Welser Höhenweg - Welser variant

Austria's largest mountain plateau is the Tote Gebirge.
The Welser Höhenweg is the crossing of this largest mountain plateau in the Eastern Alps, just outside Wels. In five days, this alpine trail leads in one variant from Almtal to Bad Ischl and in another variant from Hinterstoder to Bad Ischl.
The Welserhütte, the Pühringerhütte, the Albert-Appel-Haus and the Ischlerhütte make this wild and romantic experience of the high alpine crossing possible and complete it with culinary delights and pleasant overnight accommodation.
The Schönberg (2,090m) awaits the experienced mountain hiker at the end of this high alpine short break, climbed via its east ridge (wire rope insurance, challenging).
Welser Höhenweg - Welser variant
Jagersimmerl (Habernau) in the Almtal (528 m) - Welser Hütte (1726 m)After arriving with the Almtalbahn from Grünau station, take the OÖVV bus to the Habernau stop, from there it is 4 - 6 hours to the Welser Hütte, depending on your walking speed. The Almtaler Haus is on the way.
Alternative with transfer SKGT Shuttle Service Route 60 from the train station directly to the Almtalerhaus (in the period from May 1st to September 14th). Order the shuttle at least 1 hour in advance on 050 422422.
Welser Hütte (1726 m) - Pühringerhütte (1638 m)
This stage takes about 4-5 hours to walk over the highest part of the mountain plateau past the Priel to the Pühringerhütte. At the Fleischbanksattel, the approach variant meets the main trail. This section of the trail requires very good stamina, surefootedness, good weather and good orientation skills.
Pühringerhütte (1638 m) - Albert-Appel-Haus (1663 m)
This day's stage leads through the green part of the Totes Gebirge to the Albert-Appel-Haus in around 5 hours. Whereas the Welser Höhenweg from Hinterstoder to here ran along the Nordalpenweg, the routes now diverge.
Albert Appel House (1663 m) - Ischler Hut (1368 m)
The longest stage. It leads past Wildensee and Rinnerkogel over the summit of Schönberg (Wildenkogel, 2093 m) to Ischler Hütte, the last accommodation.
Note: Take plenty of fluids with you, the last water source is at Wildensee, after which there is no more water until you reach Ischler Hütte.
- Option of the variant via Hochkogelhaus: Extends the total walking time by a good 2 hours, but gives you the opportunity to have a rest, refreshment and water intake.
Ischler Hütte (1368 m) - Bad Ischl (468 m)
Descent to the Rettenbachalm and walk to Bad Ischl (approx. 3 - 4 hours)
Return from Bad Ischl with the Salzakmmergutbahn (line 170) to Gmunden and from Gmunden with the OÖVV bus 533 to Grünau im Almtal.
- Possibility of shortening the hiking route with the SKGT shuttle service from Rettenbachalm or Rettenbachmühle. Order the shuttle at least 1 hour in advance on 050 422422. Please note that mobile phone network coverage is not available everywhere.
Paths covering:
further information:
- Multi-day tour
- Possible accommodation
- Experience of nature
- Board possible
How to get to the mountaineering village of Grünau im Almtal:
We recommend that you travel by public transport!
by train:
From Wels train station take the Almtalbahn (line 153) to Grünau im Almtal;
Numerous connections from Wels station to the main trains on the Westbahn line (line 101) to Vienna/Linz or Salzburg and to Passau (line 150).
Onward journey by bus or SKGT shuttle
by bus:
OÖVV bus line 533 from Gmunden via Scharnstein to Grünau im Almtal station
OÖVV bus route 534 from Grünau im Almtal train station via Cumberland Wildpark to the Habernau bus stop
with the Salzkammergut Shuttle Service Route 60 from Grünau train station to the Almsee GH Seehaus stop, call the cab center at least 1 hour in advance on 050-422 422 and order.
Service is not possible with simultaneous bus connection, only possible from May 1st to September 14th.
On foot:
From the center or train station Grünau im Almtal you can comfortably hike the Almuferweg "Genuss am Almfluss" via Cumberland Wildpark to Jagersimmerl, then according to the tour description!
By car:
Highway A1: Vienna - Voralpenkreuz-A9 - exit Ried/Tr. - Voitsdorf - Pettenbach - Scharnstein - Grünau im Almtal
Highway A1: Munich - Salzburg - Regau - Gmunden - Scharnstein - Grünau im Almtal
Innkreisautobahn A8 Passau - Wels - Voralpenkreuz A9 Pyhrnautobahn - exit Ried/Tr. - Voitsdorf - Pettenbach - Scharnstein - Grünau im Almtal
From the center of Grünau follow the road in the direction of Almsee (12km) to the Habernau parking lot. From there follow the route description.
Please only use the designated parking spaces at the entry points and show consideration for private property! Thank you for your fairness!
Return journey:
By train:
From Bad Ischl station, take the Salzkammergutbahn (line 170) either to Gmunden and then the OÖVV bus (line 533) back to Grünau im Almtal or continue by train to Attnang-Puchheim.
Numerous connections from Attnang-Puchheim station to the main trains on the Westbahn line (line 101) to Vienna/Linz or Salzburg.
You can also take the Salzkammergut Shuttle Service Route 620 from the Rettenbachmühle stop to Bad Ischl train station, call the cab center at least 1 hour in advance on 050-422 422 and order.
Please note that there is not always a mobile phone connection on the route.
Salzkammergut Shuttle Service in Grünau im Almtal and in Bad Ischl.
acc. Websites of the huts or Alpine Association
acc. Menus on display
- Suitable for single travelers
- Suitable for friends
- Suitable for couples
- Summer
- Autumn
Please get in touch for more information.
4645 Grünau im Almtal
Phone +43 7242 78670
E-Mail wels@oeav.at
Web www.alpenverein.at/wels/