Around the Bischofsmütze "Stage 1"

Stage 1: Hike from Filzmoos via Sulzenalmen - Sulzenhals - Sulzenschneid - Rinderfeld to the Hofpürglhütte
Walking time: approx. 6 hours - overnight stay at the Hofpürglhütte

A convenient starting point for the first stage is the Experience Portal Filzmoos, where parking is available opposite the petrol station. From there, follow the road towards the roundabout and continue in the direction of Hinterwinkl. Shortly before the second bridge, leave the road and continue straight ahead. The trail passes the old mill before following the stream along a pleasant path to the Leopichl farm road (Güterweg Leopichl).

At the toll gate, do not continue left onto the toll road. Instead, keep right and follow the farm road, which climbs gently to Wallehengut (30 B). Just below the farmhouse, the hiking trail branches off towards Hofalm. Follow this trail until you reach the clearly signposted junction for Sulzenalm on Austrian Alpine Club Trail No. 638.

This is where the ascent along the historic Old Sulzenalm Trail begins. The narrow forest path branches off to the right from the farm road and climbs steadily through the woods in a series of switchbacks. As you gain elevation, the forest gradually opens up, leading to the expansive alpine meadows of the Sulzenalmen, an ideal place for a first rest stop.

From the Sulzenalmen (Krahlehenhütte and Wallehenhütte), follow the signs towards Sulzenhals. The trail ascends steadily across alpine pastures before crossing increasingly rocky terrain on its way to the Sulzenhals saddle. At the saddle, turn right and continue towards Sulzenschneid. Following the scenic ridge, you will reach the summit cross of Sulzenschneid at 1,990 metres. From the summit, you are rewarded with magnificent panoramic views of the Gosaukamm, the Bischofsmütze, and the Dachstein massif.

The descent follows the Linzer Steig trail. The path initially drops more steeply in a series of switchbacks, where sure-footedness is essential, especially in wet conditions. After the steeper section, the terrain becomes gentler as the trail crosses the wide alpine meadows of the Rinderfeld.

From the Rinderfeld, the well-marked trail continues with gentle ascents and descents directly to the Hofpürglhütte at 1,705 metres. After approximately six hours of hiking, you will reach your destination for the day, where you can relax and spend the night before continuing your tour.

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