BergeSeen Trail Stage 22
From the Rieder Hut to the Hochleckenhaus Lodge (5 to 6 hours)
This difficult path features significant changes in elevation and should only be accessed during good mountain weather. If there is substantial snow coverage, navigation can be problematic.
From the Rieder Hut, the trail heads north-west along the well-built path No. 820 to the Great Eiblgrube, which must be circumvented along its southern edge. Soon afterward, a trail junction is reached. A trail to the right ascends to the Eiblgupf Peak (1813 m). Our route continues left, ascending to a rock slab. Afterwards the trail continues upwards along the unmarked and difficult Hirschlucksteig path. It follows a large arch around the craggy and pine-covered Brunnkogel Peak to a spring. From there, the path becomes more difficult as it ascends through mountain pines and karst formations to the 1827-metre Grünalmkogel Mountain. The highest point of the Grünalmkogel is bypassed to the north. From there, the route descends for a length of time on a narrow path along the south-western ridge until reaching the Pfaffengrabenhöhe Peak (1691 m).
The trail heads towards the north-west and makes a long descent into the Pfaffengraben (1345 m). Directly on the other side, the same elevation must again be ascended until reaching a trail marker north of the Jagerköpfl Peak. Here the Schafluckensteig trail from the ‘Hinterer’ Langbath Lake arrives from the right. From this point, it isn’t far to the Hochleckenhaus Lodge which can be seen in the distance. The Hochleckenhaus was built on an impressive and vista-rich peak and belongs to the Vöcklabruck Alpine Association.
From Hochleckenhaus to Steinbach am Attersee (2 hours)
The route continues along a beloved trail with fantastic views which include the rugged peaks of the Adlerspitzen. From the Hochleckenhaus, path No. 820 continues west over alpine meadows to the Grießalm where it comes to a junction. Path No. 820 continues left in the direction of Brennerin. However, our route toward Steinbach am Attersee heads along path No. 823, descending right to the Antoniusbründerl. The route continues along a gravel trail with several turns to the Hohe Rast and then onward to the Niedere Rast (great views of the Adlerspitzen) until finally arriving at another junction.
At this point, the Valerieweg Trail (Stage 2 of the Salzkammergut BergeSeen-Trail) arrives from the right. Our route doesn’t continue straight ahead, but instead heads left along the Valerieweg until reaching the intersection with path No. 822. The trail descends to the right to the Auboden Hut and then heads straight on for a short distance. Afterwards the route initially takes a left and then an immediate right onto a wide path which descends to the first houses of the Kaisigen neighbourhood. The route continues along an asphalt street to the village centre of Steinbach am Attersee.
Many prominent figures have explored this region: nobles like Archduke Johann and Empress Elisabeth, scientists such as Friedrich Simony, poets and authors like Nikolaus Lenau, painters like Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, musicians and composers such as Johannes Brahms. Did they ever think that hiking in the Salzkammergut might have no end? That they could tramp from one lake to the next and then onward to yet another? Day by day along the shores of crystal-clear waters? Week-long excursions through quiet valley forests, over sunny alpine meadows and up mountains fuelled by the anticipation of the next destination? Further information…
Tips: Hiking in spring
The days in the Salzkammergut are getting longer. The temperatures are finally getting warmer, more and more hikers are heading to the mountains. But be careful: Especially in spring, there are a few things to consider: There is often still a lot of snow on the mountains, so be careful when crossing snowfields. After winter, you are usually still a bit "rusty", so warm up accordingly in advance and plan your tour carefully. Let your host know the planned route. This can lead to quick help in an emergency. But there's more to consider:
Tips: Hiking in spring
The days in the Salzkammergut are getting longer. The temperatures are finally getting warmer, more and more hikers are heading to the mountains. But be careful: Especially in spring, there are a few things to consider: There is often still a lot of snow on the mountains, so be careful when crossing snowfields. After winter, you are usually still a bit "rusty", so warm up accordingly in advance and plan your tour carefully. Let your host know the planned route. This can lead to quick help in an emergency. But there's more to consider:
Safety Tips for Hikers
Admittedly, the landscape of the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut is the absolute pinnacle for hiking fans, mountain enthusiasts and nature lovers—unforgettable tours to incredibly beautiful mountain lodges and meadows, panorama views as far as the eye can see and cherished moments that will last a lifetime! However, you should remember that while hiking you might find yourself in high-alpine terrain. We’ve put together some resources to assist you: how to best prepare for your tour, recommended items for your backpack and steps to take in an emergency situation. Remember to always play it safe and enjoy your hiking adventure in the Salzkammergut!
Warning: Closed trails
Better to know before you go
Hiking trails in the Salzkammergut can be closed for various reasons. To help you prepare for your hike, we have set up a page with current road closures in the region. This will help you get to your destination without any detours or stress. Click here to visit the page...