Description

Although "just" a hut approach, there is no chore in doing this hike - it's a wonderful journey through some barren mountain scenery.

Park up at the enormous parking area next to the Alpengasthof Lucknerhaus and head north on a large jeep track, heading straight towards the Grossglockner, which is visible at the head of the valley. Initially the hike is quite mellow but it soon kicks up and climbs increasingly steeply to the Lucknerhütte, where the jeep track begins to peter out.

Grab a drink and then continue north on a clear track to where the valley steepens considerably.

Zig zag up a steep, rocky track to the left of a spectacular gorge to reach the upper part of the valley. Continue climbing up a slightly less steep (but still challenging) track through increasingly rugged terrain.

There is a real sense as you near the hut of entering the high mountains, and you can't help but be excited as you near the mythical Grossglockner.

The views get ever more epic as you climb higher and the hut soon swings into view, which should provide the motivation to get up the last hour or so of hiking. Upon arriving at the hut, check in for the night and go and enjoy the wonderful ambience around the hut.

It sits perched on a huge, broad col and feels truly wild.

You certainly wouldn't pick the hut's location as a bivouac spot because it gets all the wind going, but it's a superb location for a hut. Once you've eaten dinner, get an early night in preparation for a big day up and over Austria's highest mountain, via its finest route.