Abriani 7 - Activity Trail

Along the Zinkenbach Stream to the Arboretum

The nature trail combines scenic hiking sections with natural and cultural attractions around the Zinkenbach. The route leads from Gschwendt past the “Vitz Sparber” lookout point to the Arboretum Nature Discovery Park and ends at the Gschwendt boat landing.

The hike begins at the Gschwendt bus stop. From there, the route follows the hiking trail, which initially passes a gravel pit. Shortly after the Gschwendt town sign, the trail branches off to the left before a bridge and leads through a meadow path into the forest.

Along the ascent, there are several rest areas, including a bench with a view of the Zinkenbach. As the trail continues, views of Lake Wolfgang and the surrounding landscape open up again and again.

After leaving the forest, you’ll reach a wayside shrine on a pasture near Vitz am Berg. According to tradition, this wayside shrine was erected in gratitude for deliverance from a plague epidemic that struck the Abersee region around the year 1675. Shortly thereafter, the route passes the Vitz am Berg farmstead, the highest-altitude farm in the Abersee region.

Next to the farm is a chapel with a distinctive copper roof. A votive painting inside commemorates the chapel’s origins; it was built in 1883 in memory of a farmer who died in an accident.

The signs lead on to the “Vitz Sparber” lookout point, which offers a sweeping view of Lake Wolfgang and the surrounding mountain landscape. The route then follows the same path back to the Vitz am Berg farmstead before continuing toward Zinkenbach.

The trail now follows the stream and passes several bridges, wayside shrines, and rest areas. Finally, you reach the Arboretum Nature Experience Park. The park is surrounded by old trees and offers numerous recreational and leisure activities. These include a tree nature trail, fitness equipment, play and learning stations for children, and various seating and lounging areas along the Zinkenbach.

For families, there is a climbing area and swings, among other amenities. The nature discovery park combines physical activity, nature exploration, and educational learning in a varied setting.

After visiting the arboretum, the route continues along the road and the Zinkenbach hiking trail. Following the signs, you’ll eventually reach the Gschwendt boat landing, where the activity trail ends.