I could always see it from the window of my childhood bedroom: the Hochstein. At 2057 metres, it may not be the highest peak in the Villgratner mountains, but it meant the world to me back then. There wasn't a day when we didn't have an adventure in its forests as children. Later, of course, I also made my way to its summit. In winter on touring skis and in summer on my bike - I don't know how many hundreds of times I've been up there. Once a year, the Hochstein is now even in the international spotlight: at the Red Bull Dolomitenmann. This team race includes mountain running, paragliding, white water kayaking and mountain biking and the bike route runs over the Hochstein. And part of my super trail runs along this very route.
There are two ways uphill from Lienz to the start of the trail: either somewhat easier on an asphalt road via the villages of Leisach and Bannberg or via the so-called Stadtweg. This gravel ascent starts steeply at Bruck Castle and builds up again to a short section up to the Hochsteinkreuz cross. On the way, just look out for the yellow signposts towards Hochsteinhütte!
You can read all about Alban Lakata's favourite trail near Lienz (East Tyrol) in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or download the issue from the DK shop reorder:
