Technical difficulty: 4/10
Fitness: 10/10
Objective danger: 2/10
Landscape: 8/10
Busy: 2-4/10

Long distance hiking trail connecting most of the mountain huts in Sellrain. Great for a very long day out or a long weekend on the trails.

Starting point: Sellrain
Ending point: Sellrain
Length: 83km
Vertical: 7000m
Speed: big variety of terrain. Some quite runnable trails. Sum of the summits are a bit technical. The Sellrainer Höhenweg (the last 20km section) is a very technical trail and can be a slow going.

Route:

Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, the Sellrainer Hüttenrunde is a running route that promises an unforgettable adventure. Starting and ending in the small village of Sellrain, this trail takes you on a loop through the huts scattered across the Sellrain area. It's a journey that let’s you see some more remote parts of the area and dig deep.

The Sellrainer Hüttenrunde is a considerable challenge, stretching over a significant distance. You can tackle it in one long day, or spread the adventure over multiple days. If you opt for the latter, I would recommend dividing it into three manageable sections. This allows you to fully appreciate the scenery and take advantage of the huts along the route for rest and refreshment.

Your journey begins in the valley south of Sellrain, heading towards the Potsdamer Hütte. The trail here is gentle and inviting, a perfect warm-up for the challenges ahead. Upon reaching the hut, turn right towards Roter Kogel (2832 m). This will be your first summit along the way. The climb is steep but rewarding, with panoramic views that stretch out in all directions. From Roter Kogel, a steep descent leads you to Praxmar. This is one of two possible exit points with road access, offering a chance to rest or meet up with your crew.

If you choose to continue, a pleasant traverse awaits, leading you in the direction of the Westfalenhaus. Along the way, a side-trip to Oberstkogel (2767 m) is a must. Westfalenhaus is a great place to stop for the night or simply take a break for food and drink. If you prefer to keep moving, you can save a few hundred vertical meters by heading straight towards Schöntalspitze and skipping the hut. The last few hundred meters to the pass is on loose rock, followed by a short via ferrata to the summit of Schöntalspitze (3002m). The descent from the pass is also relatively loose but secured with fixed ropes.

Your next stop is Pforzheimer Hütte, nestled in the valley below. This is another good option for a break or overnight stay. From here, continue west to the next ridge, and then follow it north to the summit of Gleischer Roßkogel (2994m). This ridge to the summit is quite technical, so take care with your footing.

From Gleischer Roßkogel, descend westwards into the valley and then continue north until you reach Schweinfuhrer Hütte. This is another good spot for a break. From the hut, start ascending again in the direction of Kraspesspitze. The last section to the summit follows a large boulder field and can be challenging to navigate in bad weather.

From the summit of Kraspesspitze (2954m), continue west over the ridge, until a well-marked trail turns off north in the direction of Kühtai. Follow the downhill, running by an artificial lake all the way to the Kühtai ski resort. This is the second time you cross a road and also probably the last time you can get any refreshments. Continue down the valley in the direction of Innsbruck. There is an unpaved service road next to the main road, which is nicer for running. A few hundred meters after passing Zirmbach Alm, watch for a trail turning off left from the road and ascending uphill.

Now follow the Sellrainer Höhenweg for the last 20km or so. This trail is not very frequented and can be quite technical and overgrown in places, but it offers a sense of solitude and connection with nature that is truly special. Eventually, you join a forest road that leads you to a paved road and down back to the village of Sellrain.

Tip:
If you're planning to split the route over multiple days, I would recommend staying in Westfalenhaus and Kühtai along the way. These huts offer comfortable accommodations and a chance to rest and refuel before the next day's challenges. If you're planning to tackle the route in one day, keep in mind that the middle section is quite remote. Between Praxmar and Kühtai, you have some 45km with 4000+ vertical meters of climb without a good place to retreat.

The Sellrainer Hüttenrunde is a journey that will test your endurance and reward you with some of the most stunning views the Austrian Alps have to offer. So pack your spirit of adventure, and set off on the Sellrainer Hüttenrunde. The mountains are calling!