recommended route
Bus to Vent and walk to Bellavista Hut
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Ascending the Rofental (valley)Photo: Sarah Stone, Macs Adventure
Today, you will divert from the standard E5 route. You will take the bus from Sölden to Vent. You will walk along the Rofental valley towards the Italian border and Bella Vista Lodge (Schone Aussicht).
Route: From Vent to Bella Vista Lodge (Schone Aussicht)
In the morning, you will take the bus (line 8400) from Sölden to Vent. In Vent, you’ll walk from Hotel Similaun towards Hochjoch Hostel. You will walk along the Rofental valley towards the Italian border and Bella Vista Lodge. This is your only overnight stay in a Mountain Hut on your trip. Make the most of this unique experience.
In Bella Vista Lodge (which boasts great views of the surrounding area), you’ll have your own private room. You’ll share showers and washing facilities with others on your floor. There is a wooden sauna in front of the lodge.
You won’t need a sleeping bag or towels for your stay in the lodge.
Author’s recommendation
On the signposts, the Bella Vista Hut called Schone Aussicht
You won’t need a sleeping bag or towels for your stay in the lodge. The Hochjoch Hostel is a great place to take a break.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
Today you may be walking past a few different areas where cows graze. Although generally very docile and used to walkers, keep your distance and never turn your back on a cow that is behaving strangely or aggressive. Be particularly vigilant around cows with calves.
Always allow plenty of time for your hike. The walking times indicated do not include breaks. Rest and photo breaks must be added to the times indicated.
Check the latest weather information and be on the lookout for changes in the weather. Storms can develop rapidly in the Alps.
Do not leave the marked hiking trails.
Tips and hints
You can get refrehsments at the Hochjoch Hostel, however opening times can vary. Be sure to carry enough food to keep you going for the day!
Points of Interest
Suspension bridge near Rofen: This suspension bridge is relatively short, but has a metal grid walkway that allows you to look down, and sways when you walk across it. If you want to avoid the suspension bridge, take the direct road access route to Rofen from Vent.
Hochjoch Hostel: A hostel located close to the halfway point; a great place to stop for a rest.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
From Sölden, take the bus to Vent; get off at the Hotel Similaun stop.
0.00 km - When you get off the bus, turn around so that the hotel is behind you. The bus stop for buses to Sölden is on your right. Walk straight on down the paved road and follow the road until it bends around to the right.
0.10 km - TURN LEFT; a sign for Spiegelbach will point you in the right direction. The road slopes downwards. The Rofenache glacial stream is on your right.
(PLEASE NOTE: If you do NOT want to cross the small suspension bridge, you should NOT turn left here. Instead, continue straight on and take the next left uphill. After approximately 100 metres, take a sharp left and follow the road [Rofenstraße] to Rofen.)
If you want to cross the suspension bridge, follow these directions:
0.20 km - Cross the bridge and follow the gravel path STRAIGHT AHEAD until you reach the Ochsenkopf lift, which will be on your left. To your left is the Niedertalbach river; to your right is the Rofenache glacial stream.
0.30 km - TURN RIGHT when you reach the Ochsenkopf lift and take the lower of the two gravel paths. Follow the yellow signs towards Rofen and the suspension bridge.
1.60 km - To your right is a cross and an information board on the Wildspitze mountain. Continue STRAIGHT AHEAD and follow the gravel path.
2.00 km - TURN RIGHT to access the suspension bridge. Cross the bridge and follow the path that slopes steeply upwards to the LEFT behind the suspension bridge.
2.10 km - To your right is a small chapel and a hotel. Keep RIGHT and then walk STRAIGHT AHEAD ascending the paved road. Once you reach the top, TURN LEFT and follow the wide gravel path one kilometre.
3.10 km - Cross the small bridge over the Mitterbach waterfall. Then continue STRAIGHT AHEAD on the gravel path.
3.60 km - Continue STRAIGHT ON on the gravel path. On your right is a sign for Vernagt Lodge. Ignore this path.
3.90 km - You will reach a goods cable lift. KEEP LEFT and follow the signs to Hochjoch Hostel. The path now becomes narrower.
4.70 km - Come to a path equipped with wire ropes. Watch where you’re walking and hold on to the wire ropes. After one kilometre, you’ll reach another section with wire ropes.
6.10 km - Cross the bridge over the Vernagtbach stream.
8.40 km - You have reached Hochjoch Hostel and can take a break here. Climb the last few metres to the Hochjoch Hostel via the path to your right. TURN LEFT if you want to continue on to Bella Vista Lodge, and follow the path downhill until you reach the Rofenache glacial stream.
9.00 km - Cross the bridge to the LEFT and follow the winding path upwards.
10.10 km - Continue STRAIGHT AHEAD and follow the signs to Bella Vista Lodge. Ignore the bridge on your left. Continue straight on along the slightly undulating path. Follow the red and red/white markings.
13.10 km - You will cross a waterfall. Take care as you walk along the wooden beams.
14.10 km - On your right is an old toll/customs house. Shortly afterwards, you’ll cross the Italian border. Follow the wide gravel path uphill until you come to Bella Vista Lodge.
15.00 km - Bella Vista Lodge is directly in front of you. Congratulations, you’ve reached today’s destination!
Note
Public transport
Morning: Bus no. 8400 from Sölden to VentCoordinates
Equipment
Always wear good walking boots with a robust sole, and take waterproofs with you. Don’t forget to take plenty of water with you (at least two litres) and to protect yourself against the sun. Trekking poles are recommended.
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