The hike to the Brixner Hütte (2,282 m) in the Pfunderer Mountains is well suited to families and serves as a starting point for excursions to the Wilde Kreuzspitze summit and the Wilde See lake.
Start at the parking area (1,396 m), some 2.5 km above Vals/Valles passing the lower station of the Jochtal ski area ski lifts at Vals. Follow mountain trail no. 17 into the valley as far as Kurzkofelhütte mountain hut (1,422 m), then turn left onto the Milchsteig cattle track. Passing several winding bends, the trail leads to the mountain village on the Fane Alm mountain pasture (1,739 m). With its cluster of huts, roaming cattle and a small church, the picturesque rural settlement appeared in the earliest records as far back as 1450.
Follow trail no. 17 north, to the left of the Schieferschlucht gorge and the Schrame Waterfalls to a fork in the path. Continue slowly uphill along the same trail (no. 17), past the Pfannalm mountain hut to arrive at the Brixner Hütte mountain hut (2,270 m).
The shelter is run by the Brixen/Bressanone section of the South Tyrol Alpine Club (AVS) and is an ideal family hiking destination with fantastic views over the Valsertal Valley.
To return, follow the same track back to the starting point.