Gafri Weg – the Stuben culture & high-altitude hiking trail

Directions

You start in Stuben and follow the village road through the pedestrian zone to the end of town at the avalanche protection wall. Cross the road and follow the Stubner Rundwanderweg (circular hiking trail), slightly uphill towards the Flexenpass, past small alpine huts and shortly after the "Mondschein hut" cross again over the stream to the right onto the gravel path. At the end of the gravel path, cross the Flexenbach again at the waterfall and climb steeply up the Franz-Josef-Weg (zigzag path) in the direction of the Flexenpass/Zürs. Up there you already have the first great view of Stuben.

Cross the road and follow the signposted Gafri path, always above the Flexenpass tunnel gallery - past the Hölltobel (ravine), small mountain huts and alpine stables in the direction of Alpe Rauz. There it is worth stopping at the Rasthaus Valfagehr (kiosk). Now follow the hiking trail through the Rauztobel (ravine) down in the direction of Stuben - at the end of the ravine cross the bridge to the right and you're back at the starting point.

Suggestions

Special features: The Flexenpass road is one of the most spectacular roads in the Alps, having been carved directly into the mountain from Stuben to Lech since more than 125 years.

Sights: Flexenpass gallery, European watershed, Flexenpass, Hölltobel (ravine)

Refreshments: Flexenhäusl, Rasthaus Valfagehr, restaurants in Stuben

Equipment

Sturdy shoes (ankle-high), clothing appropriate for the weather, rain & sun protection, cell phone for emergencies, possibly hiking poles (especially for the descent), enough liquid & possibly small mountain snack.

Safety information

https://www.vorarlberg.travel/en/safety-tips-on-the-mountain/

140 – Alpine emergencies in Austria

112 – Euro emergency number (if you do not have any mobile phone reception in the event of an emergency, switch off your phone, turn back on again and enter 112 instead of the pin code or press the SOS button)