Mountain crossing on well-marked, but narrow and rocky paths that lead through rugged karst terrain and require sure-footedness. Start only in safe weather – in fog you can easily get lost.
“Every thought of the big world, every sorrow vanishes here. Nearer to its creator, the contemplation of nature in the large fills us with heavenly feeling ...” These words can be found in the diaries of Archduke Johann (1782–1859), who crossed the Tote Gebirge several times. On this stage, you will find them confirmed.
Directions:From the Loser Hut, walk on the wide path next to the toll road to the topmost parking lot at Loser Alm. From its rear edge, continue on the Karl-Stöger-Steig (No. 201) with the sign “Augstwiese – Appelhaus”. At the following fork, stay on the right path which soon crosses rocky terrain and extensive mountain pine fields. Through the southeast flank of the Vorderer Schwarzmooskopf, you arrive with constant ups and downs at the Hochklapfsattel (1,487 m).
From there, the trail No. 212 coming up from Altaussee joins from the right. Follow this path to the left and reach above the tiny Augstwiesen lake the lower edge of the wide grass hollow of the Augstwiesen (1,345 m).
From the junction there, go right (marker No. 201) towards “Appelhaus” to the alpine huts and then uphill through the Henar forest. After about 3.5 km you reach the Albert-Appel-Haus (1,660 m) and thus the connection to stage 21 of the Salzkammergut BergeSeen Trail. 4:00 h
Tip:Note: Those who follow the left path (212) from the junction at Augstwiesenalm reach – passing the hunting lodge “Füchsleins Not” – the huts of Wildenseealm (1,521 m) in 45 minutes.
Safety guidelines:For all stages, you need hiking or mountain boots with profiled rubber soles as well as wind- and rainproof clothing.
Spare clothes for changing and a small first aid kit should also be in your backpack. How much provisions you pack depends on the number of opportunities to stop. In any case, you should take enough to drink. Trekking poles are especially helpful when going downhill.
Additional information:With kind provision of the text by the KOMPASS publishing house and Wolfgang Heitzmann.
More info at trail.salzkammergut.at
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