Zischgenscharte

The descent on the north side has been newly secured (August '24): new wire rope, well secured, and 2 short ladders. If you are climbing from the north, make sure you wait if someone is descending. Descenders can dislodge small stones, so wait outside the possible fall line!

Dear hiking friends,
We planned to hike from the Westfalenhaus via the Zischgenscharte to the Pforzheimer Hut on Thursday, July 17, 2025. This is a classic stage of the Sellrain Circuit. It had rained almost the entire day before, so the Zischgenscharte was probably very well covered in snow. We had neither gloves nor crampons with us. The hut warden at the Westfalenhaus forbade us from going over it. We then climbed around the bottom to the Pforzheimer Hut. We descended to Lüsens, took a taxi to St. Sigmund (€70), and climbed up to the hut. In retrospect, this was the better decision. You read about too many rescue operations in the Alps these days. Mostly by overconfident hikers without the appropriate equipment and preparation. Listen to the hut wardens and actively ask questions.
Best wishes and have a good trip.

In serpentines, the steep ascent via block fields to the Scharte. Even in summer, there may still be a lot of snow, good footwear and sure-footedness are prerequisites for the ascent. Partly the paths are secured with wire ropes. From the Zischgenscharte you can climb up to the beautiful Schöntalspitze, where a breathtaking view awaits you.