Kaunertal Red Rock Loop

To reach the car park at the start of the hike, take the Kaunertal Landesstrasse road from Prutz and pass the toll booth at 13.2 km. After the toll booth, continue for 16 km on the same road (Kaunertaler Gletscherstrasse) and park before crossing the bridge over the Fagge River.

You can reach the starting point by taking bus no. 230 from Prutz, Innbrücke.

(S/E) Cross the bridge and turn left after a hangar until you see the sign for Gletscherlehrpfad Gepatschferner 32.

(1) Turn left and head south on a well-marked trail, cross a footbridge and leave the trail to the right that leads to a via ferrata. Continue on the trail that climbs up to a sign on a rock with the inscription "Gletscherstand im Jahr 1922" (glacier limit in 1922).

(2) Continue climbing between the eroded reddish rocks and enjoy the views. You will reach a covered cross from where you can see the glacier in the distance.

(3) Descend a few metres and take the path on the right that winds upwards, then levels out at a small red/white/red post.

(4) After observing the glacier to the east, continue along the path to a fork on the left, which you ignore, then to another junction marked by four signs.

(5) Turn right and descend steeply until you reach another sign indicating the Visholo device to the right.

(6) Reach this observation device. Once you have used the device, descend north-east on a small track that follows a valley and, after a steep descent, reaches a small footbridge.

(7) Cross the bridge and rejoin the paved road, which you descend with caution, cutting some corners where there are tracks. Follow this road to return to the car park. (S/E)

There is no water or shelter along the route.

This mountain road is subject to a toll: £24 for a car in June 2025. The toll is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check https://www.kaunertaler-gletscher.at/kaunertal-scenic-road for different rates.

There is a bus service on this road. There is a stop near the point (6), which is useful if you want to avoid walking downhill. This will take you to the car park at the start of the hike. Bus timetables are displayed at the stops, including the one at the car park at the start of the hike. Accommodation providers offer discounts for using the bus.

150 m from the start, at the footbridge over the torrent, there is a via ferrata that leads to point (7).

At point (2), an inscription on a rock marks the edge of the glacier in 1922.

The reddish rocks are located between points (2) and (4).

Just after the covered cross at point (3), the path descends to the foot of the glacier in 30 minutes, but to walk on the glacier and reach the Rauhekopfhutte refuge, you must take the Wanderweg 902 trail, which starts at the car park at the start of this hike.

During the descent, at bend number 20, look out for wooden sculptures and a frame looking towards the lake.