L3 White Cross Trail Oberland/Gaflenz

Super beautiful trail first to the White Cross, then to the Cross of Glashüttenberg and Sonnbergspitzl.

Route length: 16.5 km and 1074 meters of altitude gain.

We start directly at Oberland Train Station, go under the main road, and cross a large meadow, the so-called Türkenschanze, to the entrance of the hiking path, which leads us partially very steep directly to the White Cross. We continue keeping right, then go 100 meters down over a ridge to the Cross of Glashüttenberg. We follow beautiful single trails through the forest downhill until we reach a forest road that leads us into the Lugergraben. Passing the farmsteads Vorder-, Mitter-, and Hinterlug, it goes back uphill via forest roads.

At km 8.8, we must continue on the relatively new forest road to the right until we turn left after 200-300 m in the forest to reach the White Cross again. We continue running, and after a few hundred meters, we turn right and follow lovely single trails through the forest toward Sonnbergspitzl. Wonderful views of Gaflenz and its surroundings open up to us on the way down. Through the so-called Kohlbachriegel, we run gently descending along the forest edge until, after 15 kilometers, we reach the main road B121. We cross the road toward the football field and run left on the bike path back to our starting point at Oberland Train Station.

The required equipment always depends on the specific route and the weather conditions. Regarding provisions: This is very individual, and it is advisable to have more rather than less in terms of equipment and provisions. A 5 km round in the valley needs 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, for example, warm clothing is very important.

We have a general checklist here for you:

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


• Trail running shoes


• Water bottles, soft flasks, or a hydration bladder with enough fluid for the respective route (if necessary 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 that your valuables or change of clothes stay dry (optional 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 compression bandage. Details can be found here.


• Emergency whistle (often integrated into the trail backpack)


• Mobile phone


• Map material (online and/or offline)


• E-Card or insurance card


• Some cash


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


• Folding poles for trail running


• Headlamp

This trail was run for us by André Prinz