BergeSeen Trail K1: Almtaler Haus - Steyrerhütte

Description:
The alpine variant via the Kasberg is an attractive alternative for all those who would like to "append" a summit traverse after the 21st stage of the Salzkammergut BergeSeen Trail (and plan an additional day for this). In this case, you hike from Jagersimmerl in 1:30 h on the approx. 6 km long asphalt road to Almtaler Haus. However, you can climb the Kasberg following the alpine Priel variant, because there is hardly a better viewing lodge in front of the northern falls of the Tote Gebirge.

Directions:
From the Almtaler Haus, follow the signs "Herrentisch, Ringsattel, Bernerau" on the wide forest trail no. 430/404 to the east. At the turnoff to the Kleinen and Großer Ödsee lakes, continue straight ahead (the very rewarding lake detour takes an additional 30 minutes and 1:00 h, respectively) and soon climb more steeply to the Herrentisch (dream view from the Priel to the Traunstein!) and to the Ringsattel (897 m).

Behind it we go down into the headwaters of the Steyrling. At the Ringhütte (717 m) you come to a forest road on which you walk 2 km to the beautiful old forester's lodge in the Bernerau (622 m). At the junction after the bridge over the Steyrling, stay straight ahead and hike for about 4 km through the rock-lined ditch out into the Brunnental (540 m). Empress Elisabeth already liked this small settlement around a stately hunting lodge, which belongs to the Steyrtal community of Klaus an der Pyhrnbahn - she hiked over from the Almtal in 1883 with her lady-in-waiting, servant and two guides. 3:00 h

On the left, at the parking lot in front of the forester's lodge, the signposted ascent route to the Steyrerhütte on Kasberg begins. You hike uphill on the forest road (No. 433) through the wooded (and mostly waterless) Katzengraben. From a right-hand bend, continue straight ahead on a steep, stony path until you reach the road again further up. Continue uphill and at a fork to the left until after about 150 m hiking trail no. 433 branches off to the right. It leads through (young) forest and beats to the Steyrerhütte (1,400 m) in around 45 minutes. The Nature Friends' cozy shelter stands under the southern slope of the Swallow Wall and offers a fantastic view from its terrace of the northern cliffs of the Dead Mountains around the Großer and Kleiner Priel. 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