Summit hike to Mutenock

The summit hike to Mutenock starts at the Gelenke car park above Hofern/Corti. From the car park, initially follow the Marmot Trail, no. 65, uphill. The trail leads through open mountain forests and climbs steadily in several bends.

At the third bend, leave trail no. 65 and turn left onto trail no. 11. From here, follow the signs towards Pichlerbergalm. The trail continues through the mountain forest and across open alpine pastures, offering increasingly beautiful views of the surrounding mountain landscape as you gain altitude.

After a while, you reach Pichlerbergalm. The alpine hut is not staffed, so make sure to bring sufficient food and, above all, enough water. From here, continue along trail no. 11, following the signs towards the Pfunderer Höhenweg/Alta Via di Fundres and Mutenock.

The trail continues uphill into increasingly alpine terrain. The forests gradually become more open, eventually giving way to mountain meadows and a more rugged high-alpine landscape.

Continue along trail no. 11 until you reach the Pfunderer Höhenweg/Alta Via di Fundres. From here, follow the trail towards Mutenock. Mutenock lies directly on the Pfunderer Höhenweg/Alta Via di Fundres at an altitude of 2,484 m and marks the highest point of the hike.

Once at the summit, an impressive panorama of the surrounding mountains opens up. Particularly spectacular is the view stretching from the Zillertal Alps/Alpi della Zillertal in the north to the distinctive peaks of the Dolomites/Dolomiti in the south. After the long ascent, the summit is the perfect place for a well-deserved break and to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and magnificent views.

The return follows the same route as the ascent. From Mutenock, follow the Pfunderer Höhenweg/Alta Via di Fundres back and then descend along trail no. 11 towards Pichlerbergalm. Continue on trail no. 11 until reaching the junction with the Marmot Trail. Here, rejoin trail no. 65 and follow it downhill to the Gelenke car park, the starting point of the tour.

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, drive via Pfalzen to Hofern. In the village centre of Hofern, 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.

From the Brixen/Bressanone/Pustertal/Val Pusteria motorway exit, follow the Puster Valley State Road to Kiens/Chienes and continue via Ehrenburg/Casteldarne to Hofern/Corti. From there, follow the signs for “Moarhof Alm” to the Gelenke parking area.

Free parking is available at the Gelenke parking area above Hofern/Corti.

For the summit hike, sturdy hiking boots with good grip, weatherproof clothing suitable for the altitude, rain and sun protection, and a backpack are required. Hiking poles can be particularly useful on the descent.

Important: There are no refreshment stops along the entire route. Pichlerbergalm is not staffed. Make sure to bring plenty of water and enough food for the entire hike.