Hiking the Feldalphorn from Niederau (Markbachjoch)

About the mountain

The Feldalphorn is about 1,923 m high and lies in the Kitzbühel Alps on the south side of the valley between the Markbachjoch and Auffach. According to sources it is a relatively easy hiking mountain with a broad, grassy ridge. It is also the first summit of the Wildschönauer Höhenweg, a long ridge route that continues to the Schwaigberghorn and the Breiteggspitze, among others. From Niederau the start at the Markbachjoch is close; the winter starting point at Schwarzenau is about 20 minutes by car.

Summer: from the Markbachjoch

The best-known route starts at the top station of the Markbachjoch gondola in Niederau. According to Tirol.at the tour is about 15 km (return) and takes about 5 hours, with roughly 650 m of ascent. The path follows forest tracks and mountain paths and is steep in places; the last stretch to the summit is rocky and needs sure footing. On the way you pass the Holzalm and the Horlerstiegl chapel, among others. Allow extra time if walking with children, and watch the weather.

Summer: from Horlerstiegl and the Höhenweg

If you prefer a quieter approach, start at the Horlerstiegl chapel. Wildschönau Tourismus describes a loop of about 12.9 km and 5.5 hours that also takes in the Schwaigberghorn and returns via the Feld Alm huts. Almenrausch describes the ascent as a calm tour over pasture and gentle ridges. For a full day you can combine the Feldalphorn with the Wildschönauer Höhenweg, a long route without demanding technical sections.

Winter: ski touring and snowshoeing

In winter the Feldalphorn is a ski-touring classic. According to the Alpenverein München & Oberland the tour usually starts at the car park on the edge of Schwarzenau (about 940 m), with roughly 1,000 m of ascent and 2.5 to 3 hours climbing time. The tour is described as easy and largely protected from avalanches, and snowshoers go there too. That remains an assessment at one point in time: always read the Tyrol avalanche bulletin (lawine.tirol.gv.at) and check the snow conditions.

Huts and refreshments

Along the summer route from the Markbachjoch you pass the Holzalm, among others; around Horlerstiegl and the Feld Alm you find alpine huts. What is open varies by season, so ask beforehand and bring your own provisions. Near the winter route lies the Dr.-Erich-Berger-Hütte (about 1,340 m), but it is a self-catering hut of the Alpenverein sections Munich & Oberland and can only be booked by members of those sections. So do not count on it as a place to eat.

Getting there

For the summer route you take the Markbachjoch gondola in Niederau, which already covers a good part of the climb. Check beforehand that the lift is running. For the winter tour you drive from Niederau to the head of the valley at Auffach and on to the car park below Schwarzenau: according to one source about 1.8 km beyond Auffach, around 20 minutes in total (approximate). There is public transport through the valley, but check the timetable carefully. If you want to start at Horlerstiegl, ask for the best place to start.

Safety

The Feldalphorn is not a climb, but not a walk without risk either. The last stretch is rocky, the day is long and the weather can turn. Bring rain gear, enough water and a map or app, and keep an eye on the time of the last gondola. In winter: read the Tyrol avalanche bulletin (lawine.tirol.gv.at), carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe and do not go alone. This guide does not replace local knowledge or a mountain guide and is not a route description to follow blindly.

Frequently asked questions