the junciton for Ulfas

• Coming from the Timmelsjoch, take on the Timmelsjochstraße to Moos and continue on the SP114 to Platt. After Platt, continue towards Pfelders an turn left at the junciton for Ulfas

• Coming from the Jaufenpass towards St. Leonhard, take the Jaufenstraße SS44, continue towards Moos on the Timmelsjochstraße and continue on the SP114 to Platt. After Platt, continue towards Pfelders an turn left at the junciton for Ulfas

Parking is available at the paid Kratzegg car park in Ulfas.

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

• Bus line 240 from Meran towards Moos/Pfelders

Bus stop "Moos, Rathaus"

then continue with:

• Bus line 241 from Moos towards Ulfas

Bus stop "Platt, Parkplatz Kratzegg"

• Bus line 240 from Pfelders towards Merano

Bus stop "Platt, Abzweigung Ulfas"

• Bus line 241 towards Ulfas

Bus stop "Platt, Parkplatz Kratzegg"

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

This mountain tour actually only requires some stamina. The summit ridge is slightly exposed, the path over the stone blocks under the cairn is quite arduous.

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