Public-Transport Alpine Hikes Feature Dobratsch and Similaun Routes

Two Alpine hiking guides highlight how public transport can be used to reach mountain trails. The first describes the Naturpark‑Bus (line 5164) that runs from Villach Hauptbahnhof to the Rosstratte on the Dobratsch, the “Villacher Alpe” near Villach, Austria. The service operates May‑October on Wednesdays, Saturdays and holidays, costs €7.50 for adults (free for children under 18), and provides a convenient 53‑minute ascent to the 1,700‑metre parking area before hikers continue to the summit.

The second guide outlines a cross‑border trek from Vernagt in South Tyrol, Italy, to the Similaunhütte at 3,019 m on the Austria‑Italy border. Travelers start in Munich on an ÖBB RailJet to Bozen, then take bus 261 to Vernagt. The route crosses the Alpine main ridge, passes the retreating Similaun glacier and the Ötzi discovery site, and warns of rapid altitude gain that may cause acute mountain sickness. Overnight accommodation is suggested at the lower Martin‑Busch‑Hütte, with the Similaunhütte used for a brief summit stay.