On this hike to the Astjoch, the panoramic view is not only waiting for you at the highest point, but already at the start: there is a viewing platform at the Zumis parking lot. That is no reason to skip the hike, though, as varied trails across wide alpine meadows and grassy slopes lead you all the way to the Astjoch. From there, you can enjoy far-reaching views of the main Alpine ridge, the Pustertal Valley and the Dolomites. To help with orientation, the names of the visible mountain groups and peaks are engraved on a stone slab set into the ground. A large part of the route leads through protected natural areas, managed alpine pastures, high moorland and small marshy valley sections. One special feature along the way is the small mountain chapel at the Pianer Kreuz, whose foundation stone was blessed by the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI.
ACCESSIBILITY:
Suitable for:
>People with electric wheelchairs/motors
>seniors
>families
>mountain bikes
Trail surface: Non-asphalted forest road with good surface
Arrival: people with disabilities can reach the huts by requesting a driving permit at the Mühlbach forestry station: +39 0472 849 764.
Barrier-free toilets: at Zumis parking lot
Sun/shade: First section through the forest, then sunny
Bars/Restaurants:
>Naturhotel Runa (accessible via a short, steep climb).
>Starkenfeldhütte (loose gravel flooring, one step to the bar area)
The starting point is the Zumis parking lot. From there, follow forest road no. 4 eastwards on a natural surface with a steady gradient. For around two kilometres, the route leads through open larch and spruce woodland to the pastures near Naturhotel Runa at 1,832 metres.
Continue on trail no. 2 towards the Starkenfeldhütte. This section includes gradients of more than 16 per cent and leads to a small church dedicated to St Clare and St Bartholomew. The trail then reaches the Rodenecker-Lüsner Alm plateau, with wide meadows, pastures and small wooden huts.
After passing a viewpoint and several mountain lakes, you reach the Starkenfeldhütte and its dairy at 1,936 metres after around 5.5 kilometres. A further kilometre takes you to the Astmoos natural monument, a wet moorland area covered with moss. As the trail becomes steeper and rougher beyond this point, return along the same route.
