The Hirschpleiskopf is easily visible from the apartment and a beautiful hike in summer and autumn. Especially at the end of September, beginning of October it is ideal for a sunrise tour...

For us it is October 17, 04:50 in the morning in St. Anton am Arlberg. The alarm clock rings and it's high time - because we want to be on the Hirschpleiskopf in time for sunrise. Predicted sunrise is at 07:36, until then we have just under 1,500 meters of altitude to cover....

So we get up, do the morning routine, go to the kitchen to complete the already prepared backpack, check the equipment again and off we go. Meeting point with Günter and Andreas is at 05:30 in St. Jakob am Arlberg, until then we go by e-bike. From St. Jakob we drive by car to the Putzenalpe - of course this would also be possible on foot or by bike/e-bike, but then you have to get up a little earlier.

At the Putzenalpe we park and then we start on foot at about 05:50 in the dark in the direction of Leutkircher Hütte. First along the road, then along the hiking trail, which then becomes quite steep. Equipped with headlamps and good clothes we need not quite 1 hour to the Leutkircher hut, on the way we also meet a fox, which keeps us well in the eye. With every minute the mood becomes more beautiful, it is already impressive when you only recognize the black silhouettes of the mountain ranges.

On the Leutkircher 1 minute break to drink and then it's still the last climb up to the Hirschpleiskopf. Looks from the Leutkircher hut very simple - would be it, however, came with the pace, which Günter had presented, but a little spice to it :)

At Hirschpleiskopf we were then pretty much exactly 07:10 clock - so early genu, to arrive in peace, to sign the summit book, change clothes and make preparations for the sunrise (in terms of photo, drone & Co).

Also the views before sunrise are already breathtaking:

Andi gets another short briefing on the DJI drone to get some impressions from "above" as well and at 07:36 sharp the sun actually comes over the mountain peaks...

You have to enjoy these moments. A view with an indescribable distant view, the Stanzer valley in view, the numerous sugared peaks and a breathtaking, warm light lets "the day begin".

We try to capture these impressions in the best possible way, even if we ourselves pause briefly in between and let the moments take effect. The peace, the views, the rough nature, the beauty.

All the emotions make us forget the noticeable cold, but after a few minutes we put on a layer and even Andi manages to put his signature in the summit book...

With unforgettable moments and more than 500 pictures in the box, we then start our descent at 08:00, after all we all have to get back to our desks.

The way down is also packed with perfect camera motifs at this time of the day with wonderful light and the best weather conditions...

Back at the Omaela

At home we are at 9:30 o'clock. Even if the tiredness now drags along a bit through the day - it was all worth it and we will definitely repeat.

Important therefore:

Start early enough so you don't miss anything and still have some time for nice photos, changing clothes etc. before sunrise.
Good shoes are of course an advantage, especially when everything is wet and slippery in the morning due to the hoarfrost.
Pack warm clothes - on the Hirschpleiskopf it can be quite fresh at this time of year and the wind can push the temperature down significantly.
A tea does you good at the cross of the Hirschpleiskopf. With and without rum.
Don't forget at the great sunrise to also look behind you - Patteriol, Leutkircher Hütte, Valluga etc. are also beautiful with the first rays of sun.
Also take some time for the descent to capture this mood and these moments as well - so it's best to leave the camera unpacked right away.

Autumn vacation on the Arlberg

This sunrise hike is of course also a hot tip for guests in our Omaela Apartments in St. Anton am Arlberg. The tour can be started directly from the apartment and back in the apartment you can quickly and easily warm up and relax with the private sauna. For breakfast there is fresh bread service, for Instagram stories and posts super-fast Wi-Fi and against fatigue either fine Nespresso coffee or a cozy fine box spring bed.