Via Alpina, Stage 46: Reintalanger Hut - Coburger Hut

This route is stage 46 of the Via Alpina, a long-distance trail that crosses eight Alpine countries, starting at the Reintalangerhütte and ending at the Coburger Hütte. This route is part of the new Via Alpina itinerary, updated in April 2024 and consisting of 116 stages. The trail crosses the border between Germany and Austria once again, ascending from the Reintal valley toward the Zugspitzplatt plateau. The route winds through a high-altitude, rocky, lunar landscape, crossing the Gatterl Pass, a spectacular and at times exposed border crossing (equipped with steel cables). From here, the route descends toward the Tyrolean alpine pastures and then climbs back up to the Coburger Hütte, situated in a breathtaking location above the Drachensee and Seebensee lakes, with an unparalleled view of the south face of the Zugspitze. Overnight stays are provided at the hut; wild camping is prohibited. Water is plentiful at the start near the Reintalangerhütte, but the central section through the Gatterl is typically karstic and very dry; it is necessary to stock up adequately before the ascent. Both huts are accessible only on foot, although the Coburger Hütte is more easily reached via the ski lifts ascending from Ehrwald (Ehrwalder Almbahn). More information on transportation is available at vvt.at. The Via Alpina is a 2,000 km (1,243 mile) route connecting the Adriatic to the Mediterranean via 116 stages. For the complete route and all stages, visit https://www.alltrails.com/lists/via-alpina-trail - Official AllTrails List. This trail is the 46th stage of the Via Alpina, a long-distance hiking route through eight Alpine countries that begins at the Reintalangerhütte and ends at the Coburger Hütte. This route is part of the new Via Alpina trail, which was updated in April 2024 and now consists of 116 stages. The trail crosses the border between Germany and Austria once again and leads from the Reintal up to the Zugspitzplatt. The route winds through a lunar-like, high-alpine rocky landscape and passes the Gatterl, a spectacular and partly exposed border crossing (secured with wire ropes). From there, the trail descends to the Tyrolean alpine meadows and finally climbs to the Coburger Hütte, which is perched in a breathtaking location above the Drachensee and Seebensee, offering an unparalleled view of the Zugspitze’s south face. Overnight stays are planned at the hut; wild camping is prohibited. Water is plentiful at the start near the Reintalangerhütte, but the middle section over the Gatterl is typical karst terrain and very dry; it is necessary to replenish supplies before the ascent. Both huts are accessible only on foot, though the Coburger Hütte is more easily reached via the Ehrwalder Almbahn from Ehrwald. For more information, visit vvt.at. The Via Alpina is a 2,000 km (1,243-mile) multi-day hike that connects the Adriatic Sea with the Mediterranean Sea in 116 stages.