Stubaier Höhenweg: Two and a half day Trail Running adventure in the heart of the alps

The Stubaier Höhenweg is one of those classic alpine trails that’s as tough as it is beautiful. Stretching across the Stubai Valley in Austria, it offers around 100 kilometers of rugged terrain, stunning mountain views, and an elevation gain of nearly 8,000 meters.

Last summer I had the chance to run this trail with four friends from Munich. Our goal? To complete the Stubaier Höhenweg in just two and a half days. Here’s how it went.

Day 1: Friday – Neustift to Starkenburger Hütte

After finishing work on Friday, we headed straight to Neustift, ready to kick off our weekend adventure. The first leg of the route took us up to the Starkenburger Hütte, sitting at 2,000 meters. The climb was steep, but the views over the valley made it all worth it. By the time we reached the hut, the sun was starting to dip behind the mountains, giving the landscape a golden glow. It felt great to have made it that far, and after a light dinner - the kitchen was already closed -, we went straight to bed to get some rest, knowing that we had two days of running ahead.

Day 2: Saturday – Starkenburger Hütte to Sulzenauhütte

Saturday greeted us with perfect weather—clear skies, crisp air, and the kind of quiet that only mountains can offer. We set off early, heading towards the Sulzenauhütte. This section of the trail was definitely one of the highlights. We ran through alpine meadows, crossed rocky ridges, and passed glaciers that looked like something out of a postcard. The views were absolutely stunning.

The Sulzenauhütte, at 2,190 meters, is one of the most scenic huts on the trail, with its panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers. We arrived pretty tired after more than 8 hours of running.

Day 3: Sunday – Sulzenauhütte to Neustift

Sunday marked the final leg of our trail run, and while the end was in sight, there was still plenty of ground to cover. The route from Sulzenauhütte back to Neustift was a mix of steep descents and gentle alpine meadows. The last 20 kilometers were tough, but there’s something about finishing a challenge like this that pushes you to keep going. We took our time, enjoying the changing landscapes and reflecting on everything we’d experienced over the past two days.

By the time we reached Neustift, we were exhausted but elated. Completing the Stubaier Höhenweg in two and a half days was no small feat, but it was a journey we’ll never forget.

Why you should run the Stubaier Höhenweg

The Stubaier Höhenweg is known for being one of the best hut-to-hut trails in the Alps, and for good reason. It takes you from the village of Neustift to the Stubai Glacier, passing through a range of alpine landscapes—everything from rocky ridgelines to lush meadows and crystal-clear lakes. The trail also offers a chance to experience some of the highest huts in Austria, where you can enjoy traditional Tyrolean food and soak in the hospitality of the local alpine communities.

Along the way, you’ll likely encounter some wildlife, like ibex, marmots, and maybe even eagles. The scenery is jaw-droppingly beautiful, and it’s hard not to feel a sense of accomplishment after completing such a challenging route.

Whether you’re an experienced trail runner or just looking to enjoy a multi-day hike through some of the most beautiful mountains in Europe, the Stubaier Höhenweg is definitely worth the effort.