The high plateau of Plätzwiese serves as the starting point for this hike. During the summer months, a shuttle bus is available to take you up from Brückele/Prags between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm. If you’d like to make an earlier start, before 9:30 am, the road to Plätzwiese can also be accessed by private car for a toll – as long as parking spaces are available. (Tip: check the traffic restrictions in the Prags Valley between July 10 and September 10.)
At the Gasthaus Plätzwiese, bear left and follow the path to the signposted fork in the trail. From there, the trail continues uphill across open fields, passing by lonely mountain pines and the last small trees above the tree line. The ascent follows the sun-drenched southern side of the Dürrenstein, gradually gaining elevation. After nearly three hours, the summit cross finally comes into view, separated only by a steep but secure section of the trail. Once at the top, a breathtaking panorama is revealed: the famous Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks), the striking Hohe Gaisl to the west of the Plätzwiese, the distant Monte Pelmo, and the imposing Rieserferner Group. On clear days, the view extends as far as the Großvenediger.
The descent follows the same route back.
Starting point: Brückele car park, Prags (25 km from the hotel) | Plätzwiese car park (30 km from the hotel)
To the route
