Chasing dawn in the mountains
Three early-morning hikes plus a bonus tip!
Set off before sunrise (and the crowds!) to discover Ötztal at its most serene and breathtaking.
It’s hard to capture in words the glorious moment the sun peeks over the ridge and slowly illuminates the valley. In Ötztal, around our hotel in Vent, there are several hikes perfect for those early morning hours. Here are a few of our favourites:
A gentle way to start the day is with a hike up the Feldkögele. Begin at the church in the centre of Vent and follow the trail as it winds through a lovely larch forest up to approximately 2,020 metres above sea level. The steady ascent takes about two hours – just enough time to savour a slow-paced morning and watch the world stir to life.
For a longer but equally rewarding hike, head to the Hochjoch mountain hut at 2,413 metres above sea level. Expect to take roughly three hours to reach this hut at the head of the Rofental valley, which will reward you with a panoramic view and hearty fare. If you still have energy to spare, you can press on to one of the nearby peaks, such as the Fineilspitze, Fluchtkogel, or even the Weißkugel.
The ascent of the Nederkogel (3,163 metres above sea level) is far more demanding and requires experience, surefootedness, and a solid fitness level. The trail is steep and exposed in places as it threads its way through boulder fields and scree, offering a true adventure for hardy souls who relish a touch of wilderness at dawn.
But if you’d rather linger under the warmth of your duvet – without missing the sunrise spectacle! – here’s the perfect plan: ascend the day before and spend the night at the Similaun mountain hut (3,019 metres above sea level). Savour the calm of the evening, then greet the dawn from the comfort of your bed. For a truly restful sunrise experience, you can’t go wrong with the Similaun mountain hut – go on, give it a try; it’s absolutely worth it.
These early-morning hikes reward you not only with spectacular Alpine colours and otherworldly light but also rare moments of solitude. Happy trails!