Koppentalweg - path through the wilderness

This easy and varied hike in Ausseerland combines nature, history and adventure. The approximately twelve-kilometre hiking trail leads from Bad Aussee to Koppenrast near Obertraun through the narrow, wild and romantic Koppental valley. Along the way, 13 adventure stations provide exciting insights into the geological, cultural and historical diversity of the region.

Special highlights of the tour include the suspension bridge over the Koppentraun, the impressive avalanche gullies of the Hoher Sarstein, an old railroad tunnel, the historic railroad chapel and the impressive Koppenbrüllerhöhle, a water-bearing stalactite cave.

The hike starts at Bad Aussee railroad station (station 1). A short stretch leads along Koppenstraße to the level crossing. The trail then leads along a gravel road along the Traun, past the barrage and the sewage treatment plant. Continue along the marked hiking trail over the footbridge (station 2) and the Koppentraun.

Now begins a section of around six kilometers along the former railroad line. This was relocated after a devastating flood in 1897, turning the old path into a picturesque hiking trail. At station 6, the snow ditch, you can learn interesting facts about the power of avalanches. At station 7, you reach one of the many happy places in the Ausseerland Salzkammergut region. Shortly afterwards, at Station 8, you cross the border into Upper Austria and learn interesting facts about the former timber drift on the Koppentraun.

After a few minutes, you reach the historic railroad construction chapel. From here, the hiking trail becomes a cycle path, which is why special attention is required. Via station 9, the path leads through an old railroad tunnel (station 10). There are two options here: Either descend left to the Koppenbrüllerhöhle cave (station 11) or follow the cycle path to the right over the bridge. If you opt for the second option, you will later cross the Traun again and reach the Koppenrast.

The return journey can be made comfortably by train from the Koppenrast stop or by cab back to Bad Aussee.

A free Ausseerland hiking map is available to help you plan your hiking vacation in Ausseerland and can be conveniently ordered by post. The hiking map store also offers a large selection of detailed maps for other mountain tours in the region.

• Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB)
• www.busbahnbim.at 

Parking is available at the Bad Aussee train station.The hike also begins there.

Tourist office Ausseerland Salzkammergut
Information office Bad Aussee
Pratergasse 388
8990 Bad Aussee
+43 3622 540 40
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