Grossarl: 3-day hike from Unterwandalm to Gerstreitalm

Day 1:

A forest road from Sonnegg Bridge leads through a spruce high forest upwards to the Muggenfeld and to the Maurachalm. You can shorten the path a bit via trails through the forest. Suddenly the forest thins and alpine meadows spread out. The Maurachalm is the northernmost alpine pasture in Großarltal and is particularly known for its exquisite schnapps (rowan or elderberry). The herders often sing and make music here. Ascend via Auhofalm (not managed) to the Kitzstein (Gabel). From here you have a wonderful view of the Salzach Valley as well as Hochkönig, the Tennen and Hagen mountains on one side and the Hohe Tauern on the other. Descend via the Oberwandalm (not managed) to the Karseggalm. The Karseggalm is probably one of the coziest huts in the entire Alpine region and with its approx. 400 years is one of the oldest. When entering the hut, you will be pleasantly surprised. The floor inside the hut is covered with clay and tree bark. It may well be that the "Wehstatt", as the "kitchen" is called in an old hut, is full of smoke. Here is an open fireplace, as most people can hardly imagine anymore. A specialty from Großarltal is made here: kneaded cheese. Once a week you can watch the herdsman or herdswoman making the typical sour cheese for Großarltal. Of course, culinary delights are also not forgotten here. But you will hike another half hour to the Unterwandalm. After this day tour you will be spoiled with delicacies from their own production such as bread, butter, cheese, bacon or sausage. When the herdsman plays his accordion and the sun slowly sets (the sunsets here are particularly impressive), a cozy hut evening is guaranteed.

Day 2:

You are awakened on the alpine pasture by the ringing of cowbells. After a hearty alpine breakfast, the hike takes you back to the Karseggalm and onwards to the Großwildalm, where tired hikers are already awaited with a tasty snack. The route then continues leisurely past the Kleinwildalm to the Spatalm (both not managed) and over the Spatkar to the Saukaralm. This alpine pasture is the highest located in Großarltal. The view from here is simply unique. The Hohe Tauern, Hochkönig as well as the Tennen and Hagen mountains make this one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Großarltal. The descent goes past the Röschenbergalm (not managed) to the Gerstreitalm. Here again you will be spoiled with delicacies from their own production and you will spend the night in the quarters.

Day 3:

Well rested and strengthened by a delicious alpine breakfast, the route continues downhill to the farm Vorderstadluck. Here you have the option to take the hiking taxi to the valley. Or you can decide to descend via Hertas Rast to the town center of Großarl.