The Königsweg stage 1 (Maria Alm - Dienten)
The Königsweg stage 1 (Maria Alm - Dienten)
Start your Hochkönig hike with the Natrun cable car up Maria Alm’s local mountain. From Prinzensee and Jufenalm, the trail leads you across alpine meadows, forest sections, and idyllic riverside paths to Hinterthal. Savor regional specialties at Aueralm or Mußbachalm before continuing over the high moor to Pichlalm. From Filzensattel, the hiking bus takes you comfortably to Dienten – or you can continue on foot via Grünegg and Gabühel directly to the charming mountain village. Along the way, you’ll enjoy impressive panoramas, diverse alpine nature, and authentic hut stops – an unforgettable start to your Hochkönig experience.
11,77 km
04:50 h
679 m
Path Conditions
STAGE 1: FROM MARIA ALM TO DIENTEN
Take the Natrun cable car up to Maria Alm’s local mountain – the starting point of your hike. Follow trail no. 401A past the forest ropes course to the picturesque Prinzensee, where the mountain panorama is reflected in the water. Continue on a two-way shared trail to the Jufenalm – watch out for mountain bikers here. Crossing alpine meadows and a short forest section, you’ll reach Pichlhof, then follow its access road downhill to the main road and cross it.
Walk about 100 meters along the Urslau stream, cross a small bridge, and follow the idyllic Auweg path to Hinterthal. Just before the church in the village center, turn right onto trail no. 401A toward Aueralm and Mußbachalm. After a relaxed break with local delicacies, continue on the old, almost treeless alpine path uphill to the junction with the Austrian Alpine Club trail no. 436 – a perfect spot for a last view of the eastern Steinernes Meer.
On trail no. 401A/436, hike across alpine paths, trails, and a high moor to Pichlalm. After a short rest, take trail no. 68 toward Filzensattel, from where the hiking bus conveniently takes you to Dienten.
Optional: On foot to Dienten Cross the Hochkönig main road and follow the path uphill to the forest road (trail no. 50) toward Grünegg – Gabühel. After about 2 km, reach the junction with trail no. 52 to Dienten, descending across open terrain. In the valley, the first houses come into view before the path leads back into the forest and eventually meets a paved road. Follow it to the Almhäusl snack station, then continue toward Dienten. Soon you’ll see the village entrance, pass the ski center (with the tourist office), and from a small rise enjoy the view of the village church. Additional walking time: approx. 1 hour.
