schladminger tauern high trail

The former mining settlement Schladming is now considered one of the biggest tourist magnets in Austria, especially important as a winter sports resort. The location of the city between the south walls of the Dachstein and the Schladminger Tauern, which is very much appreciated by mountain hikers, is magnificent. Schladming is a very good starting point for this hut tour. Handover of the travel documents at the hotel. (1 night)

In the morning you comfortably take the cable car from Rohrmoos to the summit plateau of the Hochwurzen. The alpine panorama trail over the mountain ridge to the south is the perfect start to the hiking tour. Over gentle grass ridges and clear forest, the trail leads first to the Latterfußsattel and over extensive alpine rose fields on the Guschen. A little more demanding, but always secured, is the second part of the tightrope walk. In the alternation of descents and counter-ascents, the first, attractively located mountain lake – the Brettersee – is reached. The Ignaz-Mattis-hut will soon be in sight. It impresses with its unique location on a hill above the Greater Giglachsee. (1 night)
Hiking: 5 hours (approx. 10 km, ascent 783 m in height / descent: 615 m in height)

One of the adventure points of today's stage is the hike along the high alpine Giglachseen and in the further course of the Knappenseen in the Vetternkar. Until the 19th century, the mountains around were mining sites for various ores – including cobalt, nickel and silver. An old mining dwelling still bears witness to where 200 miners once lived all year round. The trail leads further up to the flat summit ridge of the Rotmandlspitze with a wonderful view of the Giglachkar and Duisitzkar. Over extensive snow or scree fields, the path continues down to the Krukeckscharte. At the foot of the Zinkwand, where ores of cobalt used to be unearthed, lies today's destination, the Keinprechthut, at 2,187 m above sea level. (1 night)
Hiking: 3 hours (approx. 6 km, ascent: 511 m in height / descent 640 m in height)

Today you start the high-altitude trail over alpine pastures and rocky sections and cross the Trockenbrotscharte. If you are looking forward to a snack, the Landawirseehütte on the lake of the same name is recommended. From the Gollingscharte one walks in serpentines down a scree field to the green Gollingwinkel. Surrounded by mighty mountain giants, the flat Almboden resembles an open-air theatre and is therefore often referred to as place of gods. A short time later you reach the Gollinghut at the foot of the highest mountain in Styria, the Hochgolling. It is situated not far from a rushing waterfall on a terrain step at the end of the Steinriesental, which is one of the most beautiful valleys in Austria. (1 night)
Hiking: 5-6 hours (approx. 9 km, ascent 975 m in height / descent: 1,178 m in height)

Look forward to the royal stage of the high trail today! The abundance of lakes of the Schladminger Tauern is not as complete as it is on this section. From the summit of the Greifenberg you get an excellent overview of the approximately 30 lakes, surrounded by dark green moss carpets, of the Klafferkessel, on a former glacier floor. Like a labyrinth, the path winds from one charming pond to the next. Over a terrain threshold, the so-called Klafferscharte, you leave the protected landscape and reach the Lämmerkar. You find rich alpine flora, which thrives on the way down to the valley floor. Finally you reach the Preintaler Hut. (1 night)
Hiking: 5-6 hours (approx. 8 km, ascent: 1,013 m in height / descent: 1001 m in height)

The way back to the valley first follows a rushing stream to the Kotalm. Continue through an extensive alpine landscape to the deep green Riesachsee. Highly recommended is the visit of the Riesach waterfall, which plunges a total of 140 meters over two cataracts into the valley. The element of water can be felt here in its purest power. From the Gfölleralm, the theme trail "Wild Waters" is supplemented with interesting explanations. This leads over meadows and through the forest with cozy inns and alpine huts that invite you to take a break. Quietly and slowly, the Talbach now meanders through the Tettermoor and continues to the Toteisboden, with its natural canal and ventilation system from the Ice Age, which offers special conditions for this unique plant world. The wild stream Talbach accompanies you until the end of the tour. (1 night in the ***Hotel in Schladming or Rohrmoos-Untertal)
Hiking: 5-6 hours (approx. 18,6 km, ascent: 349 m in height / descent: 1,239 m in height)

For all those who want to spend even more time in Schladming or the surrounding area, additional overnight stays can be booked. One of many places to visit is Ramsau and the surrounding high plateau at an altitude of 1100 to 1700 m, which is directly adjacent to the south walls of the Dachstein massif. Otherwise individual departure from Schladming or Rohrmoos-Untertal.