The Brunnenkogelhaus in the Ötztal Alps

A unique, beautiful sunset at the Brunnenkogelhaus (2,738 m) with a 360-degree panorama over Sölden, the Ötztal Alps, and the highest peaks of the Stubai Valley. The hut sits like a crown on a mountain peak and can be reached via physically demanding and partly steep, but hardly exposed, mountain trails. Over 1,300 metres of ascent must be overcome. However, for moments like these, I gladly carry the extra weight of my camera equipment.

One ascent leads from Sölden through the Windachtal, where a break at Fiegls Hütte is recommended before the steep part of the climb begins. Afterwards, mountain hikers can expect comfortable accommodation, a warm atmosphere, and delicious food at this small and cosy hut (24 beds). I also found the long beds pleasant, which allowed me, as a tall person, to have a restful, stretched-out sleep.

Behind the Brunnenkogelhaus, you’ll find what is certainly Sölden’s highest chicken coop. How do the animals perceive the magnificent view, I wonder? It’s also just a rumour that chicken meat is predominantly on the menu at the end of the season – according to the hosts, all the animals are taken back down to the valley. The host, by the way, bakes his own bread, and fresh salad is grown in the small vegetable garden. At least at this altitude, there shouldn’t be any problems with slug damage.

The hut marks the start of the scenic ridge hike over Rötkogel (2,892 m), Wilde Rötespitz (2,965 m), and Wannenkarsattel (2,990 m), offering views of “Sölden’s quiet side” across to the busy Timmelsjoch. The views into the Venter Tal are just as impressive as the peaks of the Stubai Alps, including Stubaier Wildspitze, Aperer Pfaff, or Zuckerhütl. These peaks are approached more closely on tours from the Windachtal to the Siegerland-Hütte or Hildesheimer Hütte. Less appealing, however, are the numerous ski lifts and buildings on the surrounding mountain slopes in the Gurgler Tal or west above Sölden. Nevertheless, the region still offers many more natural tours, as I later discovered during a stay at the Ramolhaus.