L2 Molln - Steinköpfl Trail

This short circular route with its 6.3 km and 244 m ascent is ideal for beginners. It takes you on forest paths to the mountain "Steinköpfl", which is an absolute insider tip and lies in the middle of the national park region. From this mountain, you are rewarded with an impressive view of the municipality of Molln and its surroundings. The route then continues over meadows and flowy, varied forest trails back down to the valley. Benches along the way invite you to linger and offer idyllic views of the surroundings.

The route starts at the bus stop "Molln Ortsmitte", which is located directly in front of the National Park Visitor Center. Parking is available in front of the municipality, which is located directly opposite. From here, follow the sidewalks out of the town, past the Sparkasse (savings bank), then turn left past the fire station building and the Nah und Frisch shop. Then follow the sidewalks until you see a sign with the inscription "Denkenstraße" on the opposite side.

From here, begin the first elevation gain towards the forest. Immediately after the first curve, there are several entry points to the trail, all leading steeply uphill to a clearly visible path, which you then turn right onto. It is important to always keep left. The forest path here is good to run and offers a good entry to the route. At the only fork, keep left until you reach a forest road, then keep right until you come to the trailhead of Steinköpfl on the left side (marked by a yellow sign). From here, the path rises steadily in switchbacks. At the end of the ascent, the first highlight of the trail is reached: a beautiful view of the Molln region and its surroundings.

The path then leads up to the summit, marked with a small wooden cross. Through a short but steep forest section, you then reach a meadow. In summer, sheep often stand here, but you can walk around the pasture outside. Here too, there is a magnificent view of Reitberg, Annasberg, and the Hohen Trailing.

After following the meadow downhill to a farm, follow the well-developed road to the farm "Denk". Immediately after the last building, turn left to the house and then immediately back to a meadow path. This path is poorly visible and the destination not signposted. However, you reach the forest path if you keep left. Now follow the forest path uphill over a small hill. At the end of the path, you enter the opposite trail again, which now leads downhill on well-trodden forest paths. Here again, it is important to keep left as there are two forks and the route is only rarely signposted. Benches along the way invite you to rest repeatedly. The rest of the route follows a forest path that brings you back to the road. Follow this road back into the town center and to the bus stop.

The view from Steinköpfl offers a beautiful view of the sunset. In addition, the route is good to walk in both winter and summer.

The required equipment always depends on the respective route and the weather conditions. Regarding provisions: this is very individual and it is recommended to have more rather than less with you in terms of equipment and provisions. A 5 km round trip in the valley requires less than a demanding route in the mountains. The weather can change quickly, and if you are not constantly moving or have to take a break, warming clothing, for example, is very important.

We have a general checklist for you here:

• Weather-appropriate running clothes for the respective season – weather forecast – region – altitude. This includes, among others:
  * a waterproof rain jacket
  * waterproof rain pants suitable for running
  * gloves and warm headwear (hat/headband/buff)
  * sunglasses + sunscreen + headwear for very warm days


• Trail running shoes


• Water bottles, soft flasks, or a hydration bladder with enough liquid for the respective route (possibly also salt tablets/magnesium)


• Snacks for an energy boost in between: energy bars, gels, chocolate, trail mix,


• Running backpack: ideally a trail running vest / a trail running backpack or a waist belt for small routes.


• Drypack: so your valuables or change of clothes stay dry (optionally a small trash bag)


• Emergency blanket


• Small first aid kit. In my opinion, an Israeli bandage is highly recommended: it is a one-handed operated wound and pressure bandage. Details can be found here.


• Emergency whistle (often integrated in trail running backpacks)


• Mobile phone


• Maps (online and/or offline)


• E-card or insurance card


• Some cash


• Crampons/spikes: these can be of great advantage in winter and icy conditions.


• Folding poles for trail running


• Headlamp