Story: Ibex meets panorama – off to the Leutkircher Hut

Experience pure alpine nature: afternoon hike from the Omaela Apartments to the Leutkircher Hut – with panoramic views, rocky landscapes, and ibex sightings. Duration: approx. 2.5 hours.

Anyone spending their summer vacation in St. Anton am Arlberg longs for exercise, fresh mountain air, and, of course, impressive views—which is exactly what our afternoon hike to the Leutkircher Hut offers, starting and ending directly at the Omaela Apartments.

On June 24, we did this beautiful loop ourselves – ideal for a spontaneous afternoon tour. And we can tell you: it was fantastic!

We start at our home – the Omaela Apartments

The Nassereinbahn valley station is just 100 meters away from our house. It couldn't be more convenient! It is open this summer because maintenance work is being carried out on the Gampenbahn.

We take the Nassereinbahn up to the Gampen – and from there we continue with the Kapallbahn to 2,330 m. Our actual hike starts from up here.

Hiking on the “Lower High Trail” to the Leutkircher Hut

The Lower High Trail leads through varied alpine landscape – partly rugged rocks, partly flowering mountain meadows and lots of gentians. After just a few minutes, you are immersed in the rugged, tranquil beauty of the St. Anton mountains.

Along the way, there are fantastic views – of the Stanzertal valley, the Rendl, the Galzig and the impressive peaks all around.

With a little luck, you may see marmots, chamois, or ibexes – we were very fortunate to observe an ibex very close to us. A magical moment!

Arrival & descent

After about an hour's walk, you reach the charming Leutkircher Hut. Of course, you can also stop for a bite to eat – we decided not to on this day and enjoyed the view instead.

For the way back, we descend to the Putzenalpe and continue down into the valley to St. Anton am Arlberg – a beautiful, sometimes somewhat steep descent. Then it's a relaxed walk back to the Omaela Apartments – the perfect end to this little break in the mountains can be found on the terrace or in the private sauna in the apartment (for those who can handle a little more heat or want to regenerate).

Facts about the tour at a glance

Start/finish: Omaela Apartments, St. Anton am Arlberg
Duration: approx. 2:30 hours (pure walking time)
Ascent: With the Nasserein & Kapall cable cars
Route: Lower high trail to the Leutkircher Hut
Elevation gain: approx. 190 m uphill, ~1,000 m downhill in total
Distance: approx. 9.5 km
Special features: ibexes, marmots, great views, peaceful nature
Refreshment stops: Leutkircher Hut, Putzenalpe

Our conclusion

This tour is ideal for a summer afternoon: not too long, technically easy – but still giving you the real feeling of being out in the mountains. If you are looking for nature and tranquility, this is the place for you. You should be sure-footed and have a head for heights.

We highly recommend it – and we love it when our guests set off from our hotel and come back in the evening with smiles on their faces and rosy cheeks.