The King’s Way stage 2 (Dienten - Mühlbach)
The King’s Way stage 2 (Dienten - Mühlbach)
Start your hiking day with the hiking bus to Erichhütte and enjoy the view of the snow-covered peaks of the Hohe Tauern already during the ascent. Past the mighty Hochkönig south face, you hike over the alpine pastures of the "Four Huts" and refresh yourself at the Brandstätt or Molterauhütte. The path gently descends into the Riedingtal with rushing waterfalls and the imposing Großer Bratschenkopf. Over the Windraucheggalm, you reach the Arthurhaus and the Schweizerhütte, known for its cheese specialties. From here, it is comfortable by hiking bus to Mühlbach – or on foot via the Mitterberger Erzweg, which lets you dive into the history of copper mining.
11,25 km
04:00 h
384 m
Path Conditions
STAGE 2 FROM DIENTEN TO MÜHLBACH
The hiking bus towards Mühlbach takes you to the stop at the Erichhütte parking lot – the starting point of your hiking day. Follow Trail No. 432 and enjoy the impressive natural landscape on the approximately 30-minute ascent to Erichhütte. At the top, you will be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the snow-covered peaks of the Hohe Tauern. After a short break, continue the route on Trail No. 436/401A towards Arthurhaus. Ahead of you rises the imposing 800-meter-high Hochkönig south face before the wide alpine pastures of the Four Huts open up.
For lunch, the Brandstätthütte or the Molterauhütte invite you. Afterwards, the trail gently descends into the Riedingtal with striking waterfalls and the majestic Großer Bratschenkopf in the background. The path passes the natural ski jumps of the former Riedingtal ski jumping center of Bubi Bradl. After a short forest section, you reach the Windraucheggalm. The last flat section to Arthurhaus and the Schweizerhütte – known for its cheese specialties – rounds off the route delightfully. From Arthurhaus, the hiking bus comfortably takes you to the center of Mühlbach.
Optional: If you prefer to hike down to the valley on foot, plan about 2 extra hours. The descent is worth it: From Arthurhaus, follow the Mitterberger Erzweg No. 85 with stations and information boards on Mühlbach's mining history. Over forest and field paths, past copper mining tunnels and old mining houses, you reach the village center.
