The most beautiful peaks in the Salzkammergut (Part 3)

Hiking tips for stunning views

4-peak tour in the Osterhorn Group via the Trattberg alpine pastures

The Osterhorn Group comprises a total of seven mountain peaks in the Salzburg Limestone Alps. They are very popular with hikers because they are easy to climb and the route is lined with numerous beautiful alpine pastures. Given the many peaks in the immediate vicinity, this is the perfect spot for a tour covering several mountains in one go. To ensure the ascent doesn’t take too long, we choose to drive up via the Trattberg Panorama Road. There is a toll, but the views are spectacular even from the car. We drive the 9 km along the road to the last car park at Hintertrattberg. From here, the route takes us gently along a wide forest track towards the Moosangeralm and then along trail no.

842 to the Hoher First (1,718 m).

Instead of a summit cross, there is a cairn here. The view of the Dachstein and the Bischofsmütze is fantastic. The path then leads down to a large, open meadow and on to the Dürlstein (1,697 m). Mountain pines and wildflowers line the path. Descending from the Dürlstein, you encounter the first small challenge. A rock face that can only be crossed using a ladder. Climbing the ladder isn’t difficult, but you should have a head for heights here. After that, the next summit awaits: the Gruberhorn (1,732 m). It is the highest peak of the tour and can be reached in about 2 hours. A bench invites you to rest and enjoy the panoramic views.

Then on to the Regenspitz. You’ll need to navigate some rough terrain, but you’ll reach the summit quickly. It takes about 3 hours to get this far. A break at a mountain hut is just what you need now. The Bergalm or Neureithütte offer homemade produce that will fortify your tired legs and, above all, taste delicious. Via the Jagasteig (No. 851), the route heads back to the car park in a relatively straight line below the summit. The path is very narrow and unsecured, so please remain careful and alert. Below the summit of the Hoher First, you rejoin the wide forest track leading to the car park. A lovely hike with plenty of mountain scenery. The route involves constant ups and downs, but the elevation changes are minimal.

- Difficulty: easy
- Distance: approx. 8 km (there and back) -
Duration: 6 hours (there and back)
- Elevation gain: approx. 500 m

Circuit of the Loser

The Loser (1,837 m) is already part of Styria and forms the southern end of the Totes Gebirge. It is somewhat reminiscent of mountains in North America, with its large forested slopes and the massive rocky plateau at the summit. A very imposing and beautiful mountain. Take the Loser Panorama Road to the car park above the Loserhütte. From there, follow the marked path diagonally westwards across the ski slope (still visible in summer), through the last trees of the larch forest, to the treeless steep slope towards the Loser.

At the top of the saddle, you reach a fork in the path. Keep left here. The route leads through wild rock formations and through the Loser-Törl to the summit. Fantastic views reward hikers up here. But the path still offers highlights beyond this point. Head back to the fork and walk towards Hochanger along the ridge. You will soon reach the rock opening of the Loserfenster. This offers a clear view of the Gschwandalm and the Schönberg. The path then leads across very rocky karst terrain and, a little later, descends very steeply to the right down to the Augstsee. The small lake cools tired feet and is also perfect for a quick dip in hot weather.

You then descend to the “Loseralm” mountain restaurant and walk beneath the mountain pine-covered rock faces to the valley station of the chairlift. Below this station lies the Loserhütte and thus the starting point of the tour. The terrace is ideal for relaxing in the sun and enjoying culinary delights.

- Difficulty: easy
- Distance: approx. 5.1 km (return) -
Duration: 3.5 hours (return)
- Elevation gain: 877 m

Written by Christian Messmer