Silvretta glacier trail from the Wiesbadener Hütte

Follow the retreat of the Ochsental glacier on information boards – a high-alpine nature trail at the foot of Piz Buin.

moderate summer · 7-9 🐕 Dogs allowed

Elevation profile↗ 316 m ↘ 319 m

The glacier trail starts at the Wiesbadener Hütte (2,443 m) and leads into the Ochsental, where the Ochsental and Vermunt glaciers descend beneath Piz Buin (3,312 m, Vorarlberg’s highest peak) and the Silvrettahorn. Boards show where the ice stood around 1850 and how fast it has retreated since – a vivid climate lesson at around 2,500 m that visitors from many countries describe as the most impressive experience in the Silvretta.

The trail itself is marked and not difficult, but it crosses moraine debris and glacier-polished rock; sturdy boots and weatherproof clothing are essential. The hut is reached from the Bielerhöhe in about 2½ hours (summer path or Ochsental track); for hut plus trail allow a full day or stay overnight at the hut.

🧭 Route description

Bielerhöhe (Vermunt cable car + tunnel bus from Partenen) – Wiesbadener Hütte via the summer path (approx. 2½ h). From the hut follow signs “Gletscherlehrpfad”, loop into the Ochsental and back.

📍 Stages

Wiesbadener Hütte
Ochsental / Gletscherrand

💡 Tips & refreshments

Never step onto the glacier without a guide. Book an overnight stay at the hut – then there is time for sunrise on Piz Buin.

🚌 Getting there by public transport

Landbus 650 to Partenen, then Vermunt cable car + tunnel bus to the Bielerhöhe (summer 2026: 20 June–4 Oct, uphill 8–12 and 13–16:30, last descent 17:00). Approx. 1 h in total from St. Gallenkirch.

🅿️ Parking

Note: the Silvretta High Alpine Road is closed on the Vorarlberg side after rockfalls, expected until 2030 – car access only from Tyrol (Galtür). The Vermunt cable car car park in Partenen is closed in 2026 for construction; use alternative parking in Partenen village.

Emergency: Alpine rescue 140 · Euro emergency 112 · Ambulance 144
All information without guarantee. Please check weather, opening hours and cable car operating times before setting off. Alpine tours require personal responsibility, suitable equipment and experience.

📚 Listed in: OpenStreetMap

Last updated: 13 Sep 2026 · Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)