Long but promising alpine tour to Hohe Veitsch via Predigtstuhlsteig (II) and Turntaler Kogel via Teufelssteig
The tour starts at the ski-lift parking Hohe Veitsch (GPS: 47.633210, 15.425706) and first follows the trail eastwards through the ski resort to the Goas Steigenblick, south of the impressive wall of Alplwand and Predigtstuhl. It then ascends and follows an unmarked route on the ridge (meadow) towards the start of the Predigtstuhlsteig climbing route (mostly I+/II- with one tricky II part). After mastering the Predigtstuhlsteig, the route leads through the amazing plateau to the peak of Hohe Veitsch, allowing impressive views on the Mürzsteger Alps. The route then descends towards the Graf Meran Haus hut. After a well-deserved break and some refreshment, the tour descends via the Teufelssteig westwards and ascends at the Nikolokreuz to the Turntaler Kogel which allows very impressive surrounding views on the area but especially on the Hohe Veitsch. The tour descends back to Nikolokreuz and the nearby Rotsohlalm. After another well-deserved break the tour follows easy trails back eastwards to the parking.
This long tour is an alpine tour and requires a sure foot and climbing skills (UIAA II). This tour is not a hiking tour and therefore not suitable for inexperienced hikers! Furthermore, the Predigtstuhlsteig is not marked, thus good orientation in tricky terrain is needed. Wearing a helmet is highly recommended due to rockfall.
Tour Description
| 00:00 | Start at the parking lot Hohe Veitsch (Sonnkogel Lift) (GPS: 47.633210, 15.425706) and follow the ski route eastwards, bypassing Alpengasthof Scheikl. |
| 00:05 | At the crossing, turn left and follow the ski route downwards to the Brunnalmlift. Follow the red-white-red marked trail eastwards. |
| 00:10 | At the crossing, keep left and follow the trail upwards. |
| 00:15 | Make the U-turn and follow the forest street (Panoramaweg northwards (see green signpost). Enjoy the impressive views in the clearings. |
| 00:40 | Enjoy the impressive view from Goas-Steigenblick, and continue following the forest road (U-turn). |
| 00:50 | From here on, the trail is unmarked and requires orientation skills! At the crossing, turn sharply right (eastwards) and then try to find a path upwards to the ridge. Keep above from the trail (Goassteig). At the ridge (visible), you will find again a trail (towards the Predigtstuhl wall). Follow this trail till reaching the wall. |
| 01:15 | Start of the Predigtstuhlsteig climbing route. Follow the logical route upwards (climbing mostly in I+, crux (short) is in II/II+). You can orientate yourself on the iron hooks that are sometimes visible. |
| 02:15 | At the plateau, follow the logical path northwards through the bushes. You will automatically reach a hiking trail (marked with sticks) after a few meters (or you continue to the big trail that becomes visible in far distance). |
| 02:20 | At the crossing, turn left and follow the hiking trail westwards. You might consider hiking towards / along the ridge for more impressive views (careful though!) |
| 02:40 | Turn left and hike towards the visible cross of Alplwand. |
| 02:50 | Enjoy the amazing view from Alplwand, allowing to realize the demanding but impressive ascent (best enjoyed with a self-brought refreshment ). |
| 03:10 | Hike back to the trail and follow the trail westwards. |
| 03:30 | At the crossing, turn right and follow the trail up to the summit of Hohe Veitsch. |
| 03:45 | Enjoy the impressive surround view on the Mürzsteger Alps from the summit of Hohe Veitsch. Indeed, best enjoyed with a self-brought and deserved refreshment ()! |
| 04:05 | Follow the trail southwards but keep right (not along the ridge) towards Graf Meran hut. |
| 04:15 | Well deserved break ( ) at Graf Meran hut. |
| 04:45 | Descend via the Teufelssteig trail westwards (do not follow the direct trail next to the lift). |
| 05:30 | At the crossing (Nikolokreuz/Rotsohlalm), keep straight ahead, follow the forest street only for a few meters and immediately turn right into the small trail up to Turntaler Kogel. |
| 06:00 | Enjoy the amazing distance view from Turntaler Kogel Indeed, best enjoyed with a self-brought refreshment ). |
| 06:10 | Descend back to Rotsohlalm on the same trail as the ascent. Enjoy the impressive view towards Hohe Veitsch when descending! |
| 06:40 | Well deserved break ( ) to prepare for the descent at the Rotsohlalm. |
| 07:00 | Follow the trail westwards (forest street) towards Schalleralm. |
| 07:15 | Turn left into the trail (which leads again into a forest street) towards Schalleralm. |
| 07:25 | Turn right into the small trail (short-cut of street) and follow the trail (cross street) towards Schalleralm. |
| 07:30 | Bypass Schalleralm and follow the trail upwards. At the crossing, keep left and cross the street. Follow the trail northwards which then turns eastwards towards the ski lifts. |
| 07:45 | At the mountain station of the second ski lift, turn right and follow the ski slope downwards which brings you directly back to the parking (Gasthof Scheikl). |
| 08:00 | Back at the parking, end of the tour. |
General Tour Data
| Area: | Mürzsteger Alps, Hochsteiermark, Austria | |
| Distance: | 18km | |
| Ascent: | 1182m (4h 00min) | |
| Descent: | 1181m (2h 35min) | |
| Highest Pt: | 1981m | |
| Lowest Pt: | 1109m | |
| Duration: | 6h 20min (without breaks) 8h 00min (with breaks) |
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| Stop/Rest: | Alpengasthof Scheikl (1155m) Graf Meran Haus (1837m) Rotsohlalm (1408m) |
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| Equipment: | Helmet Hiking shoes with good grip (on rock) Backpack with standard hiking equipment Food/snacks and plenty(!) of water 2-3x “Gipfelbier” () Sun & Weather protection Camera GPS recommended! |
| Download GPX | ||
| O | Tour at outdooractive.com |
At a glance
| Level | moderate alpine |
| – UIAA Level (Climbing) | II+ |
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