Via Alpina

1st stage: 14 km route, 929 m ascent, 5 hours walking time.

From Bischofshofen town centre we start the hike on the Gaisbergstraße, behind the Gasthof Schützenhof, via the cemetery to the famous ski jump area. An interesting ski jumping trail runs along this road. After about 10 minutes on foot we reach the extensive ski jump area. To the left of the Austria House, a small meadow path leads over the fitness course in the direction of the waterfall, which we reach after about 5 minutes.

At the small crossroads we can choose from 2 routes:

Option 1: Turn right and walk along the newly built waterfall path (approx. 350 steps) to the upper end and on to the Bachsfall castle ruins. From there we can enjoy a magnificent view over the town, all the way to the Tennengebirge mountains.

Variant 2: The second route continues straight on, via a gentle ascent through the loose mixed forest and bypasses the waterfall and the ruin.

After about 15 - 20 minutes of walking, the two paths meet again and we follow the "Mühlenweg" for about 1/2 hour to Gainfeldstraße. There we turn left and follow the lightly used road into the valley. After about 2 km we reach a large car park sign and turn left again. We cross the car park and follow a beautiful meadow path to the "Kematen Alm" (not managed) and continue on a goods path past the "Loimair Hütte". After a short walk, the goods path ends and we hike on a beautiful hiking trail through loose mixed forest. After about 40 minutes we reach a very distinctive signpost - a "Steinmadl". We keep to the left and follow a narrow hiking trail. After about 30 minutes the forest thins out and we get a magnificent view of the Mandlwände - the eastern foothills of the Hochkönig massif. A wide hiking trail leads us to the Arthurhaus at the foot of the Hochkönig massif. We follow the Erzweg (trail no. 85; theme trail) over a length of approx. 5.5 km to Mühlbach. Alternatively, there is also the hiking bus to get to Mühlbach.

2nd stage: 17 km trail, 210 m ascent, 5.5 hours walking time.

From the Arthurhaus, walk along the Hochkönig Panorama Trail (trail no. 401A/436) past the Windraucheggalm through the Riedingtal valley. A small diversions of 1 hour to the Riedingtal waterfalls is recommended. Continue along the Panorama Trail past the Four Huts, through the rocky foothills of the Birgkar to the Erichhütte. ***Attention: Road closure on the Bockkluft theme trail*** Trail has been rerouted: After the Erichhütte, take trail no. 66 in the direction of Wirtsalm back to Dienten. The hiking trail below the farm (trail no. 66 )takes us past more beautiful farms (trail no. 65) to Dienten.

3rd stage: 17 km trail distance, 650 m ascent, 6 hours walking time.

We hike back to the Rohrmoosbauer (trail no. 65/66) - alternatively, there is also the option of taking the Maria Alm hiking bus to the Alpinpark bus stop. From the Rohrmoosbauer we continue in the direction of the Pichlalm(trail no. 67) and rejoin the long-distance trail no. 401A/436. Past the Pichlalm we take a meadow path through very damp alpine pastures into a wooded area and along a rooty path through some ditches and ravines. After about 1/2 hour we reach a wide hiking trail again, which after a short while leads steeply downhill towards Hinterthal - past the Mußbachalm and the Aueralm. We hike on the Hochkönigstraße through Hinterthal, cross the Hochkönig Bundesstraße and arrive at the Hochmaisalmbahn. We cross the car park and at the end reach an idyllic hiking trail along the Urslau river until we reach the Hochkönig Bundesstraße again. We follow the main road for a short distance back in the direction of Hinterthal and finally keep left on the farm track to the Pichlbauer. Past the farm, we hike first along a meadow path and finally along another hiking trail with a brief, steeper ascent until we reach the Jufensattel and the Jufenalm mountain hotel/restaurant. The trail leads past the Jufenalm, a short distance along the Jufenstraße and after a wooden garage we take the forest adventure trail on the right. After the 3rd station of the themed trail, we keep to the right and follow the Natrunhöhenweg (trail no. 401A/436) steeply uphill. A rooty path leads us through the forest, across open clearings with wonderful views over the Natrunhöhe and after about 1/2 hour back onto the forest adventure trail. We follow the path past some stations of the forest high ropes course to the mountain station of the Natrunbahn. Past the station, we reach the village via the steep descent(trail no. 401A) from the Natrun with a wonderful view of Maria Alm. The Natrunbahn makes the descent easier.

Self-assessment: Check your physical fitness before every mountain tour and correctly assess your strength as well as that of your companions - especially those of your children! Surefootedness and a head for heights are often very important!
Planning and preparation: Plan each intended mountain tour in detail beforehand. Hiking maps and guides as well as information from alpine associations and local experts such as mountain guides and mountain hut keepers can be helpful.
Equipment: On the mountain, you will need appropriate equipment and clothing, especially sturdy, high shoes with good grip soles. Weather and cold protection are essential, as the weather can often change unexpectedly.
Weather forecasts: Take note of the current weather conditions at: www.zamg.at 
Together: Follow the 10 rules for the correct handling of grazing animals and do not leave any waste in nature!
Do not kick stones: Do not kick stones as this can seriously endanger other hikers. Marked places with a danger of falling rocks should be crossed as quickly as possible and with attention and caution.
Turn back in good time: This is not a disgrace, but a sign of common sense. It becomes necessary when the weather changes, fog rolls in, and also when the path is too difficult or not in good condition.

Emergency numbers: Alpine emergency call: 140, International emergency call: 112, Rescue: 144

Coming from Salzburg: Take the A10 motorway to the Bischofshofen exit, then take the B311 towards Bischofshofen.
Coming from Innsbruck/ Kufstein: On the Loferer Straße/B178 in the direction of St. Johann i.T., then on the Hochkönig Bundesstraße/B164 via Saalfelden and Maria Alm to Dienten or the Filzensattel, then in the direction of Mühlbach/Bischofshofen.
A valid vignette is required to use the Austrian motorway and motorway network. It is also compulsory to carry a first-aid kit, warning triangle and high-visibility waistcoat. Further information can be found under Asfinag.

ÖBB-Scotty: Timetable information
Bus line 620: Timetable information
Bus line 631: Timetable information
Bus-Linie 590: Fahrplanauskunft
Hiking bus: Timetable information

Further information on hikes and activities in the Hochkönig region:

For detailed information about hiking maps, the opening hours of the cable cars and the huts and mountain pastures in summer, we recommend you visit the local service centre. There you will not only receive the hiking map, but also valuable tips on the best hiking routes and current conditions.

Opening hours of the mountain lifts in summer:The mountain lifts offer different opening hours during the summer months, which can vary depending on the weather and season. Please check the current operating times in advance.

Opening hours of huts & mountain huts in summer: The huts and mountain huts in the region are ideal rest stops for hikers. Here, too, opening hours may vary depending on the season and day of the week. Ask the friendly hosts for advice about the offers and specialities on site.

For more information, please visit our website: www.hochkoenig.at.

If you have any questions or require specific information, please do not hesitate to contact us:

- E-mail: region@hochkoenig.at

- Telephone: +43 (0)6584 20388

We look forward to helping you and hope you enjoy exploring the beautiful Hochkönig hiking region!

The hiking bus helps you to shorten some stages and make them therfore easier.