Stettiner Hütte – Reconstruction After Avalanche Disaster

The landscape in South Tyrol enchants you with mountain ranges reaching high into the sky, magnificent lakes, and extensive nature parks. One of the most famous natural areas in South Tyrol is Texel Nature Park, which is also the largest in the Italian province of Bolzano – South Tyrol. It is located directly in the Ötztal Alps. Across more than 31,000 hectares, there are not only numerous natural spectacles but also wonderful, inviting huts that encourage lingering. The Stettiner Hut is visited by thousands of people every year. Who knows, maybe you'll decide today to plan your next trip there?

 

Tragic avalanche accident destroys the Stettiner Hut – what happened?

In 2014, the Stettiner Hut was hit by an avalanche. Due to the extensive damage, the hut had to be completely demolished. Renovation or restoration would not have been worthwhile in that case – for safety reasons, those affected opted for this solution. It was clear from the beginning that only reconstruction would be considered for the Stettiner Hut.

Since 2017, thanks to the emergency plan, some overnight guests can be accommodated. After the major accident, several wooden huts were built, offering many mountaineers an option for sleeping or resting. Of course, this also ensured that meals could be provided again.

We were able to be on site for you and gain exclusive insights into the reconstruction. Enjoy the video!

 

General information about the Stettiner Hut

As mentioned, the rustic hut is located in Texel Nature Park, directly at the highest point of the Merano High Mountain Trail, just below the Eisjöchl (2,895 meters). This point on the Merano High Mountain Trail is also strategically very important: it marks the transition from the Pfossental valley to the Pfelderer Tal valley.

At 2,875 meters, you can treat yourself on your next mountain tour. The Stettiner Hut was also affected by Corona, but it still offers overnight stays during times of softer measures. There are six temporary wooden huts with a total of 40 beds and four toilets – these were temporarily set up as an alternative after the major avalanche accident in 2014. At full capacity, about 50 people can stay overnight at the hut. In 2022, the newly rebuilt hut is expected to be completed – then even more luxury will be possible on your mountain tour.

Opening hours are usually from July 1st to September 30th. The hut is also the endpoint of the 10th stage of the Tyrolean High Mountain Trail. Cyclists can settle down here and enjoy the peace and relaxed mountain flair.

 

How to reach the hut?

Facts

• Difficulty: medium-difficult
• Total duration (there and back): about seven hours (ascent only about four hours)
• Ascent and descent: 1,247 meters each
• Length: 19.6 km
• Maximum altitude: 2,865 meters
• Best time for the tour: June to October
• Refreshments available, inquire about Stettiner Hut prices on site
• Reservations are necessary for group hikes to the Stettiner Hut
• The hut is accessible via path 24 (= Merano High Mountain Trail)

If you choose the route to the Stettiner Hut, first drive to Sterzing, then over the Jaufenpass to St. Leonhard. From there, continue to Moos in Passeier. Here you turn into the Pfelderer Tal. Once you arrive in Pfelders, park your car at the public parking lot at the entrance to the village. Alternatively, you can of course use public transport to get to the parking lot.

The ascent to the hut (about 3.5 to 4 hours) involves many switchbacks, which may not be pleasant to climb at first. Nevertheless, it is part of this route, and the wonderful landscape of the nature park and the mountain peaks reaching high into the sky compensate for it. During the hike, you will see the Pfelderer Tal, the Texel Group, and the Gurgler Kamm. The switchbacks lead through rocky, steep terrain and bring you closer to the breathtaking view from the Stettiner Hut.

On the hike, you will pass:

• The Lazinser Alm
• A large cairn
• A ruined hut
• A hollow with a small lake

Once at the top, you can enjoy excellent food and the view of the summit of the Hohe Weiße, which is frequently visited by climbers (3,278 meters).

On the descent, you can't go far wrong, as you take the same route as on the ascent.

Besides this tour, there is also another way to reach the Stettiner Hut currently. This path leads from the Pfossental, which is a side valley of the Schnalstal. The duration of this route is about four hours. The start is the Vorderkaser parking lot, which comes soon after the turn-off to the Pfossental (turn right from Karthaus).

 

What hikes can be done around the Stettiner Hut?

Due to its perfect location on the edge of the Ötztal Alps, the landscape around the Stettiner Hut enchants with numerous touring possibilities. Whether you are a beginner or already a professional – everyone will find a suitable route here.

The most famous huts that can be aimed for from the Stettiner Hut are the following:

• Zwickauer Hütte (2,989 meters)
• Eishof (2,701 meters)
• Hochwildehaus (2,866 meters) in Austria
• Bockerhütte (1,717 meters)
• Lodnerhütte (2,259 meters)

The Stettiner Hut is a particularly attractive hiking destination for many mountain lovers in good weather. From here, the Andelsalm can be reached along path 41. One path leads to the Hohe Weiße. Those who choose these routes should definitely be sure-footed – especially on the way to the Hohe Wilde (3,482 meters). The duration from the Stettiner Hut is approx. two hours, from Pfelders about six hours. The requirement is difficult, so this route should only be undertaken by experienced mountain hikers.

Path no. 8 leads directly to Pfelders or to the Eisjöchl and into the Pfossental. From here, the Lodnerhütte can be aimed for via the Johannesscharte (2,854 meters).

You climb the Zwickauer Hütte (2,989 meters) via the Merano High Mountain Trail (no. 24), path no. 44 (also known as the Tourist Path) and path 6A. The walking time is approximately four hours, requirement: difficult.

You reach the Lodnerhütte from the Stettiner Hut by following path no. 41 to Grafsee. Continue to the Schafscharte. You then come to the Andelsalm until you enter path no. 40. You pass the Milchseescharte, the Guido Lammer Biwak and the Halsjoch. On path no. 7, you descend to the Tablander Lacke until you finally discover the Lodnerhütte.

  

Stettiner Hut reconstruction: What changes are planned?

The owners of the hut and the regional government are not satisfied with just the emergency accommodations. Therefore, they have decided to completely rebuild the hut and thus offer numerous guests accommodation and catering facilities.

The new building is planned to integrate perfectly into the landscape of the Texel Group. Construction work is currently in full swing, so Massimo Bessone, provincial councilor for building construction and assets, emphasizes that completion by summer 2022 is entirely possible. This means you will soon be able to enjoy the new luxury at the Stettiner Hut. The new structure is intended to be very sustainable and also offer overnight accommodation for over 80 guests. There will be dormitories of various sizes, providing sleeping places for four, six, or eight people. The rest of the structure will also be very modern and luxurious: a huge dining hall, a bar, a kitchen, a laundry room, and several rooms for staff will be built.

Do you like a bit of luxury in the mountains, or do you prefer it simple and rustic?

Even though completion is only planned for 2022, visitors can already see great progress in 2021. Currently, sanitary and electrical systems are being installed. Afterwards, the foundation will be poured, and tiles, floors, and stones will be laid. The expansion of the terrace is next. In autumn, the kitchen will be completed and furniture installed in the rest of the building. Subsequently, minor finishing touches will be made, so that full operation can resume in summer 2022.