Descending from the Hochmaderer Joch, the Vermunt Stausee can be seen in the valley below
| Start | Tübinger Hut (2191m) |
| Valley base | Gaschurn or Bielerhöhe |
| Distance | 9km |
| Height gain | 430m |
| Height loss | 585m |
| Grade | 3 |
| Time | 4–4¼hrs |
| Location | Northeast and east of the Tübinger Hut |
A natural departure from the Tübinger Hut takes a route over the Garneratal’s east-walling ridge, down to the Kromertal and up to the Bielerhöhe, from where buses run through both the Montafon and Paznaun valleys. This is a very fine mountain walk, with some exposure on the way to the Hochmaderer Joch, and a very steep initial descent from it.
A sign outside the hut indicates the way to the Bielerhöhe, at first picked out with waymarks across a bouldery wilderness, but then a path becomes clearer as it slants across the hillside heading northeast. As you gain height, retrospective views reveal that the hut is perched on a glacial sill.
The path to the joch is mostly good, but there are several fairly exposed sections where caution is advised. About 40mins after leaving the hut the way turns a spur into the hanging valley of the Gatschettatäli headed by the 2823m Hochmaderer. About 6mins later reach a path junction at 2300m. Ignore the left branch (a high route to Ganeu and Gaschurn) and keep ahead with cairns and red paint flashes guiding the way ever higher through the rocky little valley.
Descending from the Hochmaderer Joch, the Vermunt Stausee can be seen in the valley below
The Hochmader, with the joch to its left
Shortly before gaining the pass, an alternative path strikes off left to make the ascent of the Hochmaderer – a recommended diversion. Allow 50–60mins for the ascent, plus 40mins descent back to this junction.
From the junction the path makes a traverse to the right (south) and 2mins later comes onto the Hochmaderer Joch (2505m), about 1hr 40mins from the hut. A sudden eastward view shows the Silvretta Stausee at the Bielerhöhe with the road snaking to it; but best of all is the sight of snow-gleaming peaks of the Silvretta Alps.
The initial descent is very steep and demands care. But the gradient eases as you come down to a rocky hollow, cross a stream then work round the right-hand hillside and turn a spur to gain a view onto the milky blue waters of the Vermunt reservoir. A few minutes after this the view is to the south, where rocky peaks block the Kromertal.
Descend into the bed of the Kromertal, crossing several minor streams on the way to a track where you turn right along it for just 2mins. A signed junction at 1920m directs you left, and moments later you cross the Kromer Bach on a plank footbridge and continue across pastures. Here the way becomes less distinct, although there’s a path of sorts which weaves among bilberry, juniper and alpenrose, crosses several more minor streams and comes to the Madlener-Haus (60 beds, 20 dormitory places; Tel 05558 4234). Unless you need accommodation here follow a service road beyond the hut, then take a slanting footpath up to the car park at the Bielerhöhe.
At the Bielerhöhe you will find bus stops (for Montafon and Paznaun village services), a kiosk, toilets, public telephone and café. There is also a tourist boat on the Silvretta Stausee. For accommodation note the 2-star Berggasthof Piz Buin (55 beds; Tel 05558 4231) just above the road, and the large Silvretta Haus hotel opposite the car park.