Ascent to the iconic mountain cottage
If the walk from Melag to the Melageralm was just a walk for small children, then the subsequent ascent to the Weißkugelhütte mountain hut will certainly warm you up. Although it is only 3.5 kilometers, you will have to climb 600 meters in height. As you increase in height, you will have beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, including the massive Weisskugel peak (3,738m), which is the most important destination for climbers in this area.
Looking back from the bridge
There are several hiking trails just behind the cottage, but we will go to the Weißkugelhütte cottage via the shortest route, i.e. across the bridge to the other side of the river. There is a beautiful view from the bridge and you will fully realize how picturesque this alpine valley is.
Straight up
After a while, another bridge awaits you, after which you cross a mountain stream. Behind it, the tourist sign will drive you straight up the hill.
Looking up
If you look up you will see the flow of a fierce mountain torrent. Significantly higher, a hiking trail leads along it, along which you can go to the neighboring Kaunertal.
Beautiful views on the way up
As it climbs in long zigzags, the views are somewhat similar, but with increasing height, they become more and more breathtaking. In addition, at this height of 2,200m, the layer of trees slowly ends and you will find a number of interesting twisted specimens here.
View of Melag
In the distance, you can see Melag surrounded by a meadow.
Mountain view balcony
Finally, the twists and turns and the steepest climb are behind us, and the road is already rising significantly more slowly. A bench with a luxurious view of the mountain peaks invites you to relax.
Mountain meadows
If you tilt your head, you will see mountain meadows that stretch several hundred meters above you. From the cottage it is possible to climb the easy peak of Adlerkopf (3045 m) or the slightly higher Vorderer Schmied.
View of the Weisskugel (3,738 m)
Finally, we can see the peak of the Weisskugel peeking out, which until now was hidden behind the massively glaciated Innerer Bärenbartkogel (3,553m).
Just before the finish line
There is a small mountain lake just before the finish line. Directly above it, you can see the already mentioned Adlerkopf peak (3,045m).
Weißkugelhütte
From the lake it is only a short hike to the rocky plateau on which the beautiful Weißkugelhütte mountain hut (2,540m) is located. There is a picturesque chapel and the possibility of refreshments. At the same time, from here you can continue to the whole other series of ascents.
Glacier views
Directly from the cottage there are wonderful views of the surrounding glaciers.
You can take alternative routes back.
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