Well rested after a good night’s sleep we start from the Zittauer Hütte (2,328 m). We walk past the Gerlossee lake, at the point where several trails come together, we follow the direction of the Rosskarscharte col (2,689m). The initially very scenic trail is only suitable for those with a good head for heights! Quite soon after follows the ascent up to the Rosskarscharte col. The trail leads like a stone stairway up to the break in the mountain ridge. As soon as we have passed through the col to the other side, we are greeted by a stunning view of the Reichenspitz mountain with its glacier fields and of the Gerlossee lake. Just before you reach the col you can, if you want, make a detour up to the Rosskopf summit (2,845m).
NOTE: In this area there may be snowfields that have to be crossed.
The challenging steep ascent is over now and the route continues downhill through the Rosskar col to the Rosskar lake and to the glacial soil at the end of the Rainbachtal valley where we join the walking trail towards the Richterhütte (2,367m), the final ascent to which begins beneath the bottom station of the goods cable lift. There we enjoy a well-deserved rest and a hearty bite to eat. The return route from the hut takes us back to the bottom station of the goods cable lift, then downhill again past the rustic Rainbachalm hut and through the wonderfully aromatic pine forest to the Krimmler Tauernhaus, today´s final destination.
There you can choose from a selection of sleeping accommodations, from simple dormitories to comfortable twin rooms. Friedl, the landlord, runs his “mountain realm” with authentic, earthy charm ensuring that the Krimmler Tauernhaus retains its unique appeal, despite the fact that all the rooms have been modernized and renovated. The hut has, after all, been family-owned for 400 years. And, according to Friedl, that´s the way it should stay..