Berliner Höhenweg
~4 days · 52 mi · hard · Multi-day trek
Quick facts
What the Berliner Höhenweg is known for
A hut-to-hut high route through the Zillertal Alps of Tyrol, Austria, also called the Berliner Höhenweg or Zillertal Circuit. It links a chain of well-established Alpine Club refuges beneath glaciated peaks, crossing high passes with sections of exposed, cabled terrain. The circuit is one of the best-known multi-day treks in the Zillertal.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,073 ft to 10,020 ft over 52 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 19.7 mi · 51%
- Downhill 15.6 mi · 41%
- Flat 3.1 mi · 8%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Berliner Höhenweg?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Berliner Höhenweg scores 56/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Late June to late September, when the huts are staffed and the high cols are largely free of snow.
Permits: No permit to hike; bunks in the Alpine Club huts must be booked ahead, with discounts for Alpine Club members.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Berliner Höhenweg take?
Most backpackers hike the Berliner Höhenweg in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 52 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Berliner Höhenweg?
The Berliner Höhenweg climbs roughly 20,000 ft total — about 385 ft per mile, topping out near 10,020 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Berliner Höhenweg?
Late June to late September, when the huts are staffed and the high cols are largely free of snow.
Do you need a permit for the Berliner Höhenweg?
No permit to hike; bunks in the Alpine Club huts must be booked ahead, with discounts for Alpine Club members.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Distance/elevation cross-checked against Zillertal Alps / DAV huts. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.