Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This is one of Vorarlberg's most spectacular hikes, exploring two valleys and taking you high into the realms of
3000m mountains and glaciers. Best tackled in July or August, the route demands a moderate level of fitness.
The Alpenvereinskarte 1:25,000 map No 26
Silvrettagruppe
covers the trail in detail.
From the
Silvretta Stausee
car park in Bielerhöhe, walk over the dam to join the well-worn path skirting
the western shore of the turquoise reservoir. Stick to the shoreline around the southern end of the lake, crossing
one bridge over the
Klostertaler Bach
, then another over the fast-flowing
Ill River
. At the junction, turn
right up the trail signed to the Wiesbadener Hütte.
An amphitheatre of glistening blue, heavily crevassed glaciers appears as you gradually gain height. Continue
your steady ascent, stopping for refreshment on the sunny terrace of the
Wiesbadener Hütte
after two to 2¼
hours. At the back of the hut, veer left towards the Radsattel on a red-and-white-marked trail that becomes in-
creasingly narrow and rough underfoot. The path zigzags steeply up the slope and over a small stream. Keep
right and ascend a rise topped by a large cairn. Cross a shallow pool outlet before the final steep climb to the
2652m
Radsattel
, where a sign marks the Vorarlberg -Tyrol border, one to 1½ hours from the hut.
Drop steeply down the boulder-strewn eastern side of the pass, keeping an eye out for ibex. You will pass sev-
eral small lakes including the jewel-like
Radsee
as you take the small path down to the remote meadows of
the
Bieltal
(Biel Valley). Follow the path along the west bank of the babbling
Bieltalbach
stream and
continue west to the Silvretta Stausee, turning right along the reservoir. Back at the main road, turn left and walk
300m to return to
Bielerhöhe
(1½ to two hours from the Radsattel).
Sleeping
Every village in the valley has a tourist office that can help you find a
Pension
(expect to
pay €20 to €30 per person).
Madlenerhaus
( 05558-42 34;
www.madlenerhaus.at
;
dm €10-12, half board per person €25; Feb-May, late Jun-Oct)
This
DAV (German Alpine Club) hut at 1986m is a good-value place to bed down at Bieler-
höhe. The four- to 12-bed dorms are comfy and the restaurant serves satisfying Austrian
food.
HUT
€
Posthotel Rössle
( 05558-833 30;
www.posthotel-roessle.at
; Dorfstrasse 4, Gaschurn; d incl half board €130-274; )
Hem-
ingway once stayed in this 200-year-old chalet - whether with his mistress or wife re-
mains a mystery. The friendly Kessler family will show you the guestbook he signed and
the bed he slept in. Within easy reach of the Silvretta Nova ski arena, the hotel has well-
kept rooms, a superb wood-panelled restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, and a spa.
HISTORIC HOTEL
€€
Silvrettahaus
HUT
€€
