Montafon Silvretta Circuit
Tour description
The Silvretta Circuit in Montafon takes hikers through the high-alpine landscape of the Silvretta in three challenging stages, past glaciers and Vorarlberg’s highest peaks, all the way to Switzerland and back to the Bielerhöhe.
The Silvretta Circuit showcases the diverse facets of the high-alpine Silvretta region. Barren rocky landscapes, glaciers, and imposing peaks characterize the three stages and allow hikers to experience the unique character of this mountainous region.
The route leads over the Hochmadererjoch and the Plattenjoch to the Silvrettahütte SAC in Switzerland. The route then returns via the Rote Furka and through the Klostertal back to the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe. Along the way, breathtaking glacier views and high-alpine landscapes alternate with opportunities to stop for refreshments at the huts.
What is the Montafon Alpine Mosaic?
The Alpenmosaik Montafon brings the region’s scenic diversity to life. The four exploration areas—Verwall, Silvretta, Rätikon, and the valley—offer different perspectives on nature, the landscape, and culture.
You can find more information about the Montafon Alpine Mosaic HERE.
Starting Point - Directions - End Point
Starting Point
Silvretta-Bielerhöhe
Route Description
Stage 1: Silvretta-Bielerhöhe to Tübinger Hütte
From Silvretta-Bielerhöhe, the trail leads you westward through the Großvermunttal valley. Walking slightly elevated, you’ll follow the shore of the Vermunt Reservoir before the trail climbs toward the Hochmadererjoch pass. From the pass, the route then leads slightly downhill to the Tübinger Hut.
Hiking time: approx. 4:30 hrs / Distance: approx. 9.7 km / Ascent: 604 hm / Descent: 439 hm
Stage 2: Tübinger Hut to Silvretta Hut SAC
From the Tübinger Hut, you’ll ascend to the Plattenjoch and cross the border into Switzerland there. On the Swiss side, the trail leads downhill and past several mountain lakes toward Seetalsee, where the Seetal self-catering hut is located. Shortly before the hut, the trail climbs again to the saddle. After that, apart from a short, gentle ascent, the trail continues downhill to the Silvretta Hut SAC.
Hiking time: approx. 6:30 hrs / Distance: approx. 12 km / Ascent: 1,324 hm / Descent: 1,186 hm
Stage 3: Silvretta Hut SAC to Silvretta-Bielerhöhe
From the Silvretta Hut SAC, the trail takes you uphill to the Rote Furka. Along the way, you’ll pass the glacier tongue of the Silvretta Glacier. At the pass summit, you’ll cross the border back into Austria. The trail then descends through the Klostertal valley to Lake Silvretta and continues on to Silvretta-Bielerhöhe. Along the way, you’ll pass the Klostertaler Environmental Hut.
Hiking time: approx. 3:30 hrs / Distance: approx. 12 km / Ascent: 1,324 hm / Descent: 1,186 hm
End Point
Silvretta-Bielerhöhe
Getting to the starting point
Getting to the Starting Point
The starting point for the tour is Silvretta-Bielerhöhe.
Important note regarding travel:
The Silvretta High Alpine Road is expected to remain closed until summer 2030. In summer, you cannot reach the Bielerhöhe directly from the Montafon via the High Alpine Road; instead, you’ll need to take the Vermuntbahn from Partenen and then the tunnel bus. You can find more information HERE.
By public transportation:
The Montafon regional bus and the Montafonerbahn provide convenient and flexible travel throughout the valley. Trains and buses run regularly between the towns, every half hour or every hour depending on the route. You can find your connection HERE. The nearest stop is Partenen Bergbahnen. From there, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the Vermuntbahn’s valley station. Take the Vermuntbahn and the connecting tunnel bus to reach the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe.
By car:
Take the A14 to the Bludenz/Montafon exit, then follow Montafonerstraße L188 to Partenen. Parking is available at the Vermuntbahn valley station. From there, take the Vermuntbahn and the connecting tunnel bus to Silvretta-Bielerhöhe.
Important Information
The Silvretta Loop takes you through high-alpine terrain. For this hike, we recommend sturdy footwear and warm clothing, even in the height of summer.
For this challenging multi-day hike, you should carefully plan your daily stages and book your overnight stays at the mountain huts well in advance.
Tipps
Aufgrund der hohen Nachfrage auf den Hütten empfehlen wir Dir, Schlafplätze frühzeitig direkt bei den jeweiligen Hütten zu reservieren.
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)
