Gampe Thaya

Walkers who complete the 640 vertical metres from Sölden to Gampe Thaya have earned a little reward – or even a big one! Whatever your taste and however big your appetite, this charming hut offers everything from cheese fondue (book in advance) to a healthy salad with thin slices of beef. The Gamapa Thaya is famous for its food. "They serve first class food either outside on the terrace or in one of the cosy wood-panelled rooms," explains author and hut expert Irene Prugger. Don't forget to try some of the "Gampe Kaas" cheese made using milk from local Tirolean Grauvieh cows. Hut owner Jakob Prantl makes this cheese himself in a mobile dairy which is parked up on the high pastures in summer. The farm shop on site sells cheese, schnapps, sausages and woollen socks – all homemade, of course.
The hike starts at the church in the centre of Sölden. Behind the church there is a trail which leads left up a steep slope to the settlement of Plöden. Right in front of the small lake, take the path left into the forest and follow the "Leiterberg Trail". After a while the trail meets the Hochsöldenstraße. Take a sharp left here and, after just a few metres, turn right into the forest. From here the trail leads to Gampe Thaya, surrounded on all sides by lush alpine meadows.