Kötztinger Hut – Rauchröhren rock formation loop from Arrach

Hiking trails & Routes

Kötztinger Hut – Rauchröhren rock formation loop from Arrach

Hard

4.9

(661)

1,985

hikers

Kötztinger Hut – Rauchröhren rock formation loop from Arrach

04:48

14.3km

580m

Hiking

Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: July 31, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that may be dangerous

A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.

After 5.52 km for 80 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

3.54 km

View of the Kaitersberg Ridge and the Kötzting Region

Highlight • Viewpoint

Do you still need words?
Just heavenly 😊
The way there is not marked.

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3.98 km

Kötztinger Hut

Highlight • Mountain Hut

The Kötztinger Hütte is a true hiking highlight.
In addition to delicious food and drinks, it offers a large terrace that is partly covered.

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4.71 km

View of the Kötztinger Hütte and the Zellertal from the Kaitersberg ridge

Highlight • Viewpoint

This is a wonderful tour that you should walk with good shoes. When you get to the Kötztinger Hütte, be sure to go inside.

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5.43 km

The name probably goes back to the Thirty Years' War, a time when the Swedes invaded the region.
The people from the settlements around the Kaitersberg fled into the dense forests to hide from the enemy army. But the fires, so desperately needed for warmth and cooking, risked betraying those who had fled.
Thus the fire was lit between the rock pillars - the smoke tubes - which were supposed to shield the treacherous glow from the enemies. The smoke rose along the rock formations and only became visible above - this is how the unusual name came about.
Findings of a cave and a well at the site suggest that this legend is based on a true event.

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5.55 km

Rauchröhren rock formation

Highlight • Natural Monument

The smoke tubes are a classic hiking destination that is worth visiting.
Striking rocks that are also used for climbing.

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5.57 km

Entrance to Rauchröhre

Highlight • Cave

6.81 km

Great Riedelstein

Highlight • Summit

From the highest elevation of the Kaitersberg at 1,132 meters, you have a fantastic panorama to all sides. The peak of the Great Riedelstein is decorated in 1909 for the hometown poet Maximilian Schmidt erected monument.

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9.47 km

Mountain Pass

14.3 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

8.17 km

4.28 km

1.46 km

271 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

6.10 km

5.80 km

1.23 km

782 m

210 m

121 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (1,100 m)

Lowest point (600 m)

Weather

Wednesday 7 October

19°C

8°C

95 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

May 3, 2022,Blick zur Kötztinger Hütte – Rauchröhren Runde von Vogelwiese

Great, very varied tour. Am thrilled:-)))

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May 28, 2022,Mittagsstein - Kötztinger Hütte - Rauchröhren - großer und kleiner Riedelstein

Mega beautiful tour, so varied and great panorama. We were mostly alone. Good shoes and sure-footedness should be available, from time to time difficult short passages, but still doable. Fantastic tour and absolutely recommendable🥰🥰🥰

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September 11, 2025,Wanderung zu den Rauchröhren - Kötztinger Hütte

Beautiful hike in thick fog.
Admittedly, today's hike did have a bit of a spooky feel. It was like a soup kitchen in the sky.
We started our hike from the Eck parking lot, with a day ticket for €2.
From the very beginning, it was uphill. First on wide forest roads and then on narrow but easily accessible forest …

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April 11, 2025,Großer Riedelstein - Rauchröhren- Mittagstein

A very beautiful hike with an alpine feel. It starts at the parking lot in Eck (parking meter - €2/day). The Goldsteig trail begins along a gently ascending forest road, which after about 1.5 km turns into a narrow hiking trail. Climbing the smoke pipes is a must!

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September 18, 2021,Rauchröhren – Blick zur Kötztinger Hütte Runde von Arrach

Very nice but also demanding tour. Surefootedness is definitely necessary. Not recommended in wet weather as there are many stones ...

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October 8, 2024,Von Eck hoch auf den Kaitersberg zum Großen Riedelstein und den Rauchröhren

After years, I climbed the Kaitersberg again, and it has lost none of its fascination. It seems mystical, especially when the mist is still washing over the peaks in the morning as you climb and the sun is casting slanting shadows. At the top, there is a wonderful semi-circular view over the Steinbühler Gesenk.
Always happy to shed a sweat!

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