Oberer Sattelkopf

Overview

Oberer Sattelkopf Summit Cross with Watze (3534m) and Serfaus

Oberer Sattelkopf measures 2596 meters above sea level and is part of the long ridge connecting Zwolferkopf (2596m) in the NE with Planskopf (2805m) in the SW. In-between are Oberer- & Hinterer Sattelkopf (2670m) and Vorderer Brunnenkopf (2682m). The full ridge of mountains can be seen very well, especially from Serfaus (1427m). A famous hiking route in this part of the Samnaun group leads over the entire ridge of these mountains starting at Oberer Sattelkopf and ending at the highest peak of the ridge: Planskopf at 2805 meters. This hiking trail is not too difficult and very popular: T3+.  Oberer Sattelkopf can be climbed best during the summer months plus in spring and fall, when there is no snow present on the mountain.

Summit view towards Zwolferkopf and Fisser Joch

View from the ridge to Oberer Sattelkopf

Oberer Sattelkopf is the second highest peak of the ‘4 brothers’ carrying the same name. To the west of Oberer Sattelkopf is the highest one: Hinterer Sattelkopf (2670m)  and towards the south of it are, in this order: Mittlerer Sattelkopf (2320m) and Unterer Sattelkopf (2091m).

Oberer Sattelkopf is located in the (far) eastern part of the Samnaun Group. The only peak more to the east is Zwolferkopf (2596m) and the altitude of the ridge decreases further to the East-NE down to the village of Fliess, which marks the ending of the Samnaun Group mountains. Because of this position on the edge of the Samaun Group one can enjoy the perfect summit view, especially towards the north and east. Towards the north rises the Venet region with Glanderspitze, towards the east the Kaunergrat, towards the southeast the Glockturmkamm and towards the west the Samnaun Group.

The summit Cross and Rotpleiskopf (2936m)

Oberer Sattelkopf (2596m) from Fiss

Routes Overview

Oberer Sattelkopf Route MAP

There are several good options for climbing Oberer Sattelkopf. Both routes are fairly easy mountain hikes with gradations of T3 or less. Choosing a route really depends on the effort one would like to make for reaching this summit. I will describe the main routes in further detail in this section.

Route I From Fisser Joch

On Trail towards Sattelkopf

The easiest, shortest and most popular route for climbing Oberer Sattelkopf is by starting at the Fisser Joch. The route starts at the top station of the Schonjochbahn which is also called Berg diamant (Mountain Diamond).  So take the Schonjochbahn up from Fiss. When you exit the cablecar you will find yourself already at 2436 meters of altitude. You can spot the big yellow signposts at once. Go there and take a left in the direction of the Oberer Sattelkopf –Gratweg and Planskopf. The trail is named ‘’Trail 23’’. Follow the trail in a W-SW direction. Soon you will pass underneath Zwolferkopf (2596m) and the large summit cross of Oberer Sattelkopf comes into sight. Keep following the trail which goes onto the Grat (the ridge) after you have passed Zwolferkopf.  On the ridge the route steepens a bit and goes up in a straight line to the summit cross. In about 50 minutes to an hour you will find yourself on the summit of Oberer Sattelkopf.

Route II From Steinech

Oberer Sattelkopf (2596m) from Serfaus

Another worthwile option for climbing Oberer Sattelkopf is starting from Steinegg at 1920 meters of altitude. Take the Schonjochbahn from Fiss and exit at the first stop. This is Steinegg. (The second and last stop is the Fisser Joch). Take the
‘Naturthermenweg’’, a broad path marked in orange on the map above and follow it in a western direction. At the first junction leave this broad path and follow hiking trail number 11 towards the Oberer Sattelkopf. At this point the trail becomes steeper and leads to Mittlerer Sattelkopf at 2320 meters. Keep following trail number 11 and after a steep hike you will reach Oberer Sattelkopf at 2596 meters. This route is a relatively steep, well-marked hiking trail with a gradation of T3. It takes 2 to 2,5 hours from Steinech to the summit. Of course it is also possible to start from Fiss (1436m). Take route 9 or 10 up to Steinegg from Fiss, or route 8 to the Moseralm and further up where it joins route 11. Starting from Fiss adds another 1,5 hours to the ascent time.

How to get there

How to get There Map

Fiss (& Serfaus and Ladis) are located in the heart of Tirol and can be reached most easily by car.  The official website of Serfaus-Fiss and Ladis includes a route-planner. Fill in your home address for your route information. The route planner can be found here. This link also provides information about Train & Bus schedules as well as Taxi services.

When to climb

Trail 23 towards Sattelkopf and Planskopf

Oberer Sattelkopf can be climbed best during the summer months and in Fall (June / October) when there is no snow present on the mountain.

Maps and books

External Links

Fiss and Serfaus

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis cableway system: Operating Times and Prices

Bergfex  Weather Fiss and Serfaus

Accomodation  in Fiss

Weather