Turn-by-turn directions
From the parking lot at the Sonnberg crossroads we walk along the forest path towards the Kneipp facility. At first the path is flat, following the small Gradenbach stream until we reach the hunting lodge (899 m) to the somewhat hidden Gradenbach waterfall. Behind the hut we take trail no. 668 up a wooded steep step. The steep path is partly secured with wire ropes. After the steep section the path leads into a romantic high valley. A small stream has to be crossed several times. After about 2.5 hours the Ahornsee is reached. On the shore there is a small hut, in front of it you can sit down and relax. If you still have energy left, you can climb further up to the Grafenbergsee (approx. 30 min.). Also the Grafenbergalm (1.783 m) is reachable in a total of one hour from the Ahornsee. The descent is again through the romantic high valley to the starting point at the Kneipp facility in Weißenbach.
Getting there
Ennstalbundesstraße (B320) to Weißenbach - from there to the crossing Sonnberg - large parking area
Arrival by public transport is possible up to Haus im Ennstal or maximum Weißenbach.
Parking
parking area Sonnberg/Kneipp facility
Start
Parking lot crossroads Sonnberg
Destination
Parking lot crossroads Sonnberg
Equipment
sturdy shoes, rain gair, hiking sticks
Author’s recommendation
Insider tip: At the end of the Gradenbachtal you can find the Gradenbach waterfall - a beautiful nature spectacle and on the green meadows of the Grafenbergalm we enjoy a great variety of alpine flowers.
Tips, hints and links
TV Haus-Aich-Gössenberg - www.haus.at
Safety information
Safety on the mountainside: changes in the weather, sudden fall in temperature, thunder storms, wind, fog and snow fields are all objective dangers and require the correct behaviour whilst underway. The landlords of the huts are all very knowledgeable about the mountains and can give you good tips about the weather and the routes. Insufficient equipment, exaggerated opinion of ones capabilities, frivolousness, poor health condition and a false evaluation of the situation can lead to a critical situation. In thunder storms: summits, crest-sites and safety rope aids are to be avoided.
If something should happen call following emergency numbers:
No. 140 - the number for all Alpine Emergencies in all of Austria
No. 112 - European emergency call GSM emergency-call-service
