L4 Hieslberg-Rotstein Trail

This circular route with a length of 15.8 km and 1049 m of elevation leads over meadows and forests to two scenic peaks just outside Großraming. First to the Hieslberg (Hiaslberg) and after descending into the Lumplgraben, variedly over forest roads and woodland paths up to the Rotstein.

The start of the route is the train station in Großraming. At the intersection toward Lumplgraben/Brunnbach, there is a signpost. From there it goes uphill over meadows past pasture fences into the first forest section. Here the path splits and you have to take the left path that runs along the meadow upwards. From here it goes steeply up worn and when wet very slippery paths until you reach an alpine meadow again. Here keep right along and back into a forested area.

After a total of 1.5 km, the first bench with a beautiful view of the Almkogel invites you to take a short break. At km 2, you reach a signpost that leads directly to the Hieslberg, which is reached after just under 2.5 km and 470 m of ascent and rewards you with a magnificent view of Großraming.

Then it goes down via switchbacks through the forest. At a clearing, you come to the end of a forest road with a small shrine. Further downhill through the forest to another clearing, keep left along the forest road toward Rießbauer. There you reach a paved road that leads down into the Lumplgraben.

On the right, the Almkogel is visible again, and on the left, the next target, the Rotstein, already appears. Here keep right and walk exactly 2 km along the road back towards Großraming until a marking on the right points to the Rotstein. From there, initially over forest roads and then over woodland paths to the summit of the Rotstein. Again 2.6 km and 400 m of ascent are overcome. From the summit of the Rotstein, about 200 m back to the signpost, turn left and descend to the forest road. Then keep left, pass a shrine, keep right in the meadow and partly very steeply up to the summit of the Schafkogel. Return the same way to the meadow, which you cross keeping right.

From there, it goes only downhill toward Großraming, past a hunting lodge, down to the Mitterlangerbauer, past on the right until you are back on the road. Then it is only a few meters back to the starting point at the train station.

Trail crampon spikes are highly recommended when wet, as the path to the Hieslberg can be very muddy and slippery.

The required equipment always depends on the respective route and weather conditions. Regarding provisions: This is very individual, and it is advisable to have more rather than less in terms of gear and food. A 5 km round in the valley requires less than a demanding route in the mountains. The weather can change quickly and if you are not constantly moving or have to take a break, warm clothing is very important, for example.

Here is a general checklist for you:

• Weather-appropriate running gear for the respective season – weather forecast – region – altitude. This includes, among others:
  * a waterproof rain jacket
  * waterproof rain pants suitable for running
  * gloves and warm headgear (cap/headband/buff)
  * sunglasses + sunscreen + headgear for very warm days


• Trail running shoes


• Water bottles, soft flasks, or a hydration bladder with enough liquid for the respective route (possibly salt tablets/magnesium too)


• Snacks for an energy boost in between: energy bars, gels, chocolate, trail mix,


• Running backpack: ideally a trail running vest/a trail running backpack or a waist belt for short routes.


• Dry pack: so that your valuables or change of clothes stay dry (optionally a small trash bag)


• Emergency blanket


• Small first aid kit. In my opinion, an Israeli bandage is highly recommended: it is a one-handed wound and pressure bandage. Details can be found here.


• Emergency whistle (often integrated in the trail backpack)


• Cell phone


• Map material (online and/or offline)


• E-Card or insurance card


• Some cash


• Crampons/spikes: they can be very advantageous in winter and icy conditions.


• Folding poles for trail running


• Headlamp