From Hut to Hut on the Schladminger Tauern High Trail 702
This high trail is a portion of the well-known trail system “Central Alpine High Trail 02”, which crosses the entire Alpine region. The different legs of the journey though the Schladminger Tauern are considered some of the most gorgeous hikes in the Alpine region because of the area’s geological particularities, its rich diversity of flora and fauna species, and the diverse features of its landscape.
The many different forms of water here are particularly stunning: mountain torrents, around 150 waterfalls, and more than 300 mountain lakes—all inviting your gaze and offering you the opportunity to stop, rest, and take in their beauty. The huts that will serve as our base camps are located at an ideal distance from one another, and the daily routes across various gaps allow plenty of time to get from one hut to the other. Striking peaks are visible around every bend, and the best part is: each day, there is an opportunity to diverge from the high trail and travel from the huts down into the valley in a matter of hours.
Many trailheads lie on hiking bus routes or public bus lines, making it easy to get back to Schladming. It's an alpine trek from hut to hut; as a prerequisite, you must be in good shape and have some prior hiking experience. Proper hiking equipment is also a must, as is the ability to take proper precautions crossing snow fields (especially in early summer), make good judgments about the weather, and to plan each stage well.
Day 1: Hochwurzen High Trail to the Giglachseen Time on Trail: 6-7 hours Located just above Rohrmoos is the valley terminal for the Hochwurzen gondola lift, which runs up to the Hochwurzen elev. 1,849 m. Both the view of Dachstein and the panorama of the Ennstal are particularly breathtaking, and even the first few meters up the high trail toward the south are impressive. Into the green world of the Tauern we go! We’ll leave the natural lookout platform via a pathway through larch, and climb down to the Hütteck Saddle, then back up again through the many switchbacks that lead to the open ridges of the Rossfeld elev. 1,919 m.
Just beyond the tree line, it's a comfortable hike to the Latterfuss Saddle and then uphill again to Guschen’s rounded summit. The scenery gradually begins to look more and more alpine, and the path runs along beneath Hochfeld summit, across grassy hillsides to the Edelweisswand, where it then climbs up to the summit of the Schiedeck. It then follows the ridge slightly downhill (with a beautiful view) and proceeds through a narrow opening toward the entrance of a cliff formation. From there, the trail continues downhill into the two small basins that house the Klammsee and Brettersee, then along the foot of the Kampspitze and further until an awesome landscape opens itself up again above the Giglach Kessel, restoring that sense of wide open space. The Giglachtal and the fjord-like Giglachseen that lie deeper below are surrounded by striking peaks; the path then runs above the lakes toward the W, and near the bluffs directly above the Ignaz Mattis Hütte, it begins winding down in switchbacks until it reaches the first base camp, the Ignaz Mattis Hütte (elev. 1,986 m).
On the other side of the lake, about a half-hour further along the trail, is the Giglachsee Hütte. Both huts are situated in a gorgeous location above the lakes, with a beautiful terrace and cozy restaurants.
Variant: For those who prefer a shorter route, it is also possible to begin at the Ursprungsalm (hiking bus line) and easily reach the Giglachseen and huts within an hour.
Markers: Trail No. 60 from Hochwurzen & No. 773 Refreshment Opportunities: only at the start and endpoints
Day 2: From the Giglachseen across the Rotmandl Scharte to the Keinprecht Hütte – elev. 1.872 m Time on Trail: 4 hours
This diverse, yet not excessively long, day trip takes us into gorgeous scenery toward the end of the lake and its small coves. At the trail crossing, we will follow trail no. 702 slightly downhill into the cirque on the right side, where we'll encounter the ruins of some old mine buildings atop a small plateau. Turning away from the two small lakes to the right, we will make our way down a series of steep switchbacks to the Rotmandlscharte. One of the eastern slopes features several striking layers of color, which indicate various different kinds of ore. From the gap, the views back to the lake, the Kampspitze, and to the Dachstein Massif are marvelous. In the N deep below is the Duisitzkarsee, and Sauberg summit looms to the right, enticing experienced hikers to take on its challenge.
When snow and ice are present, the subsequent path to the Krukeck should be crossed with care, but the sight of the commanding Hochgolling makes up for the extra effort. The path leading down to the Keinprecht Hütte consists of long, sharp switchbacks that descend down into the open basin.
Variant: over the Vetternscharte, the Knappenkar and, in the mine, through the Zinkwand to the Keinprecht Hütte. This is recommended only for experienced hikers. Inconsistent trail markers, cairns and unclear trails, secured climb up to Himmelskönigin Mine. Steep and narrow trail back down to the hut. Headlamps necessary.
Variant via the Duisitzkar: turn left at the end of Giglachsee (trail no. 775) across the Murspitzsattel to the Duisitzkarsee and from there across the Neualm to the Keinprecht Hütte (trail no. 774). Longer, but without the steep ascent.
Markers: Trail No. 702 Refreshment Opportunities: only at start and endpoints. Overnight at Keinprecht Hütte.
Day 3: Across the Trockenbrotscharte and Gollingscharte to Golling Hütte Time on Trail: 6-9 hours (depending on route)
A long day hike with diverse landscapes and fantastic views. Steep uphill and downhill terrain.
Endurance is required for this leg of the journey: first, we cross expansive areas of pine at the foot of the Pietrach, then climb steeper and steeper through the Gamsfeld to the Trockenbrotscharte. Here, we have a splendid view of the cirque and the steep slopes and peaks that frame it; we can also see the Landawirsee hut. Two lakes are situated on different tiers and drain into the Göriachbach, but it is Hochgolling's giant west wall on the opposite side, that really commands our attention. In summer, after the snow has melted, a narrow high trail runs below the Trockenbrotscharte nearly straight across to the Gollingscharte.
When the trail is closed, the only path down leads to the Landawirsee Hütte (also a great place to stay with gorgeous surroundings – ideal accommodation when planning a summit hike). Beyond the hut, it's back to a series of steep switchbacks up to the Gollingscharte. On the other side of this gap, the trail turns into a similarly steep descent down into the Golling Winkel, an expansive green alpine pasture framed by intimidating peaks. From here, it's only 15 minutes to the Golling Hütte.
Markers: Trail No. 702 Refreshment Opportunities: only at start and endpoints. Potentially Landawirsee H., overnight at Golling Hütte.
Day 4: Through the Klafferkessel to the Preintal Hütte – elev. 1.657 m Time on Trail: 6-8 hrs.
Directly across the stream by the Golling Hütte is where we begin our long ascent to the Greifenberg Sattel, elev. approx. 2,400 m. The path is a steep incline through the slopes of the Rauhenberg and Greifenberg, and is secured in parts. In the early hours, this trail is mostly shaded. When we arrive at the alpine saddle, we can see the summit with its cross for the first time; yet, perhaps the most impressive sight from here is Hochgolling’s gigantic north wall. The last 200 meters of the climb to Greifenberg run along the ridge across taluses and stone runs.
The panorama from the peak is one of the most stunning views: the Hochgolling is almost 300 m higher than the Greifenberg, appearing to be so close, yet so wild and untouchable at the same time. Also striking is the famous view downward to the Klafferkessel lake region and to the opposite side, the expansive, heavenly terrain below the Hochwildstelle – yet, these are but a few examples of the amazing sights awaiting us!
Those who take the time to carefully study the individual cirques and the crests and ridgelines between the lakes will come to a much better understanding of this special landscape, as Hans Wödl explains in the section of his guide to the Tauern that relays the history of the Klafferkessel’s origin. We begin the descent across an alpine trail (secured) down to the Klaffersee, which then runs between the lakes and across to a striking rock formation, at which point we leave the Klafferkessel. The trail then winds across layers of rock tiers through Lämmerkar down to the Preintaler Hütte.
Markers: Trail No. 702
Refreshment Opportunities: only at start and endpoints. Overnight at the Preintaler Hütte.
Day 5: Across the Trattenscharte to the Breitlahnhütte Time on Trail: 6-8 hrs. Long day trip over into the Kleinsölktal. This route is significantly more peaceful and secluded, and leads past the “mini Klafferkessel”.
Upon leaving the Preintaler Hütte, we cross the stream and climb the Schneider's southwest flank to the trail crossing. Here, we turn right and follow trail no. 702 and remain at a consistently steep incline toward Hochwildstelle, passing through the Trattenkar and coming to the Wildlochscharte, where the connecting trail to Hochwildstelle's southern ridge begins. The high trail veers right until it reaches the Trattenscharte, the highest point of this day hike at 2,408 m. A brief descent takes us to the Goldlacken. The small lakes, ice-worn terrain, and a beautiful view make this spot an ideal resting area. The trail forks off again, the left side descending into the Sattental, and trail no. 702 runs below the Hohes Schareck to the Karlkirchen, a uniquely shaped boulder. It continues downhill, through a giant expanse of pine trees and rhododendron, and makes its way through a sparse mountain forest before reaching the Lassacher Alm. Both the forest trail and the forest road lead to the Breitlahn Hütte.
For those who prefer to call it a day: during the Austrian summer vacation period, the Nature Park valley shuttle runs here and continues to Stein a.d. Enns, where you can catch a public bus to Schladming and Gröbming.
For those who want to come down from the High Trail at the Preintaer Hütte, there are several options: the fastest route takes us via the Riesachsee to the Seeleiten trail crossing by Riesach Waterfall. From here, take the hiking bus back to Schladming.
For those choosing to proceed along the Schladming High Trail to the Planai, this day hike is rather long but gorgeous, and it is possible to take a mountain lift from the Planai back down to Schladming. Another option is to continue hiking over the Höchstein summit and then down to Hauser Kaibling, where there is a gondola to Haus i.E.
The third option is to go across the Neualmscharte to Obersee, Hüttensee, and Bodensee. There is no bus line here, so arrange to be picked up. However, very experienced climbers could also summit Hochwildstelle.
Markers: Trail No. 702 Refreshment Opportunities: only at start and end points
Day 6: Across the Hubenbauer Törl to Rudolf Schober Hütte, above the Etrachsee in Krakautal Time on Trail: 6-7 hrs. over the Rantentörl, approx. 8 hrs. over the Predigtstuhl This day hike is long and runs through secluded landscapes to the pine tree forests surrounding the Rudolf Schober Hütte.
The wide, even trail leads from the Breitlahn Hütte to Grafenalm, where trail no. 702 turns and runs at a moderately steep incline across the Vordere and Innere Neualm, above the Schwarzensee to the trail crossing. The ascending trail branches off across the Predigstuhl (see Predigstuhl hike), continues to the right over two escarpments and across the Rossboden up to the Rantentörl. Above the Rantensee, the narrow trail crosses through the Rantenalm meadows to a small, crystal-clear unnamed lake (a lovely resting area). It then proceeds across the Hinterkarscharte, through and across fields of boulders at the foot of the Speikleiten, to the Hubenbauertörl. Constantly up- and downhill, before a final descent across rhododendron-covered hillsides into beautiful pine forests. From here, the Rudolf Schober Hütte is about another 30 minute climb.
For those who choose to stop here, hike to the Etrachsee, where you can catch the valley bus to St. Nikolai in Sölktal during the summer vacation period. Ride the public bus to Gröbming, transfer to Schladming.
Markers: Trail No. 702, No. 793 over the Predigtstuhl Refreshment Opportunities: only at start and end points
Day 7: Across the Schimpelscharte and Höhensee to St. Nikolai in Sölktäler Nature Park Time on Trail: 6-7 hrs. A long day hike with diverse terrain, through pristine landscapes: pine forests, fields of rock, mountain lakes, torrential streams, waterfalls and alpine meadows.
From the hut, the trail winds up through sparse pine forests, then continues above the tree line through a cirque and onto a rocky path, where it becomes a steep uphill climb to the Schimpelscharte. On the north side, the terrain allows a somewhat more leisurely hike along the Schimpel ridgeline above its namesake lake, and then carries on further until it reaches a small stream, the bed of which surprisingly becomes part of the trail for a short stretch. As the path becomes increasingly steep, evidence of glaciers begins to appear on the green mountain spine, and the route continues on across a ladder and a rather marshy area. The trail resumes between great boulders and alders, and eventually reaches the area around the Hohensee. This dark green lake and some mountain huts built out of marble provide the perfect opportunity to rest. The many switchbacks through high forest make the descent much more comfortable, and the last hour along the Bräualmbach toward St. Nikolai is less spectacular. However, at the Gamsjäger Inn, refreshments are available, as is a bus line that goes back to Gröbming & Schladming.
Markers: Trail No. 702 Refreshment Opportunities: only at start and end points
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