From Hochjoch via the Alpguesalpe to Silbertal

Difficult
Bergbahnauf-/-abstieg
Hiking · Bergbahnauf-/-abstieg
06:05 h duration
16,2 km Length in km
2366 m Highest point
881 m Lowest point
674 m gain Ascent
1642 m gain Descent
Stamina
Difficulty
Adventure
Scenery

Tour description

A scenic high-altitude hike from Hochjoch to Silbertal, featuring a summit experience at Kreuzjoch and impressive views of the Verwall European Nature Reserve.

This varied hike starts at Hochjoch and takes you from Kapell past the Sennigrat Bahn mountain station to the Wormser Hütte. Right from the very first few meters, the view opens up to take in the Montafon mountain landscape. From the Wormser Hütte, the trail continues toward Kreuzjoch. Reaching the summit rewards you with a breathtaking panorama and makes it clear why this tour is considered one of the most scenic hikes in the Montafon. The trail then continues over the Grasjoch to the Alpguesalpe and finally down into the Silbertal.

The Verwall European Protected Area—also known as the Verwall Natura 2000 site—holds special scenic and ecological appeal. This largely undeveloped mountainous region on the border with Tyrol, with its vast expanse and tranquility, serves as a vital habitat for numerous mountain plants and shy wildlife. Here, chamois, golden eagles, and ptarmigans, among others, find valuable refuges. The area also has something special to offer botanically, such as the dwarf willow, the “smallest tree in the world,” which rises only a few centimeters above the ground.

Important Notice for Summer 2026

Due to construction work on the new Freda Railway, the section of the trail from the Grasjochhütte over the Fredakopf to the Alpguesalpe will be temporarily closed this year (marker 2b). The trail is open on Sundays. Alternatively, you can hike to the Alpguesalpe via the trail toward Scheimersch and Alpguessee. This route is marked with the number 2a. You should plan for about 1.5 hours of additional hiking time.

Starting Point - Directions - End Point

Starting point

Kapell, Zamangbahn or Hochjoch Bahn upper station

Directions

The initial ascent toward the Wormser Hut can also be tackled using the Sennigrat Bahn. In this case, you’ll start right at the Sennigrat Bahn’s upper station and hike along an easy trail to the Wormser Hut.

From the Wormser Hut, the trail continues toward the Kreuzjochsattel and up to the Kreuzjoch. The ascent is challenging in places, but rewards you with an impressive view of the surrounding mountains. There is a short climbing section to navigate, but it is easily manageable. Alternatively, you can bypass this section and follow the road from the Wormser Hut.

From the Kreuzjoch, a narrow hiking trail leads downhill toward the Grasjoch area. After about 45 minutes, you’ll reach the Grasjoch with the Grasjoch Hut and the Furkla. Then, walk a short distance slightly uphill and, at the next signpost, head toward Alpguesalpe, Ronaalpe, and Silbertal.

From the Alpguesalpe, the trail first leads down a path to the valley floor. After another 45 minutes or so, you’ll reach the wide road. The Ronaalpe is nearby.

Now turn left and follow the wide gravel path through the rear part of the Silbertal valley toward Silbertal. Alternatively, you can continue on to the Untere Gaflunaalpe and take the hiking bus to Silbertal from there. A reservation is required for the hiking bus.

End Point

Silbertal, town center

Getting to the starting point

The starting point for this tour is the upper station of the Zamang Bahn or Hochjoch Bahn. Please check the current operating hours of the mountain railways. You can reach the Sennigrat Bahn from Schruns via the Hochjoch Bahn or the Zamang Bahn.

By Public Transportation

The Montafon Landbus and the Montafonerbahn offer a convenient and flexible way to get around the valley. Trains and buses run regularly between the towns, every half hour or every hour depending on the route. You can find suitable connections here. Possible stops for the start and end of this tour are: Zamang Bahn or Hochjoch Bahn.

By car

Take the A14 to the Bludenz/Montafon exit. Then follow the Montafonerstraße L188 to Schruns, where the valley stations of the respective feeder railways are located.

Important Information

For this challenging mountain hike, we recommend that you bring the right gear: a daypack with a rain cover, sturdy and comfortable footwear, weather-appropriate and durable clothing in layers, trekking poles if needed, sun and rain protection, provisions and plenty of drinking water, a first-aid kit, a pocket knife, a cell phone, a headlamp if needed, and maps.


Important Note for Summer 2026

Due to construction work on the new Freda Railway, the section of the trail from the Grasjochhütte over the Fredakopf to the Alpguesalpe will be temporarily closed this year (trail marker 2b). The trail is open on Sundays. Alternatively, you can hike to the Alpguesalpe via the trail toward Scheimersch and Alpguessee. This route is marked with the number 2a. You should plan for about 1.5 hours of additional hiking time.


Places to Stop for Refreshments

Along the route, there are places to stop for refreshments at the Wormser Hütte, the Grasjoch Hütte, the Berggasthaus Hasahüsli, and the Almhütte Fellimännle. Please note the respective opening hours.

Useful tips

Silbertal Hiking Bus:

The Silbertal Hiking Bus runs from mid-June to mid-September on Tuesdays and Fridays between the Silbertal town center and the Untere Gaflunaalpe. Tickets are available exclusively at the Silbertal Citizen Service Center, by email at buergerservice@silbertal.at, by phone at +43 5556 74104, and online at montafon.at/wanderbus-silbertal. Reservations are required and must be made by 5:00 p.m. the day before at the latest. The return trip from the Untere Gaflunaalpe takes place between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Please note: The hiking bus is not included in the Montafon Brandnertal Card, the Summer Multi-Day Pass, or the Season Pass.


You can find many more highlights of this hike at:
https://naturvielfalt.at/schutzgebiet/verwall/

Sicherheitstipps für Wandern in Vorarlberg

EN NOTRUF:

EN 140 - Alpine Notfälle österreichweit 

EN 144 - Alpine Notfälle Vorarlberg 

EN 112 - Euro-Notruf (funktioniert mit jedem Handy/Netz) 

Properties
Route type Hiking, Bergbahnauf-/-abstieg
Difficulty Difficult
Start Bergstation Hochjoch Bahn
Finish Gemeindeamt Silbertal
Elevation profile
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