Starry Sky Above the Becherhaus

After the already impressive path during the ascent to the Becherhaus, everyone relaxed on the hut’s sun terrace and enjoyed the expansive view over the glaciers and peaks of the nearby Stubai Alps. Unfortunately, the long-distance view was somewhat obscured by clouds, but the Texel Group and the Dolomites were still discernible.

However, the clouds promised a dramatically colourful sky during sunset. Secretly, though, I was hoping for a clear night sky to photograph the Becherhaus and the stars. After all, it had to be worth carrying the extra weight of several kilograms for the camera equipment and tripod up into the mountains. As often happens, the sunset then rewarded the long wait.

For a brief window, the sun appeared below the clouds and the peaks of Zuckerhütl (3,507 m), Wilder Pfaff (3,456 m), and the nearby Müllerhütte above the Übeltalferner. Soon, the first stars emerged in the twilight, and the sky gradually cleared. Although the high humidity meant that particularly bright stars were surrounded by a slight halo and the Milky Way wasn’t too distinct, it didn’t dampen my high spirits.

Guests at the hut had a choice for the evening programme: red wine or the starry sky. I opted for the latter and experienced a magnificent high-mountain panorama. Soon I retired to bed, as summer nights are short, and dawn would begin again before long.