The most beautiful walks in the Attergau – Part 4

On the way to Krone and Kugelzipf

Kronberg Circular Walk

This circular walking route features stunning viewpoints and a romantic, idyllic chapel.

You can easily get there by car or bus, as the starting point is right next to a popular viewpoint – the Kronberg Chapel. This was built in 1872 by three farmers as a token of gratitude for the protection of their farms during the Napoleonic Wars. The view here is spectacular. You can look out over the Attergau valley with Lake Attersee, surrounded by meadows, mountains and forests. After this lovely starting point, the path leads downhill at first. You follow an asphalt road, which soon turns into a meadow path. Later, you reach the edge of the forest, turn right off the path and then head down to the left through a small wood until you reach the main road. Follow the main road briefly towards Kronberg and turn left at the first junction towards the Kronberg ski lift. From here, the route follows a forest track, mostly flat and slightly uphill, through the woods. At the Stichweg Hofer junction, you could shorten the route and follow the signs for 2b Kronberg Chapel. However, those who prefer a leisurely pace should keep left and continue along the forest track to the Wienerroith junction. Here, continue right along the forest track. After the barrier and an asphalt road, you reach your destination and are thus back at the starting point. The Hollerweger snack bar offers a place to stop for refreshments along the way.

• Difficulty: easy to moderate
• Distance: 5 km
• Duration: 1 hour 18 mins
• Elevation gain: 231 m

Kugelzipf

The route climbs a little higher. Sure-footedness is essential! In places, you’ll need to be able to climb (without a rope), but you’ll be rewarded with even more views and plenty of nature.

The route starts at the Kienklause car park. From here, follow the standard path to the Niedere Rast at an altitude of 1,070 m. There, turn off towards the Adlerspitze and follow well-trodden tracks alongside a scree slope up to the saddle between the Adlerspitze and the Kugelzipf. From there, head mostly to the right along the ridge turrets until you reach a steep rocky ascent. From here, the climbing begins. You scale the steep slope to the right. In doing so, you also keep to the right in a gully and proceed carefully (avoid rockfall) over first and second-class terrain. This is followed by easier walking and climbing sections. The final ascent to the summit is the crux. You can avoid it by crawling left through a hole in the niche. Those who dare to tackle the ascent can look forward to several climbing routes. The most beautiful route leads past the niche on the right and along the ridge on excellent rock (II+). The final few metres to the summit ridge are somewhat easier and are lined with grass and rugged rocks. The Kugelzipf offers a wonderfully magnificent view of Lake Attersee and Lake Mondsee. The Hochleckenhaus is a lovely place to stop for refreshments. This rustic Alpine Club hut offers accommodation and a varied menu. The descent follows the standard route back to the car park.

• Difficulty: difficult
• Distance: 8.4 km
• Duration: 5 hours 15 mins (including breaks)
• Elevation gain: 995 m