4.9
(189)
854
hikers
Hintergrathütte Loop Trail
05:08
10.8km
770m
Hiking
Embark on the Hintergrathütte Loop Trail for a demanding alpine hike that rewards you with expansive panoramic views. This difficult 6.7-mile (10.8 km) route challenges you with 2517 feet (767 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 5 hours and 7 minutes to complete. As you ascend, you will encounter…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Includes segments that may be dangerous
Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.
After 2.07 km for 2.94 km
After 7.57 km for 429 m
Waypoints
Start point
Get Directions
630 m
Spring on Trail 3
Highlight • River
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.36 km
Mountain trail in Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio
Highlight • Trail
A nice, narrow path mostly through the forest.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.47 km
View from the Climbing Crag to Düsseldorfer Hut and Tschenglser Hochwand
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.02 km
Langenstein Hut / Langensteinhütte
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Translated by Google •
Tip by
4.96 km
Hintergrathütte
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Translated by Google •
Tip by
10.8 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
9.40 km
1.36 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
9.14 km
1.02 km
501 m
170 m
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Elevation
Highest point (2,670 m)
Lowest point (1,900 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Friday 15 May
-6°C
-11°C
2 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike from Rifugio Langenstein to Hintergrathütte via Trail 3?
The hike is approximately 10.8 kilometers long and typically takes around 5 hours and 8 minutes to complete. This duration is an estimate for the moving time and does not include breaks.
What is the difficulty level of this trail?
This trail is rated as difficult, requiring good fitness and sure-footedness. It corresponds to a T2-T3 (Mountain Hiking to Challenging Mountain Hiking) rating on the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) scale, indicating varied terrain and potentially exposed sections.
What is the terrain like on the trail?
Hikers should expect varied terrain, including sections of forest trail, gravel, and partly sloping terrain. There can be considerable scree, and a risk of slipping in wet conditions. It is considered a technically more demanding trail.
What are the main highlights and viewpoints along the route?
The trail offers impressive alpine scenery and panoramic mountain views. You'll pass by Spring on Trail 3 and experience a Mountain trail in Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio. A notable viewpoint is the View from the Climbing Crag to Düsseldorfer Hut and Tschenglser Hochwand. Upon reaching the Hintergrathütte, you'll find a magnificent panoramic view and the idyllic Hintergratsee lake.
What is the best time of year to hike this trail?
The best time to hike this alpine trail is typically during the summer and early autumn months, from late June to September, when the snow has melted and weather conditions are generally more stable for high-altitude trekking.
Where can I park to start the hike?
The hike starts near Langenstein Hut / Langensteinhütte. Parking options are usually available in the vicinity of the hut or at designated trailheads leading to it. It's advisable to check local signage for specific parking areas.
Is this trail dog-friendly?
While dogs are generally allowed on trails in Stelvio National Park, they must be kept on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of other hikers. Always clean up after your dog.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for this hike?
No specific hiking permit or entrance fee is required to access the trails within Stelvio National Park, including this route. However, always respect park regulations and guidelines.
Are there any specific regulations for hiking in Stelvio National Park?
As this trail is located within Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio, hikers should adhere to national park regulations. This includes staying on marked paths, not disturbing wildlife, not picking plants, and properly disposing of all waste. For detailed information, you can visit the official park website at nationalpark-stelvio.it.
Does the trail intersect other well-known paths?
Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Kulturpromenade - Passeggiata storico-culturale, Morosiniweg - Sentiero Morosini, and Hans-Ertl-Weg, among others.
What should I bring for this hike?
Given the trail's difficulty and alpine environment, it's essential to bring appropriate gear. This includes sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, weather-appropriate layers, rain gear, sufficient water and snacks, a map or GPS device, sun protection, and a first-aid kit.
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Trail Reviews
Unfortunately, kilometers and meters in altitude don't quite fit. Plan about 3 km more distance and 300 meters in altitude more.
908 hm. The ascent to the mountain station of the lift is quite "tap-like" via the root path. Otherwise great round, on well-developed and partly secured paths, with breathtaking panoramic views 👍🥰
Escape everyday life, leave everything behind you and find peace on a hike where you concentrate completely on yourself, your steps and your breath. You will be rewarded with a cozy hut, located high up, which offers a breathtaking view of the majestic glaciers. Here you can take a short break, eat and drink something before you decide whether you want to take the path down to Sulden or continue hiking along the fascinating glacier route. The choice is entirely yours while you fully enjoy the beauty of nature.
The Hintergrathütte is a refuge at 2661 m in the Ortler Alps in South Tyrol and is the starting point for the ascent of Königspitze (3859 m), Monte Zebrù (3740 m) and Ortler (3905 m). Climbing aid used from Sulden to the K2 hut (Langstein chairlift).
Luckily we first took the chairlift from Sulden to the Langensteinhütte K2. And from there hiked to the Hintergrathütte. The path leads spectacularly over the old glacier (now just a huge scree field) up narrow, steep paths. Secured with ropes in some places, but never dangerous. Then there is a short, flat section where you could take a break (lay on the grass and enjoy the view). Then you continue steeply up between the rocks. At some point the path becomes flatter, but narrower. On the left it goes deep down unsecured, on the right there are only a few places where there are steel cables to hold on to. Here you should be careful where you step. And then a bend and the Hintergrathütte is surprisingly under one...
Tuesday: Our hike took us to the Hintergrathütte. The way to the hut was cool this time at 7 degrees. It was also our master test of the holiday. It is not for nothing that Komoot recommends alpine experience and surefootedness for this tour. Lots of scree and we had to get through a previous rockfall. The hut itself is very cozy and a soup warmed us up (+ fireplace). The way back over the suspension bridge was very sunny and warm. Sheep crossed our path and the bridge wobbled quite a bit. Overall a very nice tour with once again magnificent panoramas.