BergeSeen Trail F1: Faistenau - Ebenau

The regional trail around the Strubklamm, a dream route in the Salzburg area of the Salzkammergut, leads to several wonders of nature. Perhaps the most beautiful of these is the "Plötz," an enchanting gorge with lovingly restored mills, an impressive waterfall, and a natural bathing area. But the first stage destination also offers sights: Ebenau was a small center of iron processing in the 17th century, remembered by several historic buildings.

From the parish church in Faistenau, follow the road towards Ebenau to the sports ground, turn right before it, and hike to the forest climbing trail. To the left at the facility, descend in the forest towards the Schmiedbach and after the ascent again between fields to an asphalted farm road, which you reach at the hamlet of Lidaun. On this road, go right to a fork at the forest edge, from which you ascend left to the nearby junction with Lidaunstraße (771 m).

Follow this sharply right until, after 150 m, you turn sharply left onto a forest road (signposted "Lidaungipfel, Bärenhöhle," no. 44). It leads through the forested southwest slopes of the Lidaunberg. At about 1,000 m above sea level, the path equipped with five information panels leads right to the Bear Cave and to the summit cross on the 1,223 m high Lidaun summit (worthwhile detour, but about 1:00 h additional walking time).

The hiking route towards Ebenau, however, goes left through the forest slopes. From a hunting hut, follow a forest road to the saddle (932 m) and about 500 m further until a hiking trail descends left to the Gängstraße (790 m) between Faistenau and Hof. After crossing it, walk between fields to the nearby forest edge and descend to the Wiestal national road. This is also crossed. From the parking lot on the other side, walk south along the Schroffenaustraße past the hamlet of Schlag and to the two farms in Hinterschroffenau (750 m), also called "Lodagei." 3:00 h There, turn left towards Ebenau into the Plötz. On this path, which leads right around the forest hill into the gorge of the Rettenbach, grain was once carried to the Schroffenaumühle. You reach this small wooden building from the 16th century by walking straight past a junction – it stands directly above the 25 m high waterfall of the "Plötz."

The somewhat exposed path zigzags down to the Edermühle (waterfall detour to the right) and continues to the "double" Pertiller mill. There turn right (on the left, you could still visit the Schildauer and Hofbauer mills) and cross the Rettenbach on a footbridge. Then, on the Arnoweg, about 1 km of ups and downs westward until you turn left on the forest trail into the hamlet of Unterberg and – turning left again – reach Ebenau (623 m).

From the elementary school, a short detour leads left to the historic Waschlmühle; straight ahead, you go under the bypass road into the village center with the historic Fürstenstöckl (tourist office). 1:00 h

Note: Bus connection Faistenau – Hof (line 155) and Hof – Ebenau (line 154).

• In alpine terrain, be aware of the danger of falling rocks.


• Through early summer, you may encounter steep snowfields or firn gullies – especially during icy conditions, there is an acute risk of falling and thus fatal injury!


• Due to storm damage, forestry work or construction work, individual trail sections may be difficult or impassable at times.


• Cows in the alpine meadows are often curious. Because they are nursing mothers, they develop a strong tendency to protect their calves. Therefore, move through cow pastures quietly, keep at least 20 metres of distance to the animals and never pet calves! In the case of threatening behaviour (pawing, stamping) slowly back away (do not turn your back). Keep dogs on a leash. They must not bark at or chase cows. In the case of an attack, the dog must be released from the leash.

For all stages, you will need hiking or mountain boots with treaded rubber soles as well as wind- and rainproof clothing. A change of clothes and a small first-aid kit should also be included in your backpack. The amount of provisions you should pack depends on the number of available rest stops. In any case, you should always take along plenty to drink. Telescopic poles are helpful, especially when walking downhill.

Courtesy of the text provided by the KOMPASS publishing house and Wolfgang Heitzmann.

More info at trail.salzkammergut.at