Höchstein (2.543 m)

Mountain tour to one of the most striking peaks in the Schladminger Tauern, with some magical variants available for the hike down.

The summit circuit from Hauser Kaibling via the Seescharte and Höchstein is one of the most impressive high alpine panoramic trails in the region. The starting point at high altitude means you are spared lengthy ascents. The tour begins above the tree line and offers marvellous views. The Tauern panorama with the Waldhorn, Klafferkessel and Hochgolling is particularly impressive from the summit of the Höchstein.

Caution: The tour is not recommended in wet conditions and absolute caution and surefootedness are required!

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

The tour in numbers

challenging

Level of difficulty

10,9 km

Route

6:00 h

Time

905 hm

Uphill

905 hm

Downhill

2543 m

Highest point

Map & downloads

Download GPX data

Download KML data

More information

Ennstalbundesstraße (B320) - Haus im Ennstal:

valley station Schladminger Tauern cable car (above the catholic church in Haus im Ennstal)
valley station Hauser Kaibling cable car (directly next to the main road)

The Schladminger Tauern cable car or Hauser Kaibling 8-seater gondola lift & the new 8-seater Kaiblinggrat chairlift to Hauser Kaibling make it possible to halve the difference in altitude to this rewarding mountain destination. If you want to start quietly, choose the gently sloping forest path to the Kaiblingalm, but if you want to enjoy a beautiful view right at the start of this mountain tour, hike over the Hauser Kaibling summit (2,015 m) to the alpine pasture. The ascent continues on trail no. 780 to the Seescharte (beautiful view down to the Moaralmsee) and through round humps and along huge rock debris to the Kaiblinglochscharte.

The following cirque looks even wilder and the climb up to the next saddle over scree and rubble is steep and partly secured. Then cross to the Kaltenbachschulter on the south side and ascend over rock steps on the west ridge to the summit. The open location above the Enns Valley and the framing by the highest peaks of the Schladminger Tauern provide a magnificent panorama. The normal way back is via the ascent route back to the cable car. Marking: Trail no. 780 Höchstein.

Descent also via trail no. 781 - Moaralmsee. The descent via the east shoulder to the Filzscharte, where caution is advised. There is insurance, but loose rock and slabs layered downwards require full attention. From the Filzscharte, 2 paths fork: one leads to the Hans-Wödl-Hütte, our path no. 781 branches off to the left and leads steeply down to the idyllic Moaralmsee. From there (trail no. 45) it is much more relaxed along the slopes below the Bärfallspitze to the Rossfeldsattel and via the Kaiblingalm on a cosy forest path back to the mountain station.

The summit is full of views; the ascent is full of adventure; the descent is full of variety! A high alpine mountain tour rich in new experiences and adventures!

Postbus (L900) - Exit: Haus Ort oder Hauser Kaibling Seilbahn

Parking area Schladminger Tauern cable car or Hauser Kaibling cable car.

Tour at your own risk! No liability is accepted for any alpine dangers (weather, etc.) that may occur. Weather changes, rapid drops in temperature, thunderstorms, wind, fog and snow fields are objective dangers and require the correct behaviour on the way. In an emergency, please dial the following emergency numbers:

No. 140 - for alpine emergencies - Austria-wide
No. 112 - Euro emergency call GSM emergency call service

Schladming-Dachstein hiking map