Catching mice with bacon and cheese? Wrong! In Salzburger Land, many traditional alpine summer huts also magically attract mountain bikers. With a snack board against a fantastic backdrop. We have selected the seven most beautiful huts and show you the tours that will take you there.
The 7 most beautiful huts in Salzburger Land
Seven excellent alpine summer huts, seven tours for a snack in seven regions of Salzburger Land. On the following pages you will find everything you need to know - including videos, tour descriptions, altitude profiles and all GPS tracks. Plus: all the important addresses and websites in the regions.
Flachau: Frauenalm with a difference
The Frauenalm tour is one of the most popular bike tours in Flachau. However, we don't climb the Frauenalmsattel from Flachau, but from Wagrain and add the Marbachtal after the descent.
The most beautiful hut tour in Flachau: Frauenalm with a difference
The Prechtlhütte is an exceptionally beautiful mountain hut. The charming Marbachtal valley, in which the hut is located, can be reached from Flachau on a very easy tour. We do it differently and ride "from behind" via Wagrain to the Frauenalm and, after the descent, roll another 200 metres uphill to end the day in a relaxed manner at the end of the valley.
Tour description:
The start is at the tourist office in the centre of Flachau. The route initially follows the Enns river in the direction of flow on the cycle path out of the village. At the roundabout (cycle path subway) turn left onto the cycle path to Wagrain. Cross the main road at Moadörfl and continue to the chairlift station. Follow the course of the chairlift on forest tracks uphill to its mountain station (Daarmoos). Continue straight ahead along the slope to the middle station of the Wagrain gondola lift. Leave this on the right and follow the forest path straight ahead to the Schüttalm. From the Schüttalm, ride uphill over the Frauenalmsattel and along the forest path past the Frauenalm downhill to the Ennstal. In Ennstal, follow the Enns cycle path to the right against the direction of flow into the valley. Now follow the signs for Marbachtal to the end of the Marbachtal valley. Stop for refreshments at the Prechtlhütte and cycle back to Flachau on the Enns cycle path.
Tour dates and tour information
- 48.91 km/1352 metres altitude
- Journey time 5 h
- Condition 4/5
- Driving technique 2/5
- Panorama 5/5
- Difficulty: medium
The hut: Prechtlhütte
Probably the most beautiful hut in Flachau still stands there as if nothing had happened in the last 100 years. Only the wood has acquired more patina.
➲ The hut
In 2012, the Prechtlhütte was voted the favourite alpine summer hut by readers of the Kronenzeitung newspaper. And with good reason: the hut is still a real alpine hut, run by the farming family, who offer their own products from the alpine pastures here.
➲ The location
The Marbach Valley is a charming little side valley not far from the source of the River Enns.
➲ With the bike to the alpine pasture
A very easy, well signposted tour leads from Flachau into Marbachtal. Our tip looks a little different. After the tour via the Frauenalm, we add the detour to the Prechtlhütte, see above.
"Relax and recuperate" - Hubert Rettensteiner, Prechtlalm hut landlord
Please briefly describe the character of your hut from a personal point of view.
The rustic Prechtlalm lies at the foot of the Faulkogel, nestled in a beautiful natural landscape. The landscape is cared for by the alpine pastures and offers space for many habitats.
What special features or special offers can you entice your guests with?
Guests can relax and unwind on the Alm. At the same time, we spoil them with home-made products such as bread, cheese, bacon and much more.
Bikers who have made it to the hut can look forward to something else...
Yes, the very hungry still ask for our dessert, the "Almgeheimnis", after the homemade sausages. That's why I'm not going to tell you what it is. I just always wonder where they put it all.
All information about the MTB area Flachau
The precinct
With the motto "Best for bikers", Flachau advertises its comprehensive offer for bikers. The village has a central location and therefore allows tours in all directions, which are generally not "stitch tours" here, but can be extended as loops via the side valleys. Everything you need to know can be found at www.flachau.com
Tour information
On www.flachau.com you will find 45 tour descriptions with GPS download.
Bike guides
Rupert Pichler's Fun & Pro Bike Academy offers daily guided tours at two levels. www.fun-pro.com
Bike hotels
On the Internet at www.flachau.com there is a list of biker-friendly establishments. There you can also book 3-day or weekly packages.
Bike shops
Here again, the Fun & Pro Bike Academy shop in the centre of Flachau is the number one place to go. You can also hire mountain bikes and e-MTBs there.
Bike events
The Bike Night is the event highlight for bikers. The centrepiece of the event is the floodlit marathon with the exciting downhill section along the Hermann Maier World Cup course, which the women's Ski World Cup races down in winter. Date 2016: 13 and 14 August. www.bike-night.at
Gastein Valley: Kögerlalm
The tour is a relaxed detour to a hut with an inviting sun terrace that is dedicated to enjoyment. It's a great place to spend some time, so bring some time with you.
The most beautiful hut tour in the Gastein Valley
Changing sides is the exciting thing about this hut tour, which starts in Dorfgastein, the first village when you enter the Gastein Valley. That's why it's easy to get to the Kögerlalm via a small saddle, whose sunny slopes no longer face the Gastein Valley but the Salzach Valley. This makes the short trip a varied tour with panoramic views.
Tour description
Before the tourist information centre in Dorfgastein, roll briefly out of the valley on the main road and immediately turn left over the bridge. After crossing the river, follow the goods road to Unterberg on the right, where the Kögerlalm is already signposted in the village centre. Now initially briefly on tarmac, later on a forest path over a small saddle to the Kögerlalm. Return along the same route.
Tour dates and tour information
- 18.86 km/746 m elevation gain
- Journey time 2 h
- Condition 2/5
- Driving technique 1/5
- Panorama 4/5
- Difficulty: easy
The hut: Kögerlalm
The fire at the Kögerlalm in 2011 hit the owner family Saller like a blow. But now they are looking to the future again, with a new, stylish hut. The alpine hut still lacks patina, but the sun terrace is cosy and the hosts provide a warm, rustic flair.
➲ The hut
When the conversation turns to the old Kögerlalm, landlady Barbara Saller becomes very wistful. This is only understandable, as the hut, which is full of memories, burnt down not so long ago, in 2011. "It used to be a post office when the road down through the gorge into the valley didn't yet exist. Back then, the road led up here," explains Barbara. Unfortunately, many of the memorabilia from that time were also burnt, she laments. However, she and her family are now optimistic about the future. She can be, because for a brand new hut, the Kögerlalm already exudes a good portion of the original cosiness that should characterise such alpine huts.
should be. The sun terrace is as inviting as ever. After all, the location of the hut is unchanged. And the Kögerlalm was the first in Salzburger Land to be recognised as a gourmet hut by the "Genussregion Österreich" association, making it a thoroughly worthwhile destination for gourmets.
➲ Location
The Kögerlalm lies at an altitude of 1360 metres on a plateau above the Salzach Valley. You can no longer see the Gastein Valley from the alp, but the view opens up towards the Hochkönig and Tennengebirge mountains.
➲ With the bike to the alpine pasture
From Dorfgastein, the route initially follows goods roads and later forest tracks over a saddle to the Kögerlalm. See tour description above.
"Welcome to the power place" - Martin Saller, hut warden Kögerlalm
What do you think is special about the Kögerlalm?
The Kögerlalm is, in my opinion, a very worthwhile destination for bikers. The panoramic views from up here to the Hundstein, the Steinernes Meer, the Hochkönig massif, the Tennengebirge, the Bischofsmütze and even the Dachstein are a fitting reward for the ascent. You can relax and recuperate wonderfully at the power place in front of the mountain hut.
What special offers do you use to attract guests to the Alm?
We also offer guests the option of spending the night up here. Both sunrise and sunset are an indescribable experience here.
What culinary highlights can bikers look forward to once they have made it to your hut?
Our hut is known for its regional specialities of alpine beef, game specialities from the Pongau region and of course for all the alpine products that are served as snacks.
All information about the Gasteinertal MTB area
The precinct
The three villages of Dorfgastein, Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein form the tourist centres of the valley and are starting points for bike tours of very different characters. While the tour presented here stays in the area of the mountain pastures, the tour to the Stubnerkogel, for example, takes you up into the high Alps with views of the Hohe Tauern. All important information can be found here: www.gastein.com
Tour information
The homepage www.gastein.com leads to a tour portal with 13 designated bike routes, the corresponding descriptions, altitude profiles and GPS data for downloading. The tourist office has a hiking, cycling and biking map of the region.
Bike shops
Bike Gastein in Bad Hofgastein, www.bike-gastein.at and The Bike in Bad Gastein (www.thebike.at) are well stocked. In addition to mountain bikes, you can also hire e-MTBs here.
Bike guides
The two bike shops mentioned above offer courses and guided tours.
Bike hotels
The tourism association will help you find biker-friendly accommodation. The weekly Bike Special Gastein package with seven nights' accommodation, three guided tours, admission to the thermal spa world and other vouchers is also of interest. You can also find out all about this at www.gastein.com
Grossarl Valley: Three Alps Tour
The Saukaralm is the highest alpine pasture in the Grossarl Valley with a correspondingly fantastic panorama. But instead of simply rolling back down into the valley from there, we add two more mountain pastures. This makes for a well-rounded tour.
The most beautiful hut tour in Grossarltal: Drei-Almen-Tour
From Grossarl up to the Saukaralm it's 1000 metres in altitude, and after a hearty snack with Sepp, the hut owner, you could say: "That's it!" and roll back down into the valley. But you don't have to. Our tip: halfway down the valley, turn off again and add 400 metres in altitude to the Karseggalm and Unterwaldalm. It's worth it, because the 400-year-old Karseggalm in particular is still a real sight to behold.
Tour description
From the lift car park in Grossarl, first follow the cycle path (partly asphalt, partly gravel) out of the valley. At the butcher's, turn right onto the Labenbach goods road and uphill (start of ascent). Now follow the signs for Sonneggbrücke, then turn right towards Großwildalm. Turn right at the Saukaralm junction and follow the signs uphill to the Saukaralm. After stopping for refreshments, return to this junction. Now turn right towards the Großwildalm and follow the forest track uphill again. At a right-hand bend, leave the Großwildalm on the right and turn left to the Karseggalm. From the Karseggalm straight on to the Unterwaldalm (within sight) and from this alpine pasture, initially flat and later steeper downhill, always follow the signs to Sonneggbrücke. From the Sonneggbrücke bridge, continue into the valley and return to the lift car park along the access route.
Tour dates and tour information
- 35.25 km/1468 m elevation gain
- Journey time 4 h
- Condition 4/5
- Driving technique 1/5
- Panorama 5/5
- Difficulty: medium
The hut: Saukaralm
There are a total of 40 serviced huts in the Valley of Alpine Pastures. One more rustic than the other. But the Saukaralm stands out a little. Not only because you can enjoy the region's clearest panoramic view from the terrace, but also because the landlord, an old warhorse, can tell you all about it.
➲ The hut
The Saukaralm is the highest alpine hut in the Grossarl Valley. That is pure maths. But what really makes it stand out from the many mountain huts in the Grossarltal is the story of hut landlord Sepp Knapp, a mountain biking legend in the Grossarltal. You think nothing of it, sitting with Sepp on the sun terrace with a wheat beer and a snack, when he tells you his story: He was the first biker in the valley back in the early 80s. Through contact with Italian friends, he got hold of a Fondriest bike in 1982 because there was nothing like it for sale in the area. And then he set off. "They all thought I was crazy and flipped me the bird," he says with a twinkle in his eye. He also remembers the hostility of the farmers along whose roads the pioneer rolled. You could listen forever. And that's exactly why the Saukaralm is worth a bike tour. But even if Sepp doesn't have time to chat, it's always a pleasure to sit on the sun terrace.
➲ The location
The Saukaralm lies at an altitude of over 1800 metres on a sunny plateau on the eastern side of the Grossarl Valley. The panorama stretches as far as the white peak of the Großglockner.
➲ With the bike to the alpine pasture
From Grossarl, a 1000 metre tour leads to the Alm. After half the descent, you can add two more mountain pastures, see tour tip above.
"We cook everything ourselves here" - Sepp Knapp, hut manager Saukaralm
What characterises the Saukaralm from your point of view?
We run a typical alpine farm. There are no cattle up here. But we can take full care of the well-being of our guests.
How do you calm growling biker stomachs?
We have a large menu with specialities that make bikers happy: various dumpling dishes, Kaiserschmarrn, Kasnockn and much more. We only use ingredients from the region. And of course we cook everything ourselves. There's also bacon and cheese, the classic snack.
What else does the Saukaralm have to offer?
Bikers often come up here to tackle the via ferrata on the Saukarkopf. It starts just ten minutes from the hut. The climb is not particularly long, but there are two key sections that are really tough. But the adventure is worth it, because from the summit up there you can enjoy a completely different view than from the terrace here.
All information about the Grossarltal MTB area
The precinct
The Grossarl Valley is rightly known as the "Valley of Alpine pastures". Around 40 serviced alpine huts, each more rustic than the last, are worthwhile tour destinations for bikers and hikers. Grossarltal is not a paradise for singletrail fans, there are no enduro routes, but there are certainly challenging tours or combinations. Everything you need to know about the Grossarl Valley can be found on the page www.grossarltal.info/bike
Tour information
On the official website of the tourism association (www.grossarltal.info) there is also a link to all the official mountain bike tours, which are displayed on an interactive map - with GPS data to download. The Grossarl Valley hiking and cycling map with the 15 most popular bike tours in the valley is also available from the tourist office for 6.50 euros.
Bike guides
Twelve guided tours of varying difficulty are offered every week. The tours are organised by the tourism association together with some hotels. You can find out more and register there.
Bike hotels
The tourism association organises bike packages with hotels in every category. The Hotel Edelweiss in Grossarl is part of the Mountain Bike Holidays association with all the required additional services.
Salzburger Lungau: Longa-Runde and Granglerhütte
Lungau Extreme is the name of the multi-day expedition through the entire region. We add the Longa round afterwards. Because you can snuggle up so nicely in the chequered feathers at the Granglerhütte.
The most beautiful hut tour in Salzburger Lungau
The Longa tour into the rear Weißpriachtal valley is one of the easier tours, but many consider the Weißpriachtal valley to be the most beautiful in the region. So the 400 metre elevation gain trip is worthwhile if you want to take it easy. Also because the Granglerhütte is a first-class rest stop that also has beds. That's why our tip is to spend a quiet night in seclusion on the multi-day tour.
Tour description
From the municipal office in Weißpriach, first head out of the valley and immediately at the end of the village turn left to Sonndörfl. At the Mariapfarr junction in Sonndörfl, turn left uphill (tarmac) and from the last farmhouse continue on the forest track. In a right-hand bend, the Longa-Runde now turns left. This is where the Lungau Extrem joins the Longa-Runde. If you want to enter the Weißpriachtal valley, follow the signs for the "Longa-Runde" to the valley road in Hinterweißpriach and then follow this valley road further into the valley. Soon the route is well signposted on gravel to the head of the Weißpriachtal valley with the unmanaged Uln hut and the Grangler hut a little further ahead. Return straight on through the valley to Weißpriach.
Tour dates and tour information
- approx. 170 km/approx. 7500 hm
- Journey time 4 days
- Condition 3/5
- Driving technique 3/5
- Panorama 5/5
- Difficulty: medium
Lungau Extreme
For the "Lungau Extreme", the multi-day tour without our suggested detour from Longa to Weißpriachtal, there is a comprehensive tour description on lungau.intermaps.com.
Lungau Extreme with Sidestep
This is the Lungau Extreme plus Longa tour. The GPS data for our variant, the "Lungau Extreme with Sidestep", can be downloaded here. Tour description: Based on the description on lungau.intermaps.com plan and include the longa round (see above).
The hut: Granglerhütte
In one of the most beautiful corners of Salzburger Lungau, at the head of the Weißpriachtal valley, the Bergmann family welcomes their guests with a hearty snack. But if you stay overnight, you will experience a deeply relaxing night in total seclusion. Either way, this hut is well worth a visit.
➲ The hut
This hut is really cosy. This is especially true of the parlour, which is lovingly decorated with lots of little details. There is a tiled stove and a few small tables grouped around it. For some years now, it has also been possible to spend the night here in a few cosy beds under the roof (3 double rooms, 3 dormitories for 4, 6 and 8 people). The Granglerhütte has a very informal atmosphere, which is important to the landlord Emmerich. Boss Elisabeth works in the kitchen, daughter Verena and son Emmerich-Lorenz provide the guests with drinks. And when the day guests have left, it gets really chilled out here.
➲ The location
Emmerich describes the Weißpriachtal valley as the most beautiful in Lungau. Its character is characterised by a wide valley floor with lush meadows through which the crystal-clear Weißpriachbach, the Longa, flows. It is framed by lush forests on the mountain slopes.
➲ With the bike to the alpine pasture
The Longa tour from Weißpriach to the hut is only 400 metres in altitude and is a tip for beginners and connoisseurs. Our suggestion, however, is to include the Granglerhütte in the multi-day "Lungau Extreme" to spend the night here in seclusion, see above.
"Mei liabste Hütt'n Österreichs" - Emmerich Bergmann, landlord of the Granglerhütte
What delicacies can bikers who come to you look forward to?
In addition to delicious soups such as the Lungau cheese dumpling soup, the kitchen also offers the tasty Blunz'ngröstl (fried black pudding with fried potatoes, onions, egg ...). Of course, the Kaiserschmarrn with apple sauce is also a must. After a strenuous bike tour, you can also reward yourself with a delicious roast pork with dumplings and salad.
For dessert, there is a wonderful curd cheese strudel or the Lungau speciality, Rahmkoch.
What characterises the hut in particular?
The unique location in the Weißpriachtal valley at an altitude of 1350 metres. We have already received several awards in recent years. Here are a few examples: 2009: Salzburg Alpine summer hut of the year, 2012: Austria's favourite hut ... people like us.
All information about the MTB region Salzburger Lungau
The precinct
Salzburger Lungau forms the south-easternmost part of Salzburger Land and is located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which underpins Lungau's claim to be a scenic gem. The character of the landscape is characterised by the change from the high alpine mountains of the Hohe Tauern in the west to the grassy and wooded hills towards Styria in the east. There are tours for every level of fitness here. But no matter how long the tour is, rustic mountain huts await thirsty and hungry bikers everywhere. All information: www.lungau.at
Tour information
On www.lungau.at bikers will find descriptions of 16 tours ranging from 400 to over 7000 metres in altitude and a link to the interactive tour map. The Lungau has a uniformly signposted route network of 500 kilometres in length.
Bike guides
Samsunn Sport, www.samsunn.at with Transalp-experienced local Chris Zaller, Sport Pichler in Mariapfarr, www.sport-pichler.at and the mountain bike school in Weißpriach (Felix Miksch, Tel.: 0043/664/3562562) offer guided tours.
Bike shops
There is a list of nine shops on the internet in the towns of Mauterndorf, St. Michael, St. Margarethen and Tamsweg. All the necessary spare parts are available there, as well as mountain bikes and e-MTBs for hire.
Tennengau: Loseggalm
A worthwhile detour from the multi-day Watzmann-Hochkönig circuit is the tour to the Loseggalm. From Annaberg, you head up to the alpine dairy and enjoy a hearty snack in a marvellous landscape.
The most beautiful hut tour in Tennengau
Bikers on a tour around the Watzmann and Hochkönig should not miss out on this treat, even if their schedule suffers. Regardless, the Loseggalm is a scenic gem, the ascent offers a fantastic panorama and the cheese here is as fresh as it gets on the wooden board. The tour is also worth doing just for fun. For connoisseurs who want to take their time, or for sports enthusiasts at the end of the day.
Tour description
From the valley station of the Kopfbergbahn in Annaberg, first take the cycle path (left side of the road) in the direction of Lungötz. After a good 1 kilometre turn left towards Promberg and follow the asphalted goods road uphill to the Mauerreith forest car park. Now follow the forest track further uphill in the direction of Loseggalm. Soon great views of the Tennengebirge mountains open up above the forest. Shortly before your destination, leave the turn-off to the Mahdalm on the right (or add a detour to this alpine pasture, duration: 5-10 min). Now cross a small saddle to the Loseggalm and return the same way.
Tour dates and tour information
- 19.77 km/770 m elevation gain
- Journey time 2 h
- Condition 3/5
- Driving technique 1/5
- Panorama 5/5
- Difficulty: medium
The hut: Loseggalm
The multi-day Watzmann-Hochkönig tour leads down into the valley and skips the Loseggalm. But the detour up here is worthwhile. The hut's own cheese dairy gives the Brettljause a certificate of authenticity. But the impressive mountain scenery alone makes it hard to tear yourself away from the hut.
➲ Hut and alpine cheese dairy
Hüttenwirt Peter has the shortest shopping route imaginable on the Loseggalm. When he steps out of the door of his hut, it is only a few steps to the cheese dairy run by Maria and Niki Rettenbacher, who produce, mature and sell savoury alpine cheese up here. Anyone who stops off at the Loseggalm immediately realises that this is not just a backdrop. The hut, the cheese dairy and the stables form a single unit that is full of activity. You can hear the cows in the pasture, and when you drive up to the hut, nobody rolls out the red carpet for you. Cow patty slalom included. Everything here is honest, down-to-earth and natural. And that's exactly what makes the Loseggalm so charming - it's still a real mountain hut.
➲ Location
Insiders even dare to compare it to the "Salzburg Dolomites" when they see the Gosaukamm with the Bischofsmütze. A predicate for the beauty of the mountains. In front of them, in a lush green meadow basin, lies the alpine pasture at 1450 metres above sea level, sheltered from the wind.
➲ With the bike to the alpine pasture
From Annaberg, an 800 metre altitude tour leads up here from the Lammertal valley, with great views of the Tennengebirge mountains on the ascent.
"The cows eat special herbs up here"
What makes the cheese you produce special?
The cows eat special herbs that only grow at high altitude. They are always outside, only come into the barn for milking, drink mountain water and enjoy the mountain sun. This naturally has an effect on the milk and the cheese.
Which varieties can you particularly recommend?
The lean cheeses, such as Siaßkas or Sauerkas, were already produced on the mountain pasture 100 years ago. They are traditional and also special. Siaßkas in particular is very healthy with its low fat content and high calcium content. It tastes particularly good with plenty of alpine butter on the bread. The Kamplbrunner and the Losegger are richer and fatter in flavour.
What is the quickest way to enjoy it?
Simply order a cheese snack at the hut and you can sample a wide variety of cheeses on bread.
All information about the Tennengau MTB region
The precinct
The Tennengau covers a huge area, from the foot of the Dachstein to the north, almost to the gates of the provincial capital of Salzburg. There is a huge network of bike tours here, connected to the neighbouring regions of Berchtesgadener Land, Salzkammergut and Salzburger Sportwelt. Nobody has to go hungry here. The density of mountain pastures in the bike region is exceptional. All information: www.tennengau.com
Tour information
The description of 22 official tours in the region, an interactive mountain bike map and all GPS data for downloading are available at www.tennengau.com
The classic is the three-day alpine pasture tour over 30 alpine pastures. All about it under www.almentour.com
And of course the great Watzmann-Hochkönig loop. If you are looking for more information about the large loop through the Hochkönig, Tennengau and Saalachtal regions, take a look at: www.watzmann-hochkoenig-runde.com
Bike hotels
In Tennengau, with its 14 holiday resorts, there are a large number of hotels that welcome bikers and offer appropriate services. The guest service at www.tennengau.com helps with the search and organises packages for bikers.
Bike shops
Höll Trading in Abtenau (www.hoell-trading.at); Michi's bike shop in Puch (www.radladen.at) and the Bergspezl in Puch (www.bergspezl.at) help with problems and hire out bikes. If you feel like it, you can also get on an e-MTB in these shops.
Hochkönig region: Hundstein freeride via Grießbachhütte
The Hundstein is an uphill classic for mountain goats. We then add the Flow One freeride descent. It's a panoramic experience with an extra portion of riding fun at the end.
The most beautiful hut tour in the Hochkönig region
At the "Hundstoa Biag di", mountain specialists crank their way up the Hundstein as fast as they can every September. The race has cult status, but lacks a little of the time you should have for this tour. Our tip: stop off at the Grießbachhütte halfway to the summit, then enjoy the panorama in peace at the top to recharge your batteries for the final freeride interlude.
Tour description
From the Dorfjet car park, go past the church along Kirchenweg to the drag lift car park and along Dorfstraße (Urchen) straight to the main road. Cross the road and follow the cycle path along the stream. The route to the Hundstein is now well signposted (1300 metres in altitude, approx. 15 km), as the "Hundstoa Biag Di" uphill race is held here every year. The route is therefore a classic. After around 800 metres in altitude, the Grießbachhütte is reached and everyone can decide whether to stop off before the summit attack. Or after the descent from the summit, which also offers a refreshment stop at the Statzerhaus.
On the descent around 3 kilometres after the Grießbachhütte, leave the access road on the left and head straight towards Hintermoos. Follow this road later on asphalt through a small village downhill to the main road. Now turn right briefly uphill on the main road and immediately left again uphill towards Jufen. Then leave Jufen on the right and head straight towards Grammleralm. Past the Grammlerhütte on a forest and meadow path to Natrun. Shortly downhill on the village road and right to the mountain station of the Dorfjet. Now on the "Flow One" freeride trail to the finish.
Tour dates and tour information
- 34.65 km/1650 m elevation gain
- Journey time 4 h
- Condition 5/5
- Driving technique 3/5
- Panorama 5/5
- Difficulty: difficult
The hut: Grießbachhütte
What you can do with a discarded service hut: The landlords Bettina and Christian transported it up the mountain and turned it into an inviting mountain hut. On the way to the Hundstein, you can recharge your batteries here for the final ascent to the summit. Or plug your e-bike into the socket.
➲ The hut
The Grießbachhütte really does have an eventful history. It was once a service hut in the Heutal valley. Written off! "Nobody wanted it," says landlady Bettina with a twinkle in her eye. You can no longer say that nobody wants it anymore, because Bettina and Christian have lovingly converted the hut into a cosy mountain hut with a panoramic terrace. "Many parts are still original,"
Bettina assures us. In fact, nothing seems artificial, as if it had always stood here.
➲ Location
The hut is sheltered from the wind on a slope with a view of the alpine pastures on the Schwalbenwand opposite.
➲ By bike to the hut
The Hundstein is perfectly signposted from Maria Alm. You don't need a map. If the very rewarding ascent to the summit (see photo on the right) is too much for you, just ride up to the hut (800 instead of 1350 metres in altitude). But we even add the Flow-One-Trail to it: that makes 1650 metres in altitude, see tour description above.
"The Grießbachalm presents itself as a rustic, cosy alpine hut with a focus on the little things that make life more colourful. Because time together is not available as an app." Hut landlady Bettina
All information about the Hochkönig MTB region
The precinct
The Hochkönig region includes the holiday resorts of Maria Alm, Dienten and Mühlbach. The 2941 metre high Hochkönig is present on all bike tours with its mighty southern flank. At its foot, there are a multitude of routes to just as many mountain and alpine huts. A technical highlight is the Flow-One-Trail in Maria Alm. All information: www.hochkoenig.at
Bike tours
Behind www.hochkoenig.at is a tour portal with GPS download. Tip: The four-day Königs-Tour is an intensive foray through the region with luggage transport, for which attractive package deals are available. The great Watzmann-Hochkönig circuit also runs through the region.
Bike hotels
These hotels are labelled with the "Hochkönig Bike Specialists" logo. Bike shops BK Bike Mühlbach (www.bk-bike.com); Maria Alm: Intersport (www.almsport.at), Sport Löb (www.loeb.at) and Sport Mayer (www.ski-hinterthal.at); Porti Sport Dienten (www.porti-sport.com). E-bikes are a big topic, including their hire. There are e-charging stations on the mountain pastures.
Bike guides
Bike Max in Maria Alm, (www.bike-max.at); Porti-Sport (www.porti-sport.com). There are also weekly tours that are free with the Hochkönig Card. Info: www.hochkoenig.at
Bike events
Hundstoa Biag di Uphill Race, 24 September, Maria Alm, www.hochkoenig.at
Lofer - Salzburger Saalachtal: Kechtalm circuit
At an altitude of 1,500 metres, the Flokati is flattened by lush alpine meadows against the backdrop of the Loferer Steinberge. The Loferer Alm is therefore always worth a bike tour. Now there is a new panoramic hut right at the top.
The most beautiful hut tour in the Salzburger Saalachtal
The Kechtalm has been filling a gap since October 2014, as there was previously no place where bikers could stop off at the top of the Loferer Alm. The new hut with e-bike charging station makes a trip to the high plateau even more worthwhile, as now you can finally take in the fantastic panorama up here before setting off.
The Loferer Alm can be climbed from three sides. From Lofer in the south, the tarmac toll road leads almost all the way up. However, this tour follows the route that the starting stage of the BIKE-Transalp here in July 2015. From Gasthof Friedlwirt, the region's bike specialist, located in Unken on the way to Heutal, you finally wind your way through the Unkenbachtal valley from the north up to the Hochalm.
The descent leads towards the end in a westerly direction to Hallenstein. However, the final section here is not the forest tracks, which would be the third ascent option up to the mountain pasture if ridden the other way round, but two entertaining trails that add the necessary spice to what has so far been a purely panoramic tour.
Tour description
From the Friedlwirt in Unken, follow the Unkenbach stream into the valley. On the first steeper ascent (Fußstube), turn left over a bridge and follow the signs for Loferer Alm. At the top of the Loferer Alm, after a short tarmac section before the barrier of the Lofer toll road, turn left again onto gravel towards Schwarzeck. After a short, steep ramp you reach the Kechtalm. From the Satttel it is only a few metres to the left up to the Alm.
Now cross the saddle below the Kechtalm and ride straight on in the direction of Bim Alm, later following the signs for Unken. In Dax, however, leave the turn-off to Unken on the left and continue straight ahead for a short while. Soon turn left in the direction of Liedersberg Alm and now circle the Liedersberg (small hilltop on the right) anti-clockwise until a rough trail leads back to the forest road at the end. Follow the forest road again for 350 metres uphill to the right until the hiking trail (trail) to Hallenstein leads off to the left. In Hallenstein, cross the main road and take the feeder path to the official cycle path on the banks of the Saalach. Now follow the cycle path on the left to Unken and return to the Friedlwirt on the Heutalstraße.
Tour dates and tour information
- 33.10 km/1089 hm
- Journey time 4 h
- Condition 4/5
- Driving technique 3/5
- Panorama 5/5
- Difficulty: medium
The hut: Kechtalm
Brand new doesn't have to be cold and uncomfortable. Günther and Hannelore Flatscher prove that even a brand new mountain hut can cut a fine figure. Lots of wood creates a cosy atmosphere inside. Outside, modern seating areas increase the chill factor.
➲ The hut
Opened in October 2014, this modern mountain inn with contemporary infrastructure has a friendly and inviting atmosphere with lots of wood. The lounge furniture at the front corner of the sun terrace is particularly cosy. Hut host Günther swears by the sunset. It's something special up here. So it's worth staying a little longer at the new Kechtalm. In any case, the new hut fills a gap, says Günther, as there was previously nothing for hungry people at the top. He now wants to establish a weekly biker regulars' table.
➲ Location
Right at the top of the Loferer Alm: first-class panorama with the Steinernes Meer and Loferer Steinberge mountains
➲ By bike to the hut
You can climb the Loferer Alm by bike from three sides. But the most beautiful is from the back, from the Friedlwirt in Unken, on the route of the BIKE-Transalp 2015, see tour description above.
"We are restaurateurs with heart and soul and have built the cosy Kechtalm in one of the most beautiful places. Here you have time to enjoy and feel good with a wonderful panorama." Günther and Hannelore, Kechtalm landlords
All information about the Saalachtal MTB area
The precinct
The Salzburger Saalachtal is boundless. Tours lead across to Bavaria, for example through the Heutal valley to the Winklmoosalm. On the other side, there is a connection to the Saalfelden Leogang bike region. The Watzmann- Hochkönig tour leads right through the region. All information: www.lofer.com
Tour information
The tourist offices in Lofer, St. Martin, Unken and Weißbach have a good mountain bike & cycle map of the Salzburger Saalachtal on a scale of 1:50000.
Bike hotels
The Friedlwirt in Unken is the professional for guided bike tours in the Saalachtal.
Bike shops
Martins Bikeshop in Unken is the specialist for mountain bikes and e-bikes in the Saalachtal.
You can download all GPS data in GPX format free of charge below.
