Mountain tour to the Lahngang lakes and Pühringer hut

This impressive alpine hike leads through the high alpine Tote Gebirge mountains to the picturesque Lahngang lakes and on to the rustic Pühringerhütte. The Lahngang lakes are among the most beautiful natural jewels in the region and are located about halfway to the hut. While the Vordere Lahngangsee lies freely on the high plateau and offers impressive panoramic views, the Hintere Lahngangsee is hidden in a basin and difficult to access.

The hike starts in the district of Schachen. From here, trail no. 213 initially leads northwards on a forest road and runs in a wide arc below the Schachen Schwaiber to the east. Ascending through dense mountain forest, you reach the Holzstube and then the Gößler Schwaiber, where you reach a fork in the path. Keep right here and follow trail no. 214 in the direction of Kanzlermoos through the Draußenwald forest.

A particularly impressive point is the Draußengatterl, a narrow passage with vertical rock faces. A wire rope safety device makes it easier to pass this sometimes slippery passage. The trail then crosses a gravel giant, the Lahngang, and continues over the Schafbichl up to the Vorderer Lahngangsee at 1,500 meters above sea level.

The marked path continues eastwards over a steep slope above the lake. Hidden below is the Hintere Lahngangsee, which is surrounded by dense forests.

Another highlight is the Elmgrube, an idyllic alpine clearing with small huts and a hunting lodge where Empress Sisi once stayed. The striking salt kiln forms an impressive backdrop here.

After another fork in the trail, keep right and follow trail no. 201 in a north-easterly direction. After about 1.5 kilometers, you will reach the enchanting Elmsee lake. A few minutes later, the Pühringerhütte appears in the middle of this imposing high mountain landscape.

A special spot just before the hut is “Emils Tränenhügel”. Emil Pühringer, the generous patron and founder of the Pühringerhütte, is said to have shed tears of joy here in 1927 when he first saw his hut in this overwhelming natural setting.

The return route follows the same path back to the starting point in Schachen.

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 alpine tours in the region.

• Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB)
• www.busbahnbim.at

Paid parking at the starting point of the hike. 

Tourist office Ausseerland Salzkammergut
Information office Grundlsee
Mosern 25
8993 Grundlsee
+43 3622 86 66
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Hiking maps are available in the information offices in Ausseerland or in the Ausseerland Artikel Shop.