On July 2nd we set off for the Siegerland hut, located in a very quite, non-tourist valley. We took a taxi cab to the starting point as we were not allowed to go there using our own car. The starting point was at 2,000 meters (6,000ft) and the hut at 2,710 meters (8,130ft). We hiked up to the hut and then all the way down to Soelden (total of 1,400 meters or 4,200 vertical feet).
Loads of water falls we encountered on the way up.
On this picture you could see the hut (if you look closely), all the way up on the mountain just below the top.
One of the stones that would normally stick out to point in the right direction. With all the snow, this one was hardly visible (I zoomed in on this one to make it more visible). Others were not visible at all in which case we had to figure out our own routes.
Here you can the see the hut way more closely, though looks may deceive!
At times streams would be concealed by the snow and Frank's leg got through the layer of snow and ice to make it through to one of these streams - wet foot as a result!
And we finally made it to the hut!
Don't worry - it's not a pint of lager in Minke's glass but gespritztes Apfelsaft!
One of the many fields of snow we had to cross on the way down.
This little bridge was very wobbly and could not be crossed when we got to it. We actually had to move it to a more stable position in order to safely cross it!
Back into the lower, greener parts.
And we got to the altitude where trees would grow..
And finally we hiked back into the Oetztal valley and the village of Soelden.
On June 30th we set off for the village of Vent to hike up the mountain there. Please scroll all the way down for the first picture (i.e., pics are not ordered chronologically)
After this picture was taken, we started off descending back into the valley towards Vent.
Our second goal of the day: the Breslauer Huette.
The glacier from below.
Minke descending at a pretty steep point.
Frank with the glacier in the background.
One of our goals that day: the Wildes Mannle summit at 3023m (approx. 9000 feet). Our next stop: the Breslauer hut at 2848m. To get there, we had to descend and climb again, along a glacier.
At times we had to cross some snow fields
Some sheep taking it easy (and I don't blame them!)
The mountains near Vent
Innsbruck, Austria
Crossing of one of the many streams
A hiking trip to the Langtalerech hut at 2430m (approx. 7500 feet). Starting point: Obergurgl