Crossing the Alps differently: From Lake Königssee to Lake Wörthersee Part 1

On the short taxi ride between the steep walls of the Leoganger Steinberge and the southern face of the Steinernes Meer-mountains, I marvel at the rugged rock towers. Luckily I do not have to climb up there, but first hike moderately uphill on wide gravel paths and forest roads over the alpine pastures. One hut after the other and grazing cattle everywhere. In the middle of the cowbell concert, the path soon leads steeply up over the meadows to the passage onto the Marbach Höhe peak. Phew! At the top, Mount Hochkönig beckons me – an impressive rock massif. The weather is good, so I embark on the detour to the summit cross of Mount Kingspitz at an altitude of almost 2000m.

It was worth it: gigantic allround view from Mount Dachstein to the glaciated Tauern mountains! Descending over mountain meadows and forests, I reach the snack station and inn ‚Grünegg‘ featuring a historic mill, its own spirit destillery and a wonderful panoramic terrace serving coffee and cake. Reenergised, I go on the varied church trail to the pilgrimage church in Dienten, where I immediately get a pilgrim’s stamp. It does not matter whether I am on the Pinzgauer Marienweg-path or crossing the Alps: the journey is the reward.

Today I tackle the crowning stage of the crossing of the Alps. Right at the beginning I reach the core zone of the Hohe Tauern National Park and hike on wonderful paths over the pastures past the final few alpine huts. Now the only way is up. The path climbs steadily, step by step I approach the saddle, the highest point of the tour. The Hagener hut is located there and the Carinthian flag flutters at me at the crossing. Bridle paths, smugglers’paths and pilgrimage routes have always passed through the mountains here. A historic place and a dreamlike location. Of course I stop for a supper to feel the atmosphere. I love the flair of the real Alpine Club huts – rustic mountaineering stations far away from civilisation.

The bridle path leads along wide cart tracks and little gravel roads pleasantly downhill on flat terrain into the valley. The landscape is simply stunning, but I still have a long way to go. The sun is burning down on the shadeless plateau and I am looking forward to the rest at the Jamnigalm, where I can top up my fluid reserves. The route then continues through forest in the shade and on beautiful hiking trails through the Tauerntal-valley all the way to Mallnitz. This small village is a certified mountaineering village. Here there are only nature-loving active holiday makers and no streams of tourists, hotel complexes or shopping centres in sight. The only centre is the national park information centre and the small village square with a fountain. A few good inns for dinner and cozy hotels. Perfect as a day finish on the way across the Alps.