Montafoner Rätikonrunde ​|​ Douglass Hut to Carschinahütte ​(​CH​)​

Difficult
Alpenmosaik - Rätikon
Alpenmosaik
Hiking · Alpine mosaic – Rätikon · Alpine mosaic · Vandans
05:20 h duration
14,6 km Length in km
2261 m Highest point
1936 m Lowest point
584 m gain Ascent
348 m gain Descent
Stamina
Skill
Difficulty
Adventure
Scenery

Tour description

A varied high-mountain stage through the Rätikon with breathtaking views, over the Gafalljoch into Switzerland, and on to the Carschina Hut.

This stage winds through the diverse limestone landscape of the Rätikon and connects Lake Lünersee with the Prättigau. Striking peaks such as the Krichlispitzen, the Drei Türme, and the Drusenfluh dominate the landscape and accompany you on your journey through the high-alpine mountains.

At the Gafalljoch, you’ll cross the border into Switzerland. On the Prätigauer Hohenweg, an impressive panorama unfolds before you, before you continue your hike to the Carschinahütte below the striking peaks.

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
Douglass Hut

Directions
From the Douglass Hut, you’ll first follow the trail along the rest of Lake Lünersee. Passing the Alpe Lünersee, the route then leads you uphill to the Gafalljoch at 2,239 meters, where you cross the border into Switzerland. From here, you can already make out the Carschina Hut in the distance.

The trail continues along the Prättigau High Trail below the Kirchlispitzen and past the Schweizer Tor. The trail then leads you below the Drei Türme and on to the base of the Drusentor. From there, it’s not far to the Carschina Hut.

End Point
Carschinahütte (Switzerland)

Getting to the starting point

Getting to the Starting Point
The starting point for the tour is the Douglass Hut at Lünersee.

By public transportation:
The Landbus Montafon 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 the right connection HERE. The bus stop near the trailhead is Brand Lünerseebahn. From there, take the Lünerseebahn to the Douglass Hut, which is the starting point for this stage.

By car:
Take the A14 to the Brandnertal exit, then follow the L82 toward Brand. Passing through Brand, you’ll reach the Lünerseebahn valley station. Parking is available there. Take the Lünerseebahn to the Douglass Hut at Lünersee.

Important Information

For this challenging high-mountain hike, we recommend sturdy, ankle-high hiking boots with good traction, plenty of food and drinking water, and weather-appropriate clothing. Hiking poles can help you on the ascents and descents.

Plan your daily stages carefully and book your overnight stay at the Carschina Hut well in advance.

Tips

If you're staying overnight at the Carschinahütte, it's well worth it to watch the sunset against the stunning mountain backdrop of the Rätikon.

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, Alpine mosaic – Rätikon, Alpine mosaic
Difficulty Difficult
Start Douglass Chalet at 1,979 m
Elevation profile
Best months
Jan
Feb
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