Hiking Tip: Suspension Bridge Loop on the Sunnenseit’n Trail

A scenic fall and winter hike starting right from the Hotel Augarten in Neustift

Published on 10/12/26

Sometimes the most beautiful hikes are right on your doorstep. For us, the suspension bridge loop hike on the Sunnenseit’n Weg is definitely one of them. Especially in late fall, when things are already quieting down at the higher-altitude alpine pastures, this hike on the sunny side of Neustift is well worth it. And best of all: You can take advantage of the many hiking perks offered by our specialized hiking hotel in Neustift, set off directly from the hotel, and simply leave your car behind.

The Hike at a Glance

• Start and finish: right at our Berg Genuss Hotel Augarten in Neustift
  Alternative starting point: Bachertalweg hiking parking lot, approx. 1,040 m
• Walking time: approx. 3 hours from the hiking parking lot; longer from the hotel
• Distance: approx. 7.7 to 8.2 km from the hiking parking lot
• Elevation gain: approx. 400 meters of elevation gain and loss
• Difficulty: Moderate, red mountain trail
• Highlights: Suspension bridge, Neustiftblick viewing platform, and the small farm stand at the Pfurtschellhöfe
• Best time: Fall and snow-free winter days when trail conditions are safe

Hike: Suspension Bridge Loop on the Sunnenseit’n Trail

1. Directly from the hotel to the hiking trail

From the Berg Genuss Hotel Augarten, start by turning left toward the center of Neustift. Passing the church and the small shops, follow the path through town until you reach the Pardeller Bakery. Shortly after that, the Bachertalweg branches off to the right.

Now the trail goes uphill for a short distance to the Bachertalweg hiking parking lot. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to get from the hotel to this point.

The actual climb begins at the parking lot. Follow the yellow trail markers to the left into the forest. The trail winds steeply uphill in several switchbacks. You’ll really be out of breath right at the start! After this initial climb, the hike becomes more pleasant, and you’ll reach the Sunnenseit’n Weg, which truly lives up to its name.

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2. The highlight: the suspension bridge high above Neustift

About 1 hour and 15 minutes from the hiking parking lot, you’ll reach the suspension bridge. Spanning 110 meters, it stretches about 50 meters over the abyss. It does take a bit of courage to cross it, but the experience is truly something special.

Be sure to take some time afterward to visit the Neustiftblick observation deck above the bridge. From here, you can look out over the rooftops of Neustift, across to the Elfer, and far into the Stubai Valley all the way to the glacier region.

This place is especially beautiful on clear autumn days, when the larch trees are adorned with their golden-yellow needles and the first mountain peaks are already dusted with snow.

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3. Back to Neustift via the Pfurtschellhöfe

After crossing the suspension bridge, follow the Sunnenseit’n Trail toward the Pfurtschellhöfe. The trail winds through the sunny slopes above the Stubai Valley and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains at every turn.

The descent toward Neder begins at the Pfurtschellhöfe. The route takes you gently downhill along meadow paths and forest roads. Once you reach the valley floor, follow the flat riverside path back to Neustift. This completes the loop, and you’ll return to the Hotel Augarten.

Our recommendation for a lovely souvenir from the Stubai Valley:
At the Pfurtschellhöfe, there’s a small, self-service craft shop where you can find woodwork items, such as hearts and other creative decorative pieces. The farm shop is open daily (including Sundays and holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A nice hike even in winter?

On snow-free winter days, the sunny side above Neustift can certainly be inviting for a hike. However, part of the route runs through a shaded forest, and the initial ascent is quite steep. Snow, ice, and frozen patches can make the hike considerably more difficult.

That’s why we recommend this loop in winter only when trail conditions are safe and suitable. Crampons (snow chains for hiking boots) are highly recommended and ensure a safe and enjoyable hike, even when it’s icy.
It’s best to check with us before setting out to see if the trail is currently passable. It’s also particularly important to make sure the suspension bridge is accessible.

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Our Hiking Extras for Your Vacation in the Stubai Valley:

As a hiking hotel in Neustift in the Stubai Valley that specializes in active vacations, we want to make planning as easy as possible for you.

• Our central location right in the heart of the hiking area offers you the perfect conditions for a carefree hiking vacation.
• You can borrow hiking poles for free, subject to availability, and we also provide hiking backpacks at no charge.
• Your hiking boots will find a home in our on-site hiking room, which features a boot dryer.
• In addition, during the summer, you’ll receive the free STUBAI.SUPER.CARD, which includes free mountain rail rides, and the hiking bus, whose stop is just 50 meters from the hotel.

As specialists in hiking vacations in the Stubai Valley, we place a special emphasis on personalized advice. Helga and Stefan are happy to help you choose a hike and offer tips on the weather, your fitness level, and trail conditions. You’ll find more hiking ideas every day in our morning newsletter and once a week during Stefan’s talk on the “Hikeable Stubai Valley.”

From June through September, free guided hikes are also offered weekly. Those who like to get an early start can join Helga once a week for her approximately 45-minute morning run (at 7:00 a.m.).

Our Vital Breakfast in the morning provides the energy you need.
And after the hike? The saunas, steam rooms, the atmospheric relaxation room, and a few cozy hours await you at the Augartl Spa.

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Here’s another personal tip from us:

For the suspension bridge hike, you should wear sturdy hiking boots and bring something to drink. Especially in November, the days are already short, and temperatures in the shade can be significantly lower than on the sunny stretches.

Feel free to stop by the front desk for a quick visit before you head out. We’ll check the current conditions together and, if needed, suggest a suitable alternative for your trip.

“We at the Berg Genuss Hotel wish you an exciting suspension bridge loop hike and an unforgettable hiking vacation with us in Neustift in the Stubai Valley!”

For more hiking tips and trails, check out our Augarten Magazine:
HERE

Helga & Stefan
from the Berg Genuss Hotel in Neustift in the Stubai Valley

Source:
https://www.stubai.at/aktivitaeten/wandern/sunnenseitn-weg/