Zentralalpenweg 02A
The place
long-distance hiking trail in Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland
Why go
Hohe Tauern (Großglockner, 3,798 m). Dachstein plateau. Stubai Alps. Silvretta group. Ötztal Alps (Wildspitze, 3,770 m). Numerous ÖAV mountain huts.
A bit of history
The system of Austrian long-distance trails (routes 01–10) was developed by the Austrian Alpine Club (ÖAV) between the 1960s and 1980s. Route 02a (the central high-level route) is one of the most demanding in the network and is regarded by alpine hikers as the flagship route.
Getting there
Hainburg: Vienna S-Bahn (50 min). Feldkirch: railway station (Zurich 2h, Munich 2h30). Vienna and Zurich: international airports.
Recommended gear
Via ferrata gear (helmet, harness, rope clamp). Ice axe and crampons for glacier sections. Four-season hiking boots. Avalanche equipment early/late in the season. Alpine experience is essential.
Best season
July–September for high-mountain sections. Glacier sections are not passable until mid-July.