A long climb with a panoramic view
The length and considerable differences in altitude make this a strenuous hike with some really special scenic vistas to be had along the way, especially on the summit. Some sections of the fairly narrow Touristensteig path are exposed and the climb up to the mountain ridge is steep, at times without any signs of a track.
Starting point: Plan/Pfelders
Endpoint: Plan/Pfelders
Refreshment stop: none, bivouac
Starting at the parking lot in Plan/Pfelders, briefly pass through the village before bending right and head downhill to the Edelweiss Hotel . Cross the bridge on the left and take the right turning to the northwest direction until you reach a grove of larch trees. After passing the next bridge, continue along trail no. 6a to the top of the hill. From here, avoid descending into the valley but continue instead up the steep slope towards the mountain neck along the winding track passing through a number of tight turns. Then follow (6b) as it bends right towards the ridge along the Kreuzjoch ridge.
Proceed along the ridge before reaching the Touristensteig trail no. 47. Turn to the right northeast, above the "Stierweide" pasture before coming to very steep ridge. After that, the terrain becomes easier. Continue northeast as far as a rocky crag above trail 44. Bend right along the unmarked trail and climb steeply northwards at the nearby mountain neck. Turn right to the east along the wide ridge on trail no. 2 to reach the Rauhesjoch ridge. Alternatively, follow the Touristensteig path and turn just before you get to the ledge on the left before climbing west and then north on the gravel road to reach the ridge (2).
The way down from the Rauhesjoch ridge to Kreuzjoch ridge is on trail 2, 44 & 47.
Having reached Kreuzjoch, return to Plan/Pfleders on 6b and at the end 6a.
Source: "Wanderführer Passeiertal " - Heinz Widmann
From Merano / Meran to the Passeier Valley in direction of Passo Rombo until Plan / Pfelders.