Sometimes, all you need is a little time alone. No signal, no noise. Just a pair of trail shoes, a gpx track on your watch, and the promise of three days somewhere high above everything else. That was the idea behind this trip: crossing the Pfunderer Höhenweg from St. Georgen to Sterzing in two and a half days, running against the usual direction, chasing something I couldn’t quite name.

Day 1 – St. Georgen to Edelrauthütte

This route doesn’t start gently. It climbs early, it climbs long, and it makes sure you know you’re in for something serious. But the reward is just as clear: high alpine silence, open views, and the rare rhythm of moving entirely alone. The Edelrauthütte appeared in the late afternoon, tucked between rocks and snow. A hard day, but a good one. Exactly what I came for.

Day 2 – Sunrise and Heavy Legs

Hut nights are rarely restful, and this one was no different. I left early to catch sunrise from the summit behind the hut. Cold, steep, quiet—and absolutely worth it. The sky caught fire, the ridges lit up, and for a moment, everything made sense.

The trail that followed turned out tougher than expected. It looked manageable on the map, but my legs were still feeling day one. Every climb took effort. Every step needed focus. But eventually, I made it to the next hut. Tired, content, and calm.

Day 3 – A Peak Before the Finish

The final day was supposed to be easy. Mostly downhill to Sterzing. But with perfect weather and just enough energy left, I made a change. Left the trail, climbed the hut’s home mountain, and stood one last time above 3000 meters. Not a soul in sight. Just sun, stone, and stillness.

The descent that followed was pure trail joy—nearly 20 kilometers of smooth singletrack dropping into the valley. Fast, flowing, and full of everything I love about moving through mountains.

What Comes Next?

This wasn’t a project long time in the making. I decided to go just three days before. But maybe that’s why it mattered. No expectations, no pressure. Just a quiet check-in with myself. Was it a last goodbye before our move to China? Maybe. Maybe not.