Bike & Hike - Gr. Größtenberg

A challenging (e-)mountain bike tour through the Salzatal valley and over the steep Haslersgatter to the changing point at the Steyrsteg bivouac site.
The Großer Größtenberg is part of the Reichraminger Hintergebirge mountains in the Kalkalpen National Park. The tour starts at the Steyrsteg bivouac site and is very varied in terms of scenery. The route first leads to the Weingartalm, from here it is a steeper ascent of approx. 1.5 hours through the Halterhüttental to the summit of the Großer Größtenberg (1,724m).

BIKE: From the Windischgarsten sports ground, cycle towards the town centre. At the Purgleitner tannery bottleneck, turn left into Salzastraße. Follow the signs for MTB5 "Langfirst Tour". Through the Salzatal valley you reach the Wurbauerkogel (a detour to the National Park Panorama Tower is recommended!) From the Mutling chapel, the route climbs very steeply up to the Haslersgatter car park and continues to the left of the ÖBF hut to Steyrsteg (from the Haslersgatter car park, the route is no longer signposted MTB5, but follow the hiking signs to the Steyrsteg bivouac site).
At the Steyrsteg bivouac site you will find the change station where you can leave your bike (NO charging facilities here!).).
Bike data extra for the hike: 13km | 600hm | 2.15 hours (one way).

Tip for the way back: A sporty mountain biker with stamina can also cycle via the Zickerreith and Dörflmoaralm to the Hanslalm and via the Langfirst route (MTB5) to the Haslersgatter. From here it's a steep descent to Wurbauerkogel and on to the Hengstpass country road to Windischgarsten.

HIKE: From the bivouac site, the hike to Weingartalm begins on the right. There is a wonderful, sunny and panoramic hiking rest bench at the hut. After a little refreshment, we tackle the summit: Next to the Weingartalm hut, the path branches off to the Größtenberg. You cross another forest road and then ascend somewhat more steeply through a mixed mountain forest that has been badly damaged by storms in recent years. At first glance, the deadwood looks a little unusual, but it is worth taking a closer look. It forms a valuable habitat for fungi, longhorn and deadwood beetles, three-toed and white-backed woodpeckers. After the tree line, there is a wonderfully fragrant belt of mountain pines, which occasionally reveals small patches of meadow. In earlier times, the Halterhüttental valley was grazed by sheep, and the small grassy areas have remained open. As you ascend, the views become increasingly beautiful. Leave the Kleiner Größtenberg on the left and follow the mountain pine lane to the summit cross of the Großer Größtenberg. Here you have a marvellous view of the Sengsengebirge, the Tote Gebirge and the Haller Mauern. The sea of forests of the Reichraminger Hintergebirge mountain range stretches out to the east.
The descent to the Weingartalm and the Steyrsteg bivouac station follows the same route.

Walking time: Steyrsteg bivouac station - Großer Größtenberg approx. 2.5 hours