BergeSeen Trail K1: Almtaler Haus - Steyrerhütte

The alpine variant over the Kasberg is an attractive alternative for all who want to add a summit crossing after the 21st stage of the Salzkammergut BergeSeen Trail (and plan an additional day for it). In this case, you hike from Jagersimmerl in 1:30 h on the approx. 6 km long paved road to the Almtaler Haus. However, you can also climb the Kasberg after the alpine Priel variant, as there is hardly a better viewing platform in front of the northern cliffs of the Dead Mountains.

From the Almtaler Haus, follow the signposts "Herrentisch, Ringsattel, Bernerau" on the wide forest path no. 430/404 heading east. At the junction to the Kleine and Große Ödsee, continue straight ahead (the very worthwhile lake detour takes an additional 30 minutes or 1:00 h) and soon ascend more steeply to the Herrentisch (dream view from the Priel to the Traunstein!) and to the Ringsattel (897 m).

From there, it goes down into the source area of the Steyrling. At the Ringhütte (717 m), you reach a forest road on which you walk 2 km to the beautiful old forester's house in the Bernerau (622 m). At the junction after the bridge over the Steyrling, continue straight ahead and walk another approx. 4 km through the sometimes rocky gully out into the Brunnental (540 m). In this small settlement around a stately hunting lodge belonging to the Steyrtal community of Klaus on the Pyhrn railway, Empress Elisabeth already liked it – in 1883 she hiked over from the Almtal together with her lady-in-waiting, servant and two guides. 3:00 h

To the left, at the parking lot in front of the forester's house, the signed ascent route to the Steyrerhütte on Kasberg begins. You hike on the forest road (no. 433) uphill through the wooded (and mostly dry) Katzengraben. From a right turn, continue straight on a steep, stony track until further up you meet the road again. Continue upwards on this and at a fork to the left, until after about 150 m the hiking trail no. 433 branches off to the right. It leads through (young) forest and clearings in about 45 minutes to the Steyrerhütte (1,400 m). The cozy shelter of the Naturefriends lies under the south slope of the Schwalbenmauer and offers a dreamlike view from its terrace to the northern cliffs of the Dead Mountains around the Große and Kleine Priel. 2:30 h

• In alpine terrain, be aware of the danger from falling rocks.


• Until early summer, you may encounter steep snowfields or firn grooves there – especially when icy, there is acute danger of falling and thus risk to life!


• Due to storm damage, forestry work or construction measures, individual sections of the path may sometimes only be difficult or not passable at all.


• Cows on the alpine pasture are often curious. Due to mother cow husbandry, they develop a strong drive to protect their calves. Move calmly on cow pastures, keep at least 20 m distance from the animals and never pet calves! In case of threatening gestures (scratching, stamping) slowly walk backwards (do not turn your back). Dogs must be on a leash; they must not bark at or chase cows. In case of an attack, you must definitely let the dogs off the leash.

For all stages, you need hiking or mountain shoes with profile 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 provision you pack depends on the number of places to eat. In any case, you should take enough to drink. Telescopic poles are especially helpful when going downhill.

Courtesy of the text provided by the KOMPASS publishing house and Wolfgang Heitzmann.

More info at trail.salzkammergut.at