| Start | Oberiss (1742m) |
| Distance | 3km |
| Height gain | 405m |
| Grade | 1 |
| Time | 1½hrs |
| Location | At the head of the Oberbergtal |
A short and easy walk to the best-known hut in the Stubai Alps, from which a number of fine excursions (walks and climbs) are possible.
The narrow paved road through the Oberbergtal breaks away from the main Stubaital at Milders, near Neustift. A minibus ferries passengers as far as Oberissalm, while a trail (and sometimes track) mirrors the road route for much of the way – a walk of about 3hrs from Milders to Oberissalm. Among other accommodation facilities in the valley, there’s the Alpengasthof Bärenbad, and rooms at Stöcklenalm about 1km from Oberiss. Car parking is possible at Oberiss, and it is here that the approach walk to the hut begins.
Go through the gate on the west side of the Oberiss car park and continue along the road (no private vehicles). When this ends take the direct path ahead (ignore the left branch) through meadows to the Alpeiner Alm (1hr, refreshments). With the hut in view the path continues to rise easily, and about 30mins from the alm reaches the Franz Senn Hut.
Named after the ‘glacier priest’ who lies buried in the churchyard at Neustift, the popular Category I Franz Senn Hut dates from 1885 when it had just 20 matratzenlager places (8 of these were in the hayloft). With a number of extensions and modernisations since then, it can now accommodate a total of 160 in its rooms and dormitories. Fully staffed from mid-February until early May, and from mid-June to the beginning of October, advance booking is advised (tel 05226 2218 www.franzsennhuette.at).