Hike to the Haniger and Plafötsch Mountain Huts

The Torri del Vajolet in the Catinaccio set the scene for this easy hike to the mountain huts above Tires

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At the 8th hairpin bend between Tires and the Passo Nigra, there is the starting point of our walk.
Foto: AT, © Peer
This is where the forested trail starts, leading to the Haniger Schwaige mountain hut.
Foto: AT, © Peer
We follow the signposts 7 and 7A.
Foto: AT, © Peer
On two paths you can reach the mountain hut: there is a cut-off (mark no. 7) or an easy forested path (no. 10). We take the faster alternative.
Foto: AT, © Peer
After a quite rough ascent, the forest opens up near a mountain hut.
Foto: AT, © Peer
In front of us, the Haniger Schwaige, located at the foot of the Vajolet pinnacles.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Local treats offered at the mountain hut.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Behind the mountain hut, there is a little playground and, likewise interesting, a small animal compound.
Foto: AT, © Peer
We decide to walk down the path no. 10, which is longer but less steep.
Foto: AT, © Peer
It takes across the Angelwiesen meadows, providing a great view of the surrounding landscape.
Foto: AT, © Peer
An eye-catcher: the Catinaccio mountain range.
Foto: AT, © Peer
After the junction with the path on which we came, the route no. 10 leads over the Angelbach river.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Across the clear forest, we walk to the meadows of the Plafetsch mountain hut.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The saffron lily at the wayside is a feast for the eyes.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Our last destination is the Plafötsch mountain hut. This is where we stop for a cup of coffee and to enjoy the sun.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Back to the starting point: the path no. 7 is the fastest route for returning.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The path in the forest is well-kept, except for a short section along the river.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Repeatedly the path joins the forested road taking us back to the Passo Nigra mountain pass.
Foto: AT, © Peer

From the village of Tires, the road winds up to the Passo Nigra, directly below the legendary Catinaccio. Almost at the top, near hairpin bend 8, a small car park marks the start of our walk to the Haniger Schwaige Hut and the Plafötsch, or Plafetsch, Hut.

First, we follow forest track 7A and then the slightly steeper path 7. These paths take us to the tree line, where we stand directly beneath the Torri del Vajolet in the Catinaccio. The Haniger Schwaige Hut lies ahead of us at 1,937 metres above sea level. Because we set off late and it is already midday, we decide to enjoy the delicious local food prepared by the hut owners.

Soon we are on the move again, following path 10. The route heads down to the Angelwiesen meadows, and then into the valley of the Angelbach stream within the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park. We cross path 7 at a spot we passed during our ascent and continue over the bridge.

We stay on path 10 until we arrive at the Plafetsch Hut. It enjoys an enviable location at 1,570 metres a.s.l., and the surrounding meadows are perfect for relaxing in the sun. Our return journey takes us along path 7 and track 7A. After 3.5 hours we arrive back at the Passo Nigra road.

Author: AT

Experienced: July 2012
Last updated: 2026

alpine pasture hike suited for families circular route difficulty: moderate

Starting point:

road to the Passo Nigra, hairpin bend no. 8 (near bus station)
Overall time:

03:30 h
Total route length:

9,6 km
Altitude:

from 1.522 m to 1.916 m
Altitude difference (uphill | downhill):

+502 m | -502 m
Signposts:

no. 7A, 7, 10, 7, 7A
Destination:

Haniger Schwaige Hut, Plafetsch Hut
Resting points:

Haniger Schwaige Hut (May to October/November), Plafetsch Hut (June to early September)
Recommended time of year:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Download GPX track:

Hike to the Haniger and Plafötsch Mountain Huts
More information:

The overall time shown above refers to the walking time only, not including breaks or stops.