Abriani 2 - Scenic Trail

The picturesque idyll at Schwarzensee

The Pittoresk Trail leads from Schwarzenbach to Schwarzensee and combines stunning natural scenery with insights into the region’s cultural and landscape history. The varied route winds through forests, across alpine pastures, and along the shores of Schwarzensee all the way to Strobl.

The hike begins at the Schwarzenbach bus stop. After an initial climb, you’ll reach the Maurus Chapel. Right next to the chapel, a bench invites you to take a short break.

Further along, the trail passes a wayside shrine commemorating the traditional cattle drive at Lake Wolfgang. This custom marks the end of the alpine summer and is still observed today as a festive expression of gratitude for a successful grazing season.

A special stop along the route is a quiet forest clearing dotted with numerous so-called “Stoamandl.” These small towers, built from stacked stones, can be found in many mountain regions and often serve as landmarks for navigation. They define the character of this natural rest area.

At the end of the forest section, you reach Schwarzensee. There is a snack stand right by the lake. The trail then continues along the circular path around the Schwarzensee. Along the way, you’ll pass a wayside shrine commemorating the lumberjacks who once worked here under often difficult conditions and frequently met with accidents.

After circling the lake, the route leads downhill again. Along the way is a wayside shrine dedicated to Saint Maurice. You’ll also pass two historic leaf sheds. These simple wooden structures are among the most distinctive features of the region’s cultural landscape and are rarely seen today. They were built near beech forests and were once used to store leaves, which, after drying, were used as bedding for farm animals. While one of the two leaf sheds is still in relatively good condition, the other is already falling into disrepair, illustrating the natural changes that historic structures undergo over time.

Further along, the trail passes close to the Grabenmühle estate, where fresh wood-fired bread is sold directly from the farm. The route then follows the Schwarzenbach stream to the St. Wolfgang state highway. After crossing it, the trail continues on to the Ischler Ache. The hiking trail leads along the river toward Strobl. At the Wolfgangsee-Klause, the route branches off toward the center of Strobl.

The Pittoreskpfad trail ultimately ends in the center of Strobl, connecting impressive natural scenery with regional traditions, historical landmarks, and cultural-historical highlights along the way.