Neumarkte Ronde to the Olperer Hūtte.

The day dawned unexpectedly bright and sunny. We made a quick decision to do this high level circular walk after booking in at the Dominikus for a couple more nights. The breakfast was rather disappointing considering the accessibility, no fruit or eggs, so we were away early.  Back along the road to pick up the signed way, 535, a gradually ascending good path up the side valley, the unpronounceable  Unterschrammachbach.  Lots of people were descending from an overnight Saturday at the hut, suggesting a cramped and noisy night. Fast flowing streams were crossed on new bridges until we met up with the Berliner Höhenweg in a large mountain bowl under the Olperer 3220m. Four lads were heading up to an unseen pass leading to the Geraes Hütte.  Signposts put us on our more modest way switchbacking across the contours coinciding with The Peter Habeler Way [the famous alpine and Himalayan mountaineer haling from Mayrhofen] This route, established in 2006, was well paved with slabs of rock – how do they move them? Views down to the Schlegeis lake and up to the Hochfeiler became more impressive as we moved round. Eventually the Olperer Hütte came into sight on its perch looking most unimpressive from an architectural  point of view, ‘hen-house’ was the phrase we used. It was rebuilt in 2006 and was certainly impressive inside. We sat on the balcony with our teawasser [stingy Brits] enjoying the view down the valley. A group of pygmy goats entertained us below. The way down was heavily used and unpleasant until it entered the pine forest before reaching the road. People seemed to be ascending late in the day. We were back fairly early in the Dominikus enjoying a Radler [citrus shandy beer] and chatting to the family [see quote of the day]. the hut seemed to get busier as the evening went on. Dumplings and sauerkraut were on the menu!

Morning view from the balcony.

Unterschrammachbache.

The upper bowl.

Looking back down hanging valley.

Well paved Peter Habeler Way

Olperer Hutte coming up.

Sandwich with a view.

Dumpling – you have to be there.

Quote of the day – “the sun shines on the right shoes”  our hosts’  misinterpretation of righteous!