(Remember: all pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them)

The track takes you to 5 platforms from which you can watch the waterfall from nearby. You can almost touch the waterfall. The sound of the water is enormous and above all you will get a free shower now and then. But it is all worth it.




Slowly we follow the track upwards and finally arrive at the top. Here a bridge will guide you to yet another platform, which provides a view from the top to the bottom of the Stuibenfall.
You can spot the two platforms where we have taken some of the previous pictures.





As we still had plenty of time we opted to continue our walk to Niederthai. Along the track there are wild flowerbeds and scenic views and even much more to discover.





On arrival in Niederthai the weather worsened and we decided to return to our car. But upon descending via a paved road the sun came out (yes, weather is one of the most unreliable factors in the mountains) so we left that road as quickly as possible and ended up on the Alter Fahrweg which goes all the way down to Umhausen.
Of course you could also decide to go back via the platforms again and thus returning the way you came but then you would miss some nice views and this beautiful painted house in Umhausen.




We hope you did enjoy the pictures !

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But of course that did not happen, but as the track is really well prepared and not too difficult we decided to try to get to the Wetterkreuzkogel (2591m).
Sometimes the clouds dissolved and we were rewarded with astonishing views towards the valley of Oetz.



We progressed rather well (only about 100 meters below the top) as suddenly our path was blocked by a huge snowfield. As this part of the track was rather steep and we were not able to detect where exactly the track was going, and after a few scary attempts to pass this snowfield, we decided it was better to return the way we came.
Elgar persisted on making pictures at that spot while it was freezing cold up there.



Of course as soon as we descend the weather improves again and showed us how beautiful it must be up here when the sun shines.



We stop at the Bielerfelder hutte, this time to warm up a little bit and of course for a quick lunch. We opt for the famous "Kaisersmarren". You should really try it once. We know for sure that you are hooked forever.

The weather meanwhile had improved and now and then the sun popped out. We decide to not take the cable car back, but to walk all the way down to Oetz (or was it Elgar who had this great idea ???).







Math stumbled over a rock (see the pic with Math walking) and suddenly disappeared in the bushes. I had not even noticed it until I heard some groans.
There he was, in a very awkward position unabling me to help him out of there. After a few curses (which I will not repeat here) he was able to get back on his feet again. Luckily nothing broken, only one of his trekking poles had broken off completely, most probably causing his fall.
And we have to thank Elgar as well, cause he was in the backpack which broke the fall.

Upon arrival at the Acherberg Sennhutte (1893m) and descending through the forest on a difficult track, we encounter a more easygoing track and decide to take that track instead of maybe yet another fall.



Oetz is nearing and nearing and we just can't wait to reach the car. All in all it took us more than 3 hours to descend from the Bielefelder hutte to the car park at the Acherkogel cable car. So not a good walk for the knees, despite the trekking poles.



We promise ourselves to try another attempt at the first sunny day which crosses our path. (and we can already tell you: we managed to get to the top and do a part of the "Knappenweg" track). More info and pictures to follow later on. So stay tuned !

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In its vicinity lies the natural lake called Piburger See.
Originally the lake's hollow was an old valley parallel to the Oetztal valley. After the last ice age a massive rockslide blocked the valley at its south-eastern end and covered its entire bottom. That's why water impounded and formed a lake. Because of its location amidst crystal rock Piburger See lake holds very soft water. In mid-summer surface temperature reaches up to 24 Celsius.



If you want you can walk around the lake, but we opted to continue our walk towards Oetz. Soon you will have to cross the Oetztaler Ache via the Wellerbruecke.
The Wellerbruecke rapids here are regarded as some of the best in Europe for kayaking or wild water rafting.





Finally we reach Oetz. Oetz is very popular with tourists so it is a rather busy village, but despite bustling building activities since WWII and the people's desire for modern housing, many buildings in the old part of Oetz have been preserved. Especially picturesque is the architecturally unspoilt center with its accumulation of old buildings that are built close to each other. Just explore the old town centre by yourself and pick up our GPS trail afterwards.





We leave the busy town behind us and continue our walk along the Oetzaler Ache towards Sautens.



Sautens has a beautiful parish church that was build between 1830-1831.
In 1999 the outside of the church was renovated and in 2007 the interior of this Parish Church has been renovated as well.



As we arrive at our hotel the sun pops out for a few minutes.

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It is a beautiful spot where one can see the peaks of the Dolomites rising above you.
Rosa suddenly looks very tiny in this wilderness.



From here on, you will have to climb up. The track in the beginning is not too difficult but at some point in time becomes rather tricky. Not advisable to go up when it is raining, because the rocks will become very slippery. There is even a robe on some spots to guide you on the stony path, which is progressing rather steeply.



Suddenly you are in the midst of rocky scenery. Take your time now and then to catch your breath and to enjoy this rough terrain.



Finally after a tough struggle we manage to get passed this rocky scenery and upon looking back you'll notice what you have achieved. A climb up from 1603m to 2440m through massive rocks. We are proud that we made it and really enjoy the impressive scenery.




As a reward you can see the Tierser Alpl Hutte (2440m) in the far distance. Our next goal for today. And the view from this hut is absolutely fabulous. Especially when the sun is shining and there is still lots of snow visible. A good spot to have something to drink or eat, but don't forget the time as you will have to catch the bus back to the hotel and it is still about 2 hours from here to the cable car.



The hut is huge; in summer it must be very crowded here.
After a well deserved lemonade, we continue our way towards Kompatsch, which is situated in the valley below at 1844m.



We opt for tracknr. 2, which will cross the Rosszahne (Denti de Terrarossa), a zigzagging descend towards the valley. The surroundings are just awesome and you actually do not know where to look first.
Upon reaching the Rosszahne you will have a lovely view over the Seiseralm.



After the descend from the Rosszahne the track is rather easy-going. Don't forget to look back now and then. When you look at underneath picture you can see the Rosszahne track (the zigzag route on the lefthand side of this picture). It started to rain as were nearing the cable car and had to put on our raingear. We reach Kompatsch and thus the cable car, which will takes us to the bus station down below.



Yessss.....we made it to the bus station on time ! We even had to wait 1 hour before our bus would come to bring us back to the hotel.




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