The Königsweg Length: 74 km, difficulty: moderate Surefootedness a must! Extended Hike alongside the Hochkönig Massif. “Want to crown your Königsweg adventure with a night at a rustic mountain hut?” In four stages and with one day’s rest, you will hike (with no luggage to bother with) along the Königsweg, with the Hochkönig always right there at your side, from one hut to the next, making your way from Maria Alm via Dienten to Mühlbach, then back to your original starting point. Your suitcases will already be waiting for you at your next night’s hotel or guesthouse. If you prefer, naturally, you can also tackle individual stages of the Königsweg as a part of your vacation instead. Along the Königsweg there are numerous opportunities to spend the night at rustic, traditional huts, surrounded by the marvelous, pristine nature of the Hochkönig. We are glad to lend you a hand in finding and booking the huts that work best for you. Hut lodgings are available in private rooms as well as dorms. Please note that luggage transfer to mountain huts cannot be guaranteed, so be sure to bring along a day-pack with everything you need for the night. MARIA ALM Easy-to-understand hiking & recreation map To help with planning, use our map with complete information and offers for the Hochkönig Region. It is available free of charge at all local tourist offices. Contact Hochkönig Tourism GmbH Tel.: +43 (0) 6584 20388 Fax: +43 (0) 6584 20388 25 [email protected] www.hochkoenig.at Welcome to the 4 stages of the “King of All Paths”! DIENTEN Total length: 74,4 km • Total gain: 4824 vm • Total descents: 4819 vm • Total trail time: approx. 23-31 hrs. surfaces, such as woodland paths with exposed roots, forestry roads, trails across meadows, rock and stone, though also on paved roads, providing plenty of variety along the way. But that also means, good footwear is an absolute must! We wish you a great start to this wonderful adventure, four blister-free stages punctuated by well-earned rest days, together with a wealth of unforgettable impressions and memories. MÜHLBACH Make yourself right at home in the comfy lodging establishments of the Hochkönig Region with its picture-book villages of Maria Alm, Dienten and Mühlbach; perfect spots to get yourself in the right mood for the exciting and challenging tour that awaits you over the next few days. In order for you to get your bearings out on the trail, keep an eye open for the crown symbol displayed on signs. You will be hiking over a variety of Stage 1 Stage 2 Start/Finish: Maria Alm tourist office Stage 4 Schneeberg Arthurhaus Dienten 1071 0 km MARIA ALM Erichhütte Filzensattel Jufen 802 m Stage 3 Hundstein Hochkasern Wastlhöhe Dienten 1071 Mühlbach 860 802 m Bus/lift transportation available 10 20 30 40 50 60 73,7 km Stage 1 / Maria Alm - Dienten DIENTEN Length: 16,2 km • Gains: 1292 vm • Descents: 1029 vm • Trail time: approx. 5-8 hrs. Route description: We will start in front of the tourist office and make Important: The marker is on the left-hand side. It is a narrow path downhill across open terrain, and you can already make out the first houses in the valley. Then our path takes us back into forest, and eventually to a forest clearing. Alongside the forest and then, at the marking, we turn downhill to the left. an immediate right to the car park next to the Dorfj@t-Bahn (Please note hours of operations!) valley terminal. From here we can enjoy a comfortable, free (Hochkönig Card) ride on the Dorfj@t-Bahn lift to the top of the Natrun. Forest path No. 26a now takes us past numerous interactive info stations to Gasthof Jufen (elev. 1,105 m), also the site of a wildlife feeding station. After the inn, we will follow path 401A. Now gently downhill across alpine pastures and through a short patch of forest, past a cattle shelter, to the Pichlhof. We walk slightly downhill along the farm driveway as far as the main road, which we cross, then make our way about 200 m downstream along the banks of the Urslau. Crossing a small bridge, we reach an idyllic riverside pathway leading alongside the Urslau, across the lift car park and past Gasthof Steinbock in the direction of Hinterthal. We cross the main road and follow the Urslaustrasse straight to the village center of Hinterthal. Shortly before the church, we branch right, following path 401A past Gasthof Obermussbach, with pleasant pathways bringing us to the start of the Butterfly Path. Passing interactive info stations that describe the butterflies’ habitat, after 30 minutes we reach the Mussbachalm. After an enjoyable rest stop and a chance to snack on regional favorites, we follow this old, almost forestfree country path uphill until we reach the turn-off for Alpine Assoc. path 436. Here we can take in marvelous views of the eastern Steinernes Meer mountains. We keep right, following path 401A/436, continuing our hike in the direction of the Pichlalm. Shortly after entering the forest, our trail becomes a true hiking path, which we follow across a high moor until we reach the Pichlalm. After a short break and a friendly welcome from the host, shortly beyond the hut we make a right onto path No. 68 towards the Filzrensattel. Initially the path takes us gently uphill, then across a beautiful alpine pasture. Path No. 68 leads us steadily downhill through the forest, until, shortly before the Filzensattel, we come to another alpine meadow. We can already see the Filzensattel car park in front of us. Once there, we cross the main road, follow a small trail up to a forestry road/ supply lane – path No. 50 – and keep right. After ca. 25 m we turn left onto supply lane No. 50 – in the direction of Grünegg-Gabühel. On this path we continue for about 2 km until we come to a trail fork. Important: The marker is on the left-hand side. It is a narrow path downhill across open terrain, and you can already make out the first houses in the valley. Then our path takes us back into forest, and eventually to a forest clearing. Alongside the forest and then, at the marking, we turn downhill to the left. After some time, we can already see the village church. This path ends at a paved road, where we keep right, following this narrow road constantly downhill until we reach a turn-off for “Jausenstation Almhäusl”. Prior to the Almhäusl, the path leads to the left in the direction of Dienten. Gently downhill, we make our way across an alpine meadow as far as the fork, where we stay left. Continue downhill until we reach the road. Keep right – after a few meters, we will see the signs at the entrance to Dienten. We will pass to the left of the newly built ski center, also home to the tourist office, on our right Restaurant Dorfstubn, the “Flower Houses” (old wooden houses with beautiful floral decorations) and Bauer bakery/café. From here, just a few more minutes along the village road and you will see our village church on a hill. Your accommodations are also located on the village road. This alternative for more ambitious hikers will last approx. 1 hrs longer (without lift ride): From the valley station of the Dorfj@t-Bahn (Please note hours of operations!) lift in Maria Alm, take path 401A across lush meadows, making your way steadily uphill to the mountain lift station on the Natrun (298 vm). Continue as described for Day 2, via Hinterthal-MussbachalmPichlalm-Dienten. Filzensattel Pichlalm Jufen Hinterthal Dorfj@t Bahn 1071 m Start: Maria Alm tourist office • Finish: Village church in Dienten 802 m 10 15,6 km DIENTEN 5 Stage 2 / Dienten - Mühlbach MÜHLBACH 0 km Length: 22,2 km • Gains: 1033 vm • Descents: 1231 vm • Trail time: approx. 6-8 hrs. Route description: We will set out from the bus stop in the town center (across from the “Flower Houses”), then ride the hiking bus in the direction of Maria Alm until we come to Filzenkapelle chapel, close to the trail head for Bockkluft Nature Trail, path No. 66, and Alpine Park Dienten. Shortly after we start, we will briefly walk along a gravel path, cross a small stream and hike along a path overgrown with grass as far as a paved supply lane, where we keep left, the mighty Hochkönig before us, and eventually come to a gate. About 200 m beyond the gate, Bockkluft Nature Trail No. 66 branches off to the right past a panorama info board. Initially we will walk across alpine pastures, before being surrounded by the natural diversity of this segment of the tour. Playfully, we will learn interesting facts about plants and animals in this imposing, rugged natural landscape. We pass by numerous interactive stations, bubbling mountain springs with water pure enough to drink, and cross two white-water canyons. Just after this, our “theme path” ends. At the trail fork, we keep left heading towards the Erichütte on path. No. 436, 401A. After about a 30-minute, steep climb, we reach the Erichhütte at elev. 1,550 m, treating us to magical panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Hohe Tauern mountains. Erichhütte Now at an essentially level elevation, we cross an area of mountain pine and will see, about 300 m below the trail to the right, the Stegmoosalm. We, however, will continue on path No. 436, 401A into the Birgkar. Before us is the imposing 800 m high south face of the Hochkönig, and rising to the left the trail up to the Hochkönig/Matrashaus. After this majestic sight of the Hochkönig, the path leads us out of the pine trees and onto the alpine pastures that are home to the “Four Huts”, where we can make a stop and enjoy a lunch break. After a short, easy descent, we reach picturesque Riedingtal valley with a mountain waterfall and the Mandlwände in the background. At the foot of the unique Mandlwände, the hiking path leads us past the still recognizable natural ski jumps of the former Riedingtal Ski-Jumping Center. After a short stretch of forest, we reach the Windraucheggalm. The last segment to the Arthurhaus and the Schweizerhütte (famous for its award-winning cheese products) is very flat and relaxing. From the Arthurhaus, we immerse ourselves in the history of copper mining. The Mitterberg Ore Path No. 85 (ca. 5.5 km, 642 vm), with 15 information stations, some of which are interactive, takes us downhill via forest and meadow paths, trails, past the more recent copper mine (from 1928) as well as old miners’ homes, to the village center. Arthurhaus Birgkar Filzenkapelle 1071 m Or even easier: We will ride the hiking bus from the same bus stop in the direction of the Arthurhaus, as far as the Erichhütte car park. Now comes a pleasant climb (ca. 30 mins.) up broad country path No. 432 to the Erichhütte. After a short break, we continue our tour on path No. 436, 401A towards the Arthurhaus, passing the Wetterkreuz and one of several stations on the “Healthy & Slim” hiking path located on this section of the path. Riedingtal Autobus 860 m Start: Bus stop Dienten • Finish: Mühlbach village center 0 km 5 10 15 19,7 km This alternative for more ambitious hikers will last approx. 2 hrs longer: takes us to path No. 65 – steadily, though gently uphill, on our right a large alpine meadow, to our left a broad natural trench through which rushes the Dientenbach. At the trail fork, we follow path No. 65 to our left. The walk is now gently downhill to the Dientenbach, which we cross over a small bridge. On the far shore, we again go uphill to the left, through a big meadow gate. We immediately make a right onto path No. 66. We follow this gravel road uphill to the Wirtsalm (not staffed). We pass to the right of the hut. This is also where the wide path ends, with beautiful forest path No. 66 taking us on to the next trail fork, where we turn right, switching onto path No. 436 to the Erichhütte. Route description: We begin at the tourist office in Dienten (ski center) and follow hiking path No. 65. Before us we already see the mighty Hochkönig massif. At the bridge we follow path No. 65. A narrow road brings us gently uphill, the Hochkönig constantly before us. Our route takes us past the Zachhof, an old farmhouse, now a listed historic monument. After about 100 m, we come to the main road (leading to Mühlbach). We cross this and continue uphill on the left side of the road for about 200 m. After the parking areas, we make a left to path No. 65. We will follow this narrow road and pass two farmhouses. We will cross a narrow stream, and continue through a small patch of forest with two gates. At the second gate we make our way through the farm. We find another gate on our left. This LEGEND Hut with active hill farm Commercially run alpine hut/ Mountain restaurant Hut with possibility to stay overnight Church, chapel P Car park Scenic view Königsweg Königsweg variation Lauskopf Mußbachalm MARIA ALM 2 Natrun 1253 is sl Ur n bah P Hintermoos 959 5 Sch warz e ckalm 8 t 1643 Almhäusl lif el Jet zba ch Gabühel Riverside Wiesenstadl Grünköpfel 1709 Grießbachhütte Lettenalm P Grünegg am Hochkönig 1071 P Klingspitz Hochkasern 1988 2017 Statzer-Haus Hundstein 2117 L216 13 14 15 16 17 Sennerei Berghotel Schweizerhütte Arthurhaus WindrauchP egglam 10 9 Riedingalm Schartenhütte 13 Ghf. Sonneck Bergghf. Mittereggalm B164 14 Karbachalm 17 Zachhof Alm hn enba Kabinachalm Karb 1737 Fischerstüberl 1899 Dientalm Wastlhöhe Bürglalm 1581 Langegg 12 P DIENTEN 11 Archery course Slackline park Mining museum Historic mine Flying Fox Park Toni’s Alpine Playground Village mill & petting zoo Nature playground Mountain Cart P 1342 Deantna Almhüttn Bü Bründlstadl rg la lm ba hn 6 9 10 Dientner Sattel B164 üh ab Ghf. Christernreith 7 Gabühelhütte G Steinbock Alm B164 Stegmoosalm 1290 ma ch Die Jufenalm B164 Molterauhütte Erichhütte Filzensattel Ho 3 Brandstätthütte Pichlalm 1434 P Natrunhütte Auer Alm Almbar Hinterthal r 6-e P Postalm P 4 au 1 Do rfj@ t 2190 Hinterthal 1016 am Steinernen Meer 800 HIGHLIGHTS 1 Hochkönig Crown 2 Natrun forest high-ropes center 3 Archery course & wildlife feeding station 4 Kneipp spa in Hinterthal 5 Grünegg café 6 “Power of the Senses”- Kirchbühel 7 “Alpine Park Dienten” 8 Hochkönig Crown Ahornstein 1848 Schneeberg 1921 P 12 15 16 MÜHLBACH P 11 am Hochkönig 853 ENGLISH Long-distance hike in 4 stages alongside the Hochkönig Massif The Königsweg DIENTEN MÜHLBACH MÜHLBACH MARIA ALM Rest day before the “Königsetappe” stage in Mühlbach am Hochkönig MÜHLBACH In Mühlbach, the Mountain Village of Animals, you can enjoy your rest day however you wish. Spend it at one of the numerous mountain huts, visit our petting zoos or an “Open Barn Day”, and every now and then, allow our hut hosts to treat you to regional specialties. Especially at Mühlbach’s “Herb Huts”, you will be greeted by mouthwatering homemade palate-pleasers. If you prefer a little more action, you can put your skills with a bow and arrow to the test out on a 3-D archery course, slide from tree to tree up in the Flying Fox Park, or improve your sense of balance in the Slackline Park. Of course, you can always unwind, too, soaking up some sunshine at the local swimming pool. When it comes to culture, too, Mühlbach has much to offer. Take a walk along the 2,447 m long Paussenberg Gallery, where you can admire sculptures created by Mühlbach’s own artists out of wood, stone and metal, or spend a day at the Mining Museum including a visit to the historical mine. Stage 3 / Mühlbach - Dienten DIENTEN Length: 13,9 km • Gains: 1239 vm • Descents: 1034 vm • Trail time: approx. 4-6 hrs. Route description: We begin at Mühlbach tourist office, setting off to the left past Sporthotel Harlander, then left again over the bridge, which brings us to footpath No. 15. We follow this path to the right, past a mill with Kneipp spa, and after 1.5 km come to the Karbachalm valley lift station. We take the lift (please note hours of operation). Just below the mountain lift terminal, the Karbachalm invites us to take a brief break to enjoy the views. After taking in the mountain panoramas, we begin the actual tour and hike uphill on path No. 15. Shortly before the mountain terminal, this trail branches off to the left, leading us past the Mühlbach Ski Hut, briefly across gentle alpine pastures, and finally through somewhat rocky terrain. After an ascent of over 1,000 strenuous meters, we stand at the highest point of this day, the summit cross of the Schneeberg (1,921 m). Here it is worth taking a short break to truly enjoy the unique alpine vistas. From there, flanked by bilberry bushes and windswept trees, path No. 15 drops gently to the alpine saddle and continues past the Klausalm cros. Before it begins to ascend again, we branch right onto path No. 57a to the Sunnhüttl. We now continue along flat, un-forested path No. 63, accompanied by the magnificent backdrop of the Hochkönig massif, towards Dienten. Before we reach the mountain station for the Zachhofalm lift, this path meets up again with path No. 15. This leads past the mountain lift station, the Wastlhöhe summit cross (1,737 m) and across alpine pastures to the Bürglalm. Alternatively, we can also take wide gravel path No. 63. Here we have the option for a refreshment stop, where the host might serve us a delicious Kaiserschmarrn dessert, perhaps as he recounts the legend of Schneeberg the “Golden Wagon of the Bürglalm”. But then we continue on path No. 15, now a little steeper, past the Plaudereggalm. After a short stretch of forest, we see the picturesque mountain village of Dienten. Hiking path No. 15 makes a left and briefly follows a forestry road downhill. The last segment of this day-tour takes us even more steeply downhill, through a brief patch of forest, then across meadows leading to the village itself. On certain days, it is also possible to ride down on the Bürgelalm chairlift! Alternative for more relaxed hikers: We will ride the Hochkönig hiking bus (see timetable) to the Dientner Sattel. From there, we walk past the Dientalm and take path No. 75 to the Tiergartenalm. Here, we hike on the somewhat steeper path No. 76 to the Sunnhüttl. From there, we again follow the trail description above to Dienten village. This alternative for more ambitious hikers will last approx. 2 hrs longer (without lift ride): Shortly before the valley station of the Karbachalmbahn, path No. 15 branches off to the left. Initially a paved driveway to a farm, later a hiking path, this route leads more steeply uphill, mainly through forest via the Bäckenalm to the Karbachalm. From here we again follow the route as described. Wastlhöhe Bürglalm Karbachalm-Bahn 5 10 13,2 km DIENTEN 0 km Stage 4 / Dienten - Maria Alm MARIA ALM 860 m 1071 m Start: Mühlbach tourist office • Finish: Ski center in Dienten Length: 22,1 km • Gains: 1260 vm • Descents: 1525 vm • Trail time: approx. 8-9 hrs. Route description: About 300 m below the tourist office, between Hotel Hochkönig and the parsonage, is the actual start of this day’s stage. ÖAV path No. 440 first takes us to the top of Kirchbühel hill. From here we have picturesque views of the mountain village, with “His Majesty”, the Hochkönig, in the background. Following path No. 440, we now hike more steeply uphill, first across a meadow, later through forest. We cross the forestry road and a small mountain stream, briefly continue through forest, later across alpine pastures, coming to the Sommereralm (not staffed). Path No. 440 leads us past this mountain hut, through a brief patch of forest, then once again across pastures to the forest’s edge. Alongside the forest runs a wide country path overgrown with grass, taking us to a trail fork. We keep left and, after a short time, this path brings us to the Lettenalm. After a short break for refreshments, we hike left on path No. 440 as far as the “Mühllehen Tor”. Important: The next hut, the Statzerhaus/Hundstein, is about 3 hours’ walk away. At the Mühllehen Tor, the valley opens up before us, and to the right we see the first striking peak, the Klingspitz (elev. 1,988 m). After the fence, we stay right and follow path No. 440 across gentle alpine pastures up to the Marbachhöhe. At the trail fork, path No. 14a takes us on a short, but rather steep climb to the Klingspitz. Here, as we enjoy snacks form our own rucksack, we are rewarded by fantastic scenery. We now continue west on path No. 14, alongside the fence on the ridgeline. Already before our eyes, the highest peak of the entire tour, the Hundstein. Comfortably and without any effort, gentle high pastures bring us to the 2nd summit, the Hochkasern (2,017 m). We pass the Hochkasern, with path No. 14 first taking us downhill, then over a small high plateau, until we meet up with path No. 440. After gentle up- and downhills, passing by the Ochsinger and Hundstein See on the left side of the path, we finally tackle the main summit of the Hundstein. Just below the summit, ÖAV trail No. 440 meets up with access path No. 445 to the Statzerhaus. To our south, the snow-covered peaks of the Hohe Tauern, including the Grosses Wiesbachhorn and the Grossglockner, appear close enough to reach out and touch. After enjoying refreshments and overwhelmed by the nature beauty of this alpine world surrounding the Hochkönig, we begin our descent. On Klingspitz path No. 445, we come to a relatively flat segment, which we follow to its conclusion (Schrambachalm). At the Schrambachalm, we follow our original path, No. 445. Through a short patch of forest, we come to Christernreith. However, there is also a possible variant path for No. 445, past the Lohning- and Griessbachalm. But if we really have no more strength left, the hiking taxi (for a fare) will pick us up from Gasthaus Christernreith. Simply call Tel.: +43 (0)6584 7191, +43 (0)6584 2121 or +43 (0)6584 2010. Or we hike downhill via path No. 445. After a few hairpin turns, hiking path No. 28c branches right, taking us past the Aberg-Langeck lift station (not in operation) and then across gentle high pastures past the Schreineralm (not open to the public) to the Schwarzeckalm lift, where we can ride back to the valley and Hintermoos. The hiking bus or the hiking taxi (fare charged) will bring us back to Maria Alm. Alternative for relaxed hikers: As far as the Marbachhöhe (elev. 1,814 m), we follow the route as described. From here we have marvelous views of the surrounding mountain world. Here we take path No. 11, which leads us to the Geralmen. The view up there is simply charming: 5 rustic mountain huts stand next to each other. We stay on path No. 11, which leads us to the Eggeralm, where refreshments are available. The forestry path takes us to Hintermoos, past the National Sports School, and we follow this path as far as Gasthof Bachschmied and the Ski Center. At the Ski Center is a bus stop for the hiking bus back to Maria Alm. This alternative for more ambitious hikers will last approx. 1 hrs longer: From Gasthof Christernreith, keep downhill on path No. 445, past Gasthof Eberlalm until you come to the Unterberg section of Maria Alm. Shortly before the bridge, where the access road meets the Hochkönig Bundesstrasse, we branch left and conclude this daily stage with a leisurely walk along the footpath to Maria Alm. After ca. 500 m, we cross the Urslaubach, the main road, and walk straight towards the highest church steeple (76 m) in SalzburgerLand, which is also right there in the center of the village. Hundstein Hochkasern Kirchbühel 802 m Start: Dienten • Finish: Maria Alm tourist office 0 km 5 1071 m 10 15 20 23,0 km Tips for the Hike Hut opening times Equipment Please note that hut opening times, as well as trail conditions depending on weather, may vary. If you are uncertain, ask your host or the tourist office. Don’t forget ankle-high hiking boots, hiking poles, long- and short-sleeved clothing, head covering, sun block, rain jacket, e-Card, camera and binoculars. Summer mountain lift & hiking bus Bad Weather Outbreaks On some days, you have the opportunity to shorten climbs or hikes back down by riding a summer lift – be sure to check their timetables. The hiking bus, too, can make many a stage quite a bit easier. Be cautious if bad weather sets in (storms or fog) on stages Mühlbach - Schneeberg – Dienten and Dienten - Klingspitz Hundstein – Maria Alm. Free with the Hochkönig Card! Publisher & Photos: Hochkönig Tourism Not liable for errors or inaccuracies. Subject to change. Trail markings Look out for the crown symbol displayed on trail signs.
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