Via Alpina 1st stage

Starting from the Bischofshofen town center, we begin the hike on Gaisbergstraße, behind the Gasthof Schützenhof, past the cemetery to the famous ski jump area. Along this road runs an interesting ski jumping educational trail. After about 10 minutes of walking, we reach the extensive ski jump area. To the left of the Österreich-Haus, a small meadow path leads over the fitness course towards the waterfall, which we reach after about 5 minutes. At the small junction, we can choose between 2 routes: Variant 1: Turn right and follow the newly built waterfall path (about 350 steps) to the upper end and further to the Bachsfall castle ruins. From there, we enjoy a wonderful view over the town, extending to the Tennengebirge. Variant 2: The 2nd route continues straight ahead, over a gentle ascent through the loose mixed forest and bypasses the waterfall as well as the ruins. After about 15 to 20 minutes of walking, the two paths meet again and we follow the "Mühlenweg" for about half an hour to Gainfeldstraße. There we turn left and follow the lightly trafficked road downhill. After about 2 km we reach a large parking sign, turn left again. We cross the parking lot and follow a beautiful meadow path to the "Kematen Alm" (not operated) and then along a farm road past the "Loimair Hut". After a short walk, the farm road ends and we hike along a beautiful hiking trail through loose mixed forest. After about 40 minutes, we reach a very distinctive signpost - a "Steinmadl" (stone man). We keep left and follow a narrow hiking trail. After about 30 minutes, the forest clears and we get a magnificent view of the Mandl walls - the eastern foothills of the Hochkönig massif. A wide hiking trail leads us to the Arthurhaus at the foot of the Hochkönig massif. We follow the Erzweg (trail no. 85; themed trail) for about 5.5 km to Mühlbach. Alternatively, there is also a hiking bus to get to Mühlbach.