BergeSeen Trail H2: Rieder Hütte - Steinbach am Attersee

Description:
The crossing of the western Höllengebirge requires a sure footing and good physical condition, because it goes up and down several times. But the landscape that you walk through between the Rieder Hütte and the much visited Hochleckenhaus is truly unique. Along the way, on days with clear air, you can enjoy wide views of the mountains of the Salzkammergut.

Directions:
From the Rieder Hütte, follow trail no. 820 a few steps north, stay left at the fork to the Eiblgupf and descend into the Große Eiblgrube. Its bottom is bypassed to the south, then the descent path from the Eiblgupf joins at a large boulder. Then around the north side of the Brunnkogel (1,779 m) overgrown with mountain pines (steel rope). Under the rock walls of the Hirschlucke breaking off to the right - below the path - lies the Hintere Langbathsee. Before the next hollow (1,500 m) you pass a spring. Then you climb between mountain pines and through small rocky gorges, past rocky precipices and a large sinkhole to the crest of the Grünalmkogel (1,821 m).

Its highest point is bypassed on the right. Continue over the southwest ridge until just before the Pfaffengrabenhöhe (1,691 m). From there you now descend to the right through steep mountain pine slopes (and over 337 vertical meters) into the long Pfaffengraben. From this depression, sheerly overgrown by mountain pines, which divides the central from the western area of the Höllengebirge, you have to climb again over almost the same elevation distance until you meet the Schafluckensteig next to the inconspicuous Jägerköpfl (1,668 m). On the left you come through another mountain pine hollow to the Hochleckenhaus (1.572 m) 4:30h

Continuing on trail no. 820/04/06, descend from the shelter to the west across the open slope of the Griesalm - water is collected here on the flat monopitch roof of the stable. At the nearby junction of the route to the Brennerin, turn right onto path no. 823, which leads down to the Antoniusbründl and the "Gatterl". To the left of the rock towers of the Adlerspitzen (1,241 m) you will reach the junction with the Valerieweg and thus stage 2 of the Salzkammergut Trail. On this route you will reach the Auboden hunting lodge on the left and Steinbach am Attersee (509 m). 2:30 h

Tip:
Summit detour to the Brunnkogel (1,708 m)

Safety guidelines:

• In alpine terrain, pay attention to the danger of falling rocks.


• Until early summer you can encounter steep snowfields or firn gullies - especially in icy conditions there is then an acute danger of falling and thus of death!


• Due to storm damage, forestry work or construction work, individual sections of the trail may be temporarily difficult or impossible to pass.


• Cows on the alp are often curious. Because they are mother cows, they develop a strong drive to protect their calves. Therefore, move quietly on cow pastures, keep at least 20 m distance to the animals and do not stroke calves under any circumstances! In case of threatening gestures (pawing, stamping) slowly move away backwards (do not turn your back). Dogs on a leash, they must not bark at cows or even chase them. In the event of an attack, it is essential to let them off the leash.

Equipment:
For all stages you will need hiking or mountain boots with a treaded rubber sole as well as wind- and rainproof clothing.

A change of clothes and a small first-aid kit should also be in your backpack. How much food you pack depends on the number of stops you make. In any case, you should take enough to drink. Telescopic poles are especially helpful when going downhill.

Additional information:
Text kindly provided by the publisher KOMPASS-Verlag and Wolfgang Heitzmann.

Further information at trail.salzkammergut.at