ROUTE 27
Franz Senn Hut (2147m) – Rinnensee (2650m)
| Start |
Franz Senn Hut (2147m) |
| Distance |
3km |
| Height gain |
503m |
| Grade |
2–3 |
| Time |
1½hrs |
| Location |
West of the Franz Senn Hut |
The view south across the Rinnensee to the snow-capped Seespitzen is a classic feature of Stubai postcards, and this short and easy walk is understandably one of the most popular excursions from the Franz Senn Hut.
Out of the hut head north along a signed path which has a number of destinations marked. After about 10mins the way forks by a stream (about 2200m) where you take the left branch to climb steeply for a while. Rising southwestward, the path then curves northwest in the cirque walled by the Kreuzkamp, Rinnenspitze and Berglasspitze. At about 2600m a cairned route forks right to make the ascent of the Rinnenspitze, while we slant left to reach the northern end of the Rinnensee. (Return to the hut by the same path in a little under 1hr.)
Other routes from the Franz Senn Hut
An almost unlimited variety of walks and easy ascents can be made from a base at the Franz Senn Hut. The following is just a small selection. For more ideas, consult the appropriate map.
- The 3003m Rinnenspitze above the Rinnensee makes a very fine vantage point from which to study the district surrounding the Franz Senn Hut. The normal route via the east flank is not difficult (grade F) and is gained by following the Rinnensee route (see above), to the point where the path forks at about 2600m. The right branch is the one to take for the Rinnenspitze, rising over grass and scree (2hrs).
- The Vorderer Sommerwand (2677m) is one of a group of four summits spreading southsouthwest of the hut in a wall ending at the Kräulscharte. Whilst some scrambling and climbing of grade III is called for on other peaks, the ascent of the Vorderer Sommerwand is little more than a walk (1½–2hrs) rewarded by a tremendous display of alpine flowers in early summer, and good views.
- An easy walk is worth taking towards the Alpeiner Ferner at the head of the valley stretching behind the hut. It follows the Alpeiner Bach stream all the way towards its source in the glacier.
- A full day’s walk (6½–7hrs) follows the Franz-Senn-Weg northeastward along the north flank of the Oberbergtal to the Starkenburger Hut. This splendid route forms part of the Stubaier Höhenweg (Route 28), and is highly recommended.
- Another fine hut to hut walk also follows the Franz-Senn-Weg as far as the Sendersjöchl. It then crosses the pass and slopes gently down the east side of the upper Senderstal to reach the Adam Pichler Hut in 4–5hrs.
Named after the ‘glacier priest’, the Franz Senn Hut makes a popular base for walks and climbs
The path to the Starkenburger Hut cuts along the left flank of the Oberbergtal