Mountain tour to the Picco della Croce

The 3,134 m high Picco della Croce, the destination of this mountain tour, is the main peak of the Fundres Mountains and offers a spectacular panoramic view on the Zillertal Alps. We start at the parking space of the Fane Alpine Village, located in Valles at 1,700 m a.s.l., and hike past this beautiful ensemble of mountain huts through the wild Gola di Valles gorge (path no. 17). The stream forces its way through the gorge at the right, also a small waterfall rushes down into the valley. Soon afterwards we reach a junction (1,980 m a.s.l.), where we continue on the path no. 17 towards the Rif. Bressanone mountain hut.

The hut at 2,282 m a.s.l. is surrounded by the impressive peaks of the Fundres Mountains (with Mt. Cima di Valmala on the right) and invites to take a break. Afterwards we follow the trail no. 17B further into the valley - it coincides with a section of the famous Fundres High-Altitude Trail (Pfunderer Höhenweg). In a wide left swinging arc we get closer to the Rauhtaljoch saddle. The path is steep and stony, sure-footedness and a good level of fitness are required. The saddle itself is covered by snow fields (but fortunately we don't have to cross them).

At this point (2,807 m a.s.l.) we take a well-deserved rest and enjoy the amazing view on the Fundres Mountains. Afterwards we continue our hike on the trail no. 18 towards the Picco della Croce, another 45 minutes to walk. The path remains consistently steep, but our effort is rewarded by a breathtaking view on the Lago Selvaggio lake (Wilder See) at our feet. Finally we reach the 3,134 m high summit of Mt. Picco della Croce, the highest point of our hike, and enjoy the view on the Zillertal Alps.

Then the steep descent towards the Rauhtaljoch saddle lies in front of us. At the saddle, however, we choose the path no. 18 towards the Lago Selvaggio lake (Wilder See) and the Malga Labeseben mountain hut. At the lake with its crystal clear water we follow the signpost "Labeseben Alm" on the left shore to reach this beautiful mountain hut at 2,100 m a.s.l. A wide forest path proceeds to the junction where we've chosen the trail to the Rif. Bressanone mountain hut in the morning. Through the Gola di Valles gorge we hike back to our starting point. The route can also be walked in the opposite direction.

Please note: Mount Picco della Croce is a rewarding summit of 3,000 metres, offering a fantastic panoramic view and a unique view on the Lago Selvaggio lake. The tour requires a good level of fitness, condition and sure-footedness, but can be classified as easy if you are an experienced mountaineer. The ascent to the Rauhtaljoch saddle is very steep and snow fields can persist into late summer (slippery!). Take care at the signposts at the head of the valley, where the ascent to the saddle starts! The Rif. Bressanone mountain hut offers overnight stays - if you would like to climb the 3,022 m high Mt. Cima di Valmala the following day.

Author: BS