| Start | Tschagguns (Latschau: 994m) |
| Valley base | Tschagguns |
| Distance | 6km (one way) |
| Height gain | 750m |
| Grade | 2 |
| Time | 2½hrs (+ 2–2¼hrs return) |
| Location | Southwest of Tschagguns, at the head of the Gauertal |
The Lindauer Hut makes a popular destination for a day-walk, as well as a good base for climbing a variety of peaks, and an overnight halt for walkers on the Rätikon Höhenweg. The following approach is one of the easiest; a delight of grassy alms, woodland and fine views.
Lying some 300m above Tschagguns, Latschau is a collection of chalets overlooking a reservoir. Reached by local bus via a road that twists between meadows and chalets, there’s plenty of parking space for visitors with their own cars, while the area is also served by a two-stage gondola lift system from Vandans.
Wander along the narrow tarmac road heading south above the reservoir. Passing a number of chalets take the left branch when it forks. A few paces after this you pass to the left of Hotel Montabella. Once again the road forks, but this time take the right branch. Almost immediately the road becomes a stony track.
The way goes through a wooded gorge, then forks. Both routes lead to the Lindauer Hut, but on this occasion keep to the left branch. After going through mixed woods you emerge to open meadows and the scattered chalets and haybarns of Volspora. Ahead can be seen the Sulzfluh and its glacier.
At the far end of the meadows another track breaks left to Alpilaalpe, but ignore this and keep ahead to Volsporaalpe (1234m) where, should you be in need of refreshment, a path descends to the river, then climbs the opposite bank to the Gauertalhaus. If refreshment is not required, remain on the track which now rises to another level where long fingers of coniferous trees come down into the valley. When the track forks again, keep ahead, remaining on the east side of the river.
The Drei Turme above the Lindauer Hut
After crossing another alpine meadow with a solitary barn in it, the track twists up through forest (unmarked footpath shortcuts), and above this you rise through more pastures to a T junction of tracks. Bear left. As the track returns to forest more footpath shortcuts can be taken. One of these makes a long, steady uphill slant, and on rejoining the track, the hut can be seen ahead. Walk up the track, bear left when it forks, and shortly after, arrive at the Lindauer Hut. Note the alpine garden located on its western side.
The Category I Lindauer Hut has 60 beds and 140 dormitory places. Staffed from the end of February to the end of March, and from June to mid-October, it is owned by the Lindau section of the DAV (tel 0664 5033456 www.alpenverein-lindau.de).
For an alternative return to Latschau, try the left-bank path and track by way of Gauen. Although steep in places in the early stages, the way eases lower down and makes a very pleasant walk in its own right.
A 3hrs 15mins link with the Tilisuna Hut is described from the Lindauer Hut as part of the Rätikon Höhenweg Nord (Route 5), and is recommended.