BergeSeen Trail D5: Simonyhütte - Hallstatt

Description:
This stage takes you along a historic route into the valley. It is the so-called Franz-Josefs-Reitsteig, which has been leading from the deeply cut Echerntal to the Dachstein plateau since the 19th century. This ascent line was followed by the first mountaineers who advanced to the Hallstatt Glacier - among them Friedrich Simony, the first scientific explorer of the mountain group. Via Adalbert Stifter, who immortalized the "Dachstein Professor" in his novel "Der Nachsommer", this path even made its way into world literature.

Directions:
From the Simony hut you hike on the well laid out trail no. 650/601 between the Karrenfelsen of the Taubenriedel down into the almost vegetation-free Wildkar. Passing the valley station of the material cable car, you will reach the junction to the Gjaidalm on the now wider trail path in ups and downs below the Wildkarkogel. Continue straight on into the grassy terrain near the Ochsenwieshöhe (1,990 m). Descend over the Schmalzlhöhe and through the rock-lined karst alley of the Ochsentrögl to the Wiesberghaus (1,872 m). 1:00 h

This cozy shelter of the Naturfreundehütte is already at the timberline. So you march - continuing to follow the marking No. 601 in the direction of "Hallstatt" - now downhill between magnificent stands of larch and Swiss stone pine. Next to the bottom of the Wiesalm, you descend through the high valley of the Herrengasse to the closed Tiergarten Hut. Afterwards, serpentines lead steeply down below the Grünkogelwand, the Martinswand and the Tropfwand until you reach a forest road at the "Alten Herd". The marked path shortens its switchbacks to the Waldbach (874 m). There, a short detour to the left to the karst spring of the Waldbach origin is recommended.

Then hike on the road briefly to the junction at the bridge over the waterfalls of the Waldbachstrub (great low view). There, turn right and descend on the largely asphalted roadway above the deeply cut Echerntal valley surrounded by high rock walls - through a tunnel, past the station of the material cable car for the Wiesberghaus and over the Dürrenbach bridge (where the path branches off to the left into the "Gletschergarten" - somewhat longer variant). At the parking lot near the Simony monument you will reach the bottom of the Echern valley (540 m).

 

Finally, take the flat road (or left, across the stream on the Echerntalweg) to the Hallstatt district of Lahn (511 m). At the bus terminal there on the shore of Lake Hallstatt is the boat landing stage. 3:00 h

On foot you will reach the historic center of Hallstatt in 15 minutes on the left. This is where the 16th stage of the Salzkammergut BergeSeen Trail begins.

Safety guidelines:

•  In alpine terrain, pay attention to the danger of falling rocks.


• Until early summer you can encounter steep snowfields or firn gullies - especially in icy conditions there is then an acute danger of falling and thus of death!


• Due to storm damage, forestry work or construction work, individual sections of the trail may be temporarily difficult or impossible to pass.


• Cows on the alp are often curious. Because they are mother cows, they develop a strong drive to protect their calves. Therefore, move quietly on cow pastures, keep at least 20 m distance to the animals and do not stroke calves under any circumstances! In case of threatening gestures (pawing, stamping) slowly move away backwards (do not turn your back). Dogs on a leash, they must not bark at cows or even chase them. In the event of an attack, it is essential to let them off the leash.

Equipment:
For all stages you will need hiking or mountain boots with a treaded rubber sole as well as wind- and rainproof clothing.

A change of clothes and a small first-aid kit should also be in your backpack. How much food you pack depends on the number of stops you make. In any case, you should take enough to drink. Telescopic poles are especially helpful when going downhill.

Additional information:
Text kindly provided by the publisher KOMPASS-Verlag and Wolfgang Heitzmann.

Further information at trail.salzkammergut.at