Around the Bischofsmütze mountain "Stage 2"

Stage 2: Hofpürglhütte – Steiglpass – Gosausee – Gablonzer Hütte

Hiking time: approx. 5 hours 30 minutes - Overnight stay: Gablonzer Hütte

The second stage begins at the Hofpürglhütte and initially follows the Linzer Steig to the junction for the Steigl Pass. From there, the narrow mountain trail climbs steadily in a series of switchbacks. In the upper section, the path is partly secured with steel cables and requires sure-footedness and a head for heights. After the ascent, you reach the Steiglpass (2,016 m), the highest point of the entire tour.

The route then descends towards Gosau. Along the way, you pass the mountaineers’ memorial and enjoy impressive views of the Gosaukamm, Lake Gosau, and the Dachstein massif. Just above Lake Gosau, the route splits.

As an option, you can descend to the Vorderer Gosausee in about 20 minutes and then take the Gosaukammbahn cable car up to the Gablonzer Hütte (please note the last ascent time).

Alternatively, follow Trail No. 623 along the same contour line across the northern flank of the Donnerkogel. This scenic high trail leads over the unstaffed Krautgartenalm to the Gablonzer Hütte.

After approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes of hiking, you reach the Gablonzer Hütte, where you can end the day and stay overnight.

Weather changes, rapid temperature drops, thunderstorms, wind, fog, and snowfields are objective dangers and require the right behavior on the trail. Hut keepers are experienced mountain experts who can give good advice about the weather and the route. Lack of equipment, overestimation, carelessness, poor fitness, and wrong assessment can lead to critical situations. In case of thunderstorms: Avoid summits, ridges, and secured rope sections at all costs.

A good backpack is helpful, and for routes in alpine terrain, a hat, gloves, a good jacket, and trousers belong to the basic equipment. Good waterproof shoes, sunglasses, sun protection, and sufficient drinks are essential. A flashlight, map material, knife, and a small first aid kit are also part of it.

This route should only be tackled by experienced hikers. Freedom from dizziness, good fitness, and surefootedness are prerequisites. GPS data and orientation aids
Available GPS data – like hiking maps – are only orientation aids because they can never represent an exact image or the detail richness of a path in reality. Especially at dangerous spots, it must always finally be decided on site how and whether the further route is taken. In an emergency, please use the following emergency numbers:
140 - for alpine emergencies - Austria-wide
112 - Euro emergency GSM emergency service

Coming from Eben: Take the Tauern Motorway A10 – exit at Eben – turn left towards Filzmoos. After approx. 11 km, turn right opposite the gas station. There is a public paid parking lot opposite the gas station. Tauern motorway A10 - Eben exit - turn left towards Filzmoos - after about 11 km you reach a roundabout - take the exit towards Hofalmen - paid parking spaces in the Hammerau area or just before the toll station there is a parking lot (beware of grazing cattle).

Coming from Ramsau am Dachstein:

At the roundabout, take the exit towards Neuberg – shortly after the gas station, turn left. There is a public paid parking lot opposite the gas station. Roundabout - take the exit towards Hofalmen - paid parking spaces in the Hammerau area or just before the toll station there is a parking lot (beware of grazing cattle).

By train:
Destination stations: Eben im Pongau or Radstadt (both on the Salzburg – Bischofshofen – Schladming – Graz railway line). From Salzburg main station, regular trains run (about every hour). The journey takes about 1 hour.

Then continue by bus or taxi: Bus line 521 runs directly to Filzmoos central stop from Eben im Pongau or Radstadt (travel time approx. 20–30 minutes). Alternatively, taxis are available at the station. Tip: Buses do not run very frequently – check the timetable in advance at www.oebb.at

With the Fidibus summer: From Hotel Neubergerhof there is the Fidibus summer (hiking bus) which takes you from Neuberg to Filzmoos to the toll station stop. Here is the timetable