Hiking (mountain trail, in places narrow and exposed)
Alpine route (equipped or very exposed section, snow field, blocks)
R70
Stilfs / Stelvio » Stilfser Joch / Passo dello Stelvio
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5h35 |
15.75 km
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1359 m
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3 m
From Stilfs (1,306m), Via Alpina leads southward over to the Platztal valley, past the Chapel of St. Martin. At the game enclosure, a dirt road leads up to the private Furkel Hut (2,153m). Along the slopes of the Fallaschkamm ridge, follow the narrow mountain path no. 20 (Goldseeweg). The military history trail network should not be missed before arriving at the Stilfserjoch pass (2,757m).
From the village of Stilfs (1,306m), Via Alpina leads southward on a mule track (no. 7) into the Platztal valley, past the picturesque chapel of St. Martin. At the Platzhof farmstead, follow the farmland path (no. 2) turning onto a slight incline to the animal enclosure (1,742m) near Fragges, where deer can be observed from close range. From there, an extended, unmarked track winds its way up to the Prader Alm meadow (2,051m). Now follow the signs for trail no. 17, and the track soon meets the meadow trail (no. 4). Keep following the markings for trail no. 17 to soon reach the (private) Furkel Hut (2,153m) located on the Kleine Boden plain at the terminus of the chair lift. From Stilfs village, it takes about 2.5 hours to walk this. The hut does not offer any accommodation, but the restaurant and bar are open all year round. In the Kleinboden area above Trafoi, some of the fortifications from the time of the first World War are well preserved. After this intermediary stage, follow the signs for the Stilfserjoch pass. Several metres after the hut, turn off to the right and follow the narrow mountain path no. 20 to the Goldsee lake 5km away. This Goldseeweg trail runs steadily along the eastern slopes of the Fallaschkamm ridge, starting off on a moderate gradient and later on a mainly level course at an altitude of around 2,600/2,700m. Before arriving at the Stilfser Joch pass (2,757m), a detour should be paid to the military history theme trail network with information panels on battles and on the front of the first World War (Interreg project) in the area of the Dreisprachenspitze peak. On the theme trails, hikers can follow the events of the war; this is an opportunity to reconstruct and understand contemporary history on location. The Drei-Sprachen-Spitze vantage point at 2,843m, situated just over the pass, is the destination for many daytrippers. The landscape in the area of the pass has been changed dramatically by the building of winter sports facilities. Ridge trails such as these are intended for mountaineers who are in good physical condition, have mountaineering experience and are sure of foot (several places are easily exposed, and there can be firn even in early summer). Generally speaking, you cannot always count on sufficient directions in both directions on the signposts along this stage! The ascent of most of the summits requires alpine skill, but there are also more easily attainable goals for the average hiker. For those who enjoy high-alpine climbing tours on rock and ice, the programme of the various alpine schools is recommended: experienced, well trained mountain guides invite you on unforgettable tours, adventures and fun included. After the animal enclosure, Via Alpina branches off the track to the left onto the farmland trail (the signpost is in the car park 100m back along the trail).
(Stefan Illmer, Karin Leichter, AVS)
Natural and cultural heritage
The stage through the Trafoier valley leads south west of Stilfs into the mountain and glacier world of the Ortler massif. The Suldental valley leads south east of Stilfs also into the mighty Ortler mountains. It is an area of intoxicating grandeur, whose highest elevation not unjustifiably bears the name “King Ortler“. Due to its splendour, the Ortler group can be compared with the western Alps. After all, their summit structures, enormous glacier fields, heights and vastness come close to matching the Swiss and French Alps. The most significant mountain giants in this group are the Ortler at 3,905m and the Königs-Spitze peak at 3,851m. The entire massif is known for its abundance of water and plant life. A wide range of wildlife can be found there, even including the rarer species in the alpine animal kingdom. There is a considerable number of roe and red deer living in the extensive larch and Norway spruce forests. Marmots romp about on the stony terrain, and can often be heard whistling. The Ortler group appeared on a map for the first time in 1770 thanks to Peter Anich, the famous Tyrolean cartographer. In 1804, chamois hunter Josef Pichler (alias Pseirer Josele) managed to climb its highest summit, after reaching the Ortler peak from across the ice-free “Hintere Wandl’n”. So it is 200 years since mountaineers commissioned by Archduke Johann searched for and found a route to the highest mountain. This was to be the start of tourist development in a valley that until then was beautiful but yet unknown. The German and Austrian Alpina Club and the fledgling high mountain tourism sector in particular were forerunners in the further economic upward trend. The pioneering work of the mountaineers, with the related opening of the Ortler and Cevedale massifs, can be thanked for the increasing number of visitors coming to the valley. The valleys had already developed into hubs of international tourism at the turn of the century. The border ridges between the Stilfser Joch pass and over the Cevedale group became the line of battle in the first World War. After the end of the war, the Vinschgau region together with the rest of South Tyrol became Italian territory. After the second World War, it was possible to foster economic progress in this region with its charming landscape according to plan. Upper Italian large-scale industries established large retention ponds at the Reschen pass, in the Martelltal and Schnalstal valleys. The change in the landscape as a result of such installations finally fostered the revival in tourist activity. The area around this stage mainly belongs to the Stilfserjoch national park. The extent to which this can be reconciled with today’s excessive tourist development with helicopter trips and the availability of cable cars is a problem that must be taken seriously. The original landscape in the area of the pass has also changed beyond recognition due to the construction of numerous sports facilities. (Stefan Illmer, Karin Leichter, AVS)
Other long-distance trails and alternative routes
From the Furkel Hut (2,153m), the stage runs until just before the Stilfserjoch pass (2,757m) along the Goldseeweg trail. At times, Via Alpina follows or crosses the Almweg and Höfeweg trails.
Useful topographic maps
Nr. 72 Ortler/Ortles Cevedale ~ Kompass (1:50.000)
Favourites, criticisms ? Make your personal comments on this stage. For more general notes please use the comments section of the page Over to the Via Alpinists.
Karsten - 2024-08-29
Climed the pass directly from Müstair and skipped the village of Stelvio. Rifugio Garibaldi was closed and the pass was too noisy so I took the bus down to Vamping Trafoi. Great ride down there, cheers to the driver! Next morning I took the bus back up, journey is an hour.
Dimanche 16 juin 2019
Impossible de suivre le chemin normal jusqu'au bout (trop de neige!): descente sur depuis Furkelhütte jusqu'à Trafoi, puis stop jusque Stilfser Joch. Nuitée à l'Albergo Folgore, très sympa.
Egalement possibilité de raccourcir cette longue journée : Bus jusqu’à Trafoi puis télésiège jusqu’à la cab. Furkel = possibilité de ravitaillement mais pas de nuitée. De là, il reste env. 3 heures jusqu'au ref. Garibaldi. Dommage que les VTT descendent ce chemin qui leur est pourtant interdit entre 9.00 et 16.00 !!! Nous aurons un peu de pluie la dernière heure du trajet et ne verrons malheureusement pas le petit lac Goldsee.
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Also possibility of shortening this long day: Bus to Trafoi then chairlift to the cab. Furkel = possibility of refueling but no overnight stay. From there, it remains approx. 3 hours until ref. Garibaldi. Too bad the mountain bike down this path which is forbidden them between 9.00 and 16.00 !!! We will have some rain the last hour of the trip and unfortunately will not see the small Goldsee Lake.
Wir haben im Hotel Stilfserjoch nach einem Zimmer gefragt und wurden sehr freundlich aufgenommen. Halbpension 65 €, Zimmer etwas abgewohnt, aber groß, mit schöner Aussicht und wirklich guten Betten.
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We asked for a room in the hotel Stilfserjoch and were received very friendly. Half board 65 €, room a little worn, but big, with nice view and really good beds.
Elisabeth - 2014-03-16
Oui, il y a beaucoup de VTTistes mais dans le PN du Stelvio, les randonneurs ont la priorité et la circulation des VTT est interdite entre 11h et 18h ; beaucoup ignorent le règlement - ou passent outre - mais ils doivent s'arrêter pour nous laisser passer !
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Yes, there are a lot of bikers but in the PN Stelvio, hikers have priority and ATV use is prohibited between 11h and 18h; many ignore the rules - or disregard - but they have to stop to let us pass!
michele - 2013-12-08
In Rifugio Garibaldi Dreisprachenspitze Intermediate accommodation possibility www.rifugiogaribaldi.it
Alpinisten - 2013-08-31
Toller Höhenweg, leider behindern sich hier bisweilen Wanderer und Mountainbiker auf dem schmalen Höhenweg. Rifugio Garibaldi als Unterkunft ist zu bevorzugen (siehe Etappe 71). Ansonsten originell aber enge Kammern in der Tibet-Hütte (Gasthof/Hotel), Tel.:+39.0342.903360
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Great trail, unfortunately hinder here sometimes hikers and mountain bikers on the narrow trail. Rifugio Garibaldi as accommodation is to be preferred (see Section 71). Otherwise original, but close chambers in Tibet cottage (house / hotel) Tel: 39.0342.903360
Rifugio Garibaldi, camere in stile alpino, servizio bar, ristorante con cucina tipica e ricovero di biciclette per gli amanti della Mountain Bike.
Nel cuore del Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio, dal Passo Stelvio s’inerpica un panoramico sentiero, che fa parte della “Via Alpina” (tappe R70 e R71), percorribile a piedi o in mountain bike, che in pochi minuti porta al Rifugio Garibaldi (2845 m).
Garibaldi Hütte, Zimmer in rustikalem Stil, Bar, Restaurant mit traditioneller Küche der Region und Mountainbike Depot für Bike-Urlauber.
Die Hütte befindet sich im Herzen des Nationalparks Stilfserjoch, von der Paßhöhe hinauf zur Garibaldi Hütte (2.845 m) führt ein gut markierter Wanderweg, der zur Via Alpina (Etappe R70 e R71) gehört. Der Weg ist für Wanderer und Biker geeignet.
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Rifugio Garibaldi, Alpine-style rooms, bar, restaurant with typical and shelter for bicycles for mountain bikers.
In the heart of the Stelvio National Park, from the Stelvio Pass climbs a scenic trail, which is part of the "Via Alpina" (stages R70 and R71), on foot or by mountain bike, in a few minutes to Rifugio Garibaldi ( 2845 m).
Garibaldi Hütte, Zimmer rustikalem Stil, Bar, Restaurant mit traditioneller Küche und der Region Mountain-Bike Depot für Urlauber.
Die Hütte befindet sich im Herzen des Nationalparks Stilfserjoch, von der Passhöhe hinauf zur Garibaldi Hütte (2,845 m) führt ein gut markierter Wanderweg, der zur Via Alpina (Etappe R70 and R71) gehört. Der Weg ist für Wanderer und Biker geeignet.
|
5h35 |
15.75 km
|
1359 m
|
3 m
Favourites, criticisms ? Make your personal comments on this stage. For more general notes please use the comments section of the page Over to the Via Alpinists.