Übers G'hackte auf den Hochschwab

From the Bodenbauer we walk initially on a level path or in only a slight ascent to the Trawiesbach stream. We cross the stream and then approach the imposing falls of the Hundwand. Over a steep step in the forest on the well-marked path to the Trawiesalm, 1234 m. Very nice motif with the Festlbeilstein. From the rear Trawiestal increasingly steep and now already above the timberline to G'hacktbrunn, 1785 m; source. From the resting place at G'hacktbrunn, impressive view of the Hochschwab south walls and the karst landscape in front of them, marked with ice pits because snow lies in the doline-like terrain until well into the summer. On a good path, in steep zigzag, up into the G'hackte, a steep rugged passage. Fuses give additional support. From the exit blad to the plateau (sign: 140 steps to the Fleischer bivouac). This freely accessible shelter hut (2153 m) can accommodate 10-12 people. It is named after the chairman of the Alpine Society Voisthaler Ferdinand Fleischer jun. He died with the Teufelbauer brothers on April 12, 1903 during a snowstorm on the high plateau. A pole marker guides us over rugged ground to the Hochschwab summit. Descent to the Schiestlhaus (2153 m) with overnight stay. Return via the north-facing Schwabenleiten to Fleischer Biwakschachtel and either the same descent as the ascent or across the plateau to Bodenbauer. G'hacktkogel and Zagelkogel are bypassed on the north side and we tread the wide Rauchtalsattel. The path leads us further through the Hundsböden into the Hirschgrube, which is gradually interspersed with mountain pines. We continue through the doline-like high valley, the Baumstall, and through mountain pine alleys further gradually descending to the Häuslam saddle. On a well-marked, partly rough path, we now descend to the Sackwaldboden and to the Bodenbauer inn.

This ascent to Hochschwab is extremely popular and it is also worthwhile to cover only parts of it (e.g.: to Trawiesalm 1 hour or to G'hacktbrunn 2 1/2 - 3 hours). The descent from the Schiestlhaus to the Häuslalm is a striking section of the Hochschwab crossing and gives an impressive view over the entire western Hochschwab.

By train to Bruck/Mur station and from there by bus to Thörl. Information about train and bus at: www.oebb.at and www.verbundlinie.atThere is no public transport from Thörl to St. Ilgen to the Bodenbauer.Cab Hochschwabreisen (Tel. 03861/2400), Taxi Steiner (03862/51333 18) or Taxi Gombotz (03862/24990)

Marked parking spaces at the Alpengasthof Bodenbauer.

Weitere Informationen:Tourismusverband HochsteiermarkTel. +43 (0)3862 55020www.hochsteiermark.at

Hiking map Hochschwab No. 041 (Freytag & Berndt) Hiking map Hochschwab No. 212 (Kompass map publisher) Hiking guide Hochschwab - G. u. L. Auferbauer (Bergverlag Rother, Munich) Hiking experience Hochschwab & Hohe Veitsch - Hans Hoedl (NP Verlag)