Crossing the Katergebirge

Description:

On a good day at the weekend, the trail to Katrin is bustling, especially from the train station to the summit cross. But this tour has much more to offer ambitious trail runners!

It starts with the beautiful Nussensee lake as a great start and finish point for an extensive traverse that stretches over the entire ridge of the Katergebirge.

The ascent from there is classic, via the Katrin ski slopes to the main summit with its large steel cross. Then follow the trail back a few meters to the turn-off towards Hainzen.

Already at Hainzen it is much quieter and you have a fantastic view towards Bad Goisern with Lake Hallstatt and the Dachstein massif in the background!

On the next section, the trail becomes increasingly narrower and the rolling terrain is extremely fun, with some small, sometimes quite rocky climbs and descents.

Before you reach the Rosskopf, there is a short section along a razor-sharp ridge, which is defused by a rope. From the Rosskopf, continue along the ridge for a short distance and then turn right down across pastureland to an unmanned hut. Pay attention to the markings on the ground here and follow the path slightly downhill to the right.

The path back down to the forest roads at Nussensee is quite overgrown in summer and fall, so it is advisable to take tick repellent beforehand. Many small single trails lead downhill in tight serpentines and cross the forest road again and again further down. Nevertheless, it is advisable to stay on the marked trail, especially further down, so as not to miss the turn-off to the right to Lake Nussensee. Running here is also a lot of fun.

Directions:

The route is marked throughout, especially towards Hainzen and Rosskopf, following the course of the ridge.

The ridge is well secured, it is possible to bypass the ridge below but is not recommended.

On the downhill section, you can take the trail, which repeatedly cuts off the forest road and is nice to walk.

Tip:
Especially recommended in spring when the snow is gone and in early summer, as the grass is not yet so high.

Safety guidelines:
Sure-footedness and a head for heights are essential for the rope-insured passage between Hainzen and Rosskopf. The length of the tour through partly rocky terrain should not be underestimated, especially as you cannot descend early and would have to continue to the Rosskopf or turn back.

Equipment:
Pack enough water, it can be refilled at the top station of the cable car.