Paths and peaks on the Hochlecken

The ascent from the Taferlklause to the Hochleckenhaus has been one of the most popular tours in this region for decades. There are several peaks to choose from and the summit cross on the Brunnkogel, which can be seen from afar, magically attracts mountaineers. We explored the peaks, which are a bit in the shade, on two tours. One led us from the Kienklause to the Jagerköpfl covered in mountain pine, the second in a circular tour over the Hochleckenkogel.

Ascent from the Kienklause

The Gasthaus Kienklause is located high above Lake Attersee on the Großalmstraße, where the ascent begins. First along a forest road, which is soon shortened to a path. From the junction of the Valerieweg, it continues in serpentines and from here quickly uphill. The Adlerspitzen and the Kuglzipf, which are popular with climbers, come into view. Untere Rast, Niedere Rast, Hohe Rast and Antoniusbründl are stations along the well-laid trail. The view down to the Attersee is becoming more and more impressive.

Head for the Hochleckenhaus via the Griesalm, leave it on the left and follow the path towards Brunnkogel. At the junction towards Feuerkogel, turn right and soon follow the well-marked path through Latschengassen to the Jagerköpfl. Follow the ascent path back down, but this time with a well-deserved stop at the Hochleckenhaus.

Round trip Taferlklause – Hochleckenkogel – Valerieweg

For the second tour we chose the Hochleckenkogel as the summit destination and for the descent we chose the path towards Kienklause. At the end of the Valerieweg, the circuit closes again.

From the Taferlklause, follow the signs towards Hochleckenhaus. First on a forest road, but soon on an increasingly steep path, it goes higher in a fairly direct line.

At a junction, stay straight ahead. “Hochleckenkogel 1 h 30 min” is written on the yellow signpost. A good hour later we have reached the summit cross: a beautiful vantage point with views over the Höllengebirge mountains and the nearby Brunnkogel. The Traunstein also peeps out further back. The descent to the path, which leads to the right and up and down to the Hochleckenhaus, is a little steeper.

You could also take the summit of the Jagerköpfl with you on this round. After the stop, follow the descent towards Kienklause. Globeflowers compete with their yellow heads, and the gentian has already blossomed.

With a view of the Attersee, it goes downhill to the turnoff to the Taferlhöhe on the Valerieweg. This meanders beautifully through the forest towards Taferlklause. Past the Hochlecken ski lifts you finally reach the starting point at Taferlklaussee again.

• Arrival and starting point: Getting to the starting points from Traunsee or Attersee on the Großalmstraße. You can also take the Traunstein taxi from Lake Traunsee to the Taferlklause. Registration required one hour before departure (traunsteintaxi.at).
• Characteristic: Beautifully landscaped mountain trails that get steeper in the upper sections. Good shoes are required to be safe on the paths in the scree and rocks. But there are no particular technical difficulties. Good signage and marking throughout.

Information about the tour

Start Tafelklause

Walking time: 5 to 6 hours
Length: 13 kilometers
Altitude difference: 1050

Route: Taferlklause (770 m) – Hochleckenkogel (1690 m) – Hochleckenhaus (1572 m) – Valerieweg junction (900 m) – Taferlklause

Start Kienklause

Walking time: 5 to 6 hours
Length: 12.5 kilometers
Elevation meters: 1080

Route: Kienklause (621 m) – Jagerköpfl (1668 m) – Hochleckenhaus (1572 m) – Kienklause

• Internet: salzkammergut.at, alpenvereinaktiv.com

By the wayside

• Refreshment and overnight stay: The Hochleckenhaus of the Alpenverein Vöcklabruck has been on the western edge of the Höllengebirge since 1925 and has become one of the most visited hut destinations in Upper Austria. Since this year there has also been a new tenant couple: Martin and Eva are enthusiastic and look forward to many guests. They even have their own Hochlecken beer.
  Open daily until October 26 (hochleckenhaus.at). The Taferlklausstube invites you to a final stop directly at the Taferlklaussee.
  Open Fri to Sun. The GH Kienklause is a good choice at the end of the tour from the Kienklause. Tuesday closed (kienklause.at).
• Book tip: Nina Stögmüller and Robert Versic: “Fairytale places of power: hiking in the Salzkammergut”, Verlag Pustet, 24.90 euros.
  The 25 hikes from the Eternal Wall to the Thekla Chapel take you on fabulous experiences at places of power in nature and give “legendary” insights into bygone times. Detailed directions, map excerpts and atmospheric pictures make you want to embark on discovery hikes.