BergeSeen Trail D2: Gablonzer Hütte - Hofpürglhütte

Description:
The alpine variant through the Dachstein Mountains begins right away with a "classic" among the alpine high-altitude trails. Gentle alpine pastures and rugged rocky wilderness is here at the foot of the Gosaukamm often only a stone's throw apart. The highest peak of this dolomite-like mountain range in the west of the Dachstein mountains, the 2,454 m high Bischofsmütze, really lives up to its name. However, it has been plagued by landslides for years and continues to send volleys of falling rocks into the depths.Directions:
From the Gablonzer Hütte , which lies on the 14th stage of the Salzkammergut Trail (and can be reached from the Vorderen Gosausee by cable car), hike on trail no. 611 - a variant section of the northern alpine long-distance trail - next to the Breininghütte to the trail junction at the Unterer Törlecksattel and on the Austriaweg (No. 601) leading downhill to the right through light wooded terrain and steeper, rocky grassy slopes at the foot of the Großer Donnerkogel. Through a wooded area below the Angerstein you reach the wide meadows of the Stuhlalm (1,467 m) - the Theodor-Körner hut of the Alpenverein is hidden in the nearby forest. 2:00 h On the grassy ridge above the alpine pasture (Mooseben) you continue into the Grubach below the Stuhlloch, the dark cirque below the striking Große Bischofsmütze (2,454 m). The following "passage" over the Jöchl was completely destroyed by a rock fall in 2012. The newly created path zigzags up through mountain pines to a very steep rocky gully already before the scree slope on the right. This was made passable by numerous wooden steps and solid steel ropes. A rocky saddle (1,600 m) opens the passage to the south side of the ridge. There the path leads through steep and rocky slopes into the wide mountain pine fields below the Stuhllochspitz (1,980 m) and subsequently almost level under the rugged western foothills of the Bischofsmütze (steel cables) to the Mahdalmriegel (1,630 m). There you turn left and hike through the grass and scree slopes above the Sulzkaralm (1,467 m), which invites you to a short detour on the right.

Rising through the idyllic meadows and the mountain pine fields to the south of the Leckkogel (2,032 m), the Austria Trail finally crosses over to the soon visible Hofpürglhütte (1,706 m). The stately alpine club house is enthroned on a panoramic hill below the perky Mosermandl (2,088 m), next to which the two peaks of the Bischofsmütze peak out impressively. 2:30 h

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