Scenic hike from the Gelenke parking area to Putzenhöhe/Cima di Pozzo, featuring Lake Grünbach, the Marmot Trail, a stop at Moarhof Alm and impressive summit views.
This enjoyable mountain hike is a true delight for nature lovers. The tour starts at the Gelenke parking area above Hofern at around 1,600 m and follows the same route out and back. It combines impressive natural scenery with a rewarding summit destination offering magnificent views.
The trail initially leads through open alpine meadows and light mountain forests to the managed Moarhof Alm, an ideal place for a relaxing break and refreshments. The route then continues through the extensive grazing areas of the Lower Grünbach Alm. Along the way, alpine roses, juniper shrubs, lingonberries and blueberries add colour and character to the landscape, especially during the summer months.
One of the highlights of the hike is the idyllic Lake Grünbach. Nestled in a gentle hollow, this small mountain lake lies peacefully and secluded within the alpine landscape. Its tranquil atmosphere and picturesque setting make it the perfect spot for an extended rest before tackling the final ascent to Putzenhöhe.
Upon reaching the summit, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The panorama stretches from the snow-capped peaks of the Zillertal Alps in the north to the striking Dolomite peaks in the south. This exceptional view is one of the tour’s greatest attractions and makes Putzenhöhe a popular destination for leisure hikers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Another special feature is the so-called Marmot Trail. With a little luck, numerous marmots can be observed along the route. Their characteristic warning whistles can often be heard before they disappear into their extensive burrow systems. The combination of a scenic summit, a picturesque mountain lake, rich alpine flora and exciting wildlife encounters makes this hike a memorable experience for the whole family.
The return follows the same route back to the Gelenke parking area, offering further beautiful views of the Pfunderer Mountains and the opportunity to experience the varied landscape from a different perspective.
From the Gelenke car park above Hofern/Corti, follow trail no. 65 along the so-called Marmot Trail towards Moarhof Alm and Putzenhöhe/Cima di Pozzo. The first section follows a wide alpine and forest road through open woodland and across alpine pastures. In some sections, you can alternatively take the steeper shortcut trail. After about one hour, you reach the managed Moarhof Alm at 1,833 m, an ideal place for a first break or a leisurely stop for refreshments.
Behind the alpine hut, continue along trail no. 65 through the extensive pastures of the Untere Grünbachalm. The terrain alternates between alpine tracks, forest roads and narrower mountain paths. Alpine roses, juniper bushes, lingonberries and blueberries line the route and characterise the alpine landscape. This section is particularly colourful in early summer and throughout the summer months. With a little luck, you may also spot numerous marmots along the Marmot Trail, often making their presence known with their distinctive warning whistles.
Passing the Obere Grünbachalm, the trail continues to the idyllic Grünbachsee lake at around 2,258 m. Nestled in a gentle hollow, the mountain lake lies peacefully between alpine meadows and the slopes of the Pfunderer Berge/Monti di Fundres. Its tranquil setting makes it a wonderful place to rest and one of the scenic highlights of the hike.
From Grünbachsee, a clearly visible mountain trail continues uphill towards Putzenhöhe/Cima di Pozzo. The path becomes somewhat steeper here and leads across alpine meadows and rocky terrain. Sure-footedness is recommended near the summit, although there are no technically difficult sections. After the final ascent, you reach the summit of Putzenhöhe/Cima di Pozzo at 2,438 m. From here, you can enjoy an impressive panorama of the Zillertaler Alpen/Alpi della Zillertal, the Pfunderer Berge/Monti di Fundres and the striking Dolomites to the south.
The return follows the same route back via Grünbachsee, Moarhof Alm and the Marmot Trail to the Gelenke car park. With its varied alpine scenery, idyllic mountain lake, rich alpine flora and magnificent summit views, this hike is one of the most rewarding mountain tours above Hofern/Corti.
The hike is easily accessible by public transportation. During the summer season, the hiking bus (Line 426) runs from St. Sigmund/San Sigismondo, Ehrenburg/Casteldarne, Kiens/Chienes, and Hofern/Corti to the Gelenke parking lot, the starting point of the hike.
In addition, the village bus line 423 runs between Ehrenburg/Casteldarne, Kiens/Chienes, and Hofern/Corti to Sonnenstraße. Further bus connections are available via lines 423 and 421, which connect Vintl/Vandoies, Terenten/Terento, Hofern/Corti, Pfalzen/Falzes, and Bruneck/Brunico.
This makes the starting point easily and environmentally friendly to reach.
From Bruneck/Brunico, drive via Pfalzen/Falzes to Hofern/Corti. In the village centre of Hofern/Corti, turn right and follow the signs for “Moarhof Alm”. The mountain road leads to the Gelenke parking area at around 1,600 m above sea level, the starting point of the hike to Putzenhöhe/Cima di Pozzo.
From the Brixen/Bressanone/Pustertal/Val Pusteria motorway exit, follow the Puster Valley State Road to Kiens/Chienes and continue to Hofern/Corti. From there, follow the signs for “Moarhof Alm” to the Gelenke parking area.