Winter Long-Distance Hiking - Complete Tour

The scenic winter hike begins at the village square in Maria Alm. Across the bridge opposite the Moserwirt inn, you pass by the Almerwirt inn to trail no. 12 towards Saalfelden. Along the way, you will discover the dreamy Gasteg Chapel on a small hill – perhaps the Eyebrunndl, the legendary healing spring, is just sparkling. Then follows a short, somewhat steep ascent to Dürnberg on trail no. 21b. Along the forest edge, wonderful views open up to the Stone Sea. At the next intersection, turn left onto trail no. 21c to the Kronreith inn. Here you can expect a warm atmosphere: Treat yourself to a refreshment on the panoramic terrace and enjoy the breathtaking view of Maria Alm and the surrounding mountain world. After the break, the path leads you through the Grießbachwinkel, past snowy meadows and forests, to the intersection with hiking trail 23b. Via trail no. 23 you reach the Rohrmoos farm and finally via the Krallerwinkel back to the town center of Maria Alm.

STAGE 2 "From Maria Alm to Hinterthal to the Triefen"

Start your winter hike at the info office in Maria Alm and set off on one of the most beautiful winter hiking trails in the region. Your path leads past the valley station of the Natrunbahn and further into the upper village (trail no. 104A). Follow the village street into Krallerwinkl and turn right at the fork into Enterwinkl. From there, follow the well-marked winter hiking trail no. 25 up to Jufenalm.

During the hike, impressive views repeatedly open up to the surrounding peaks of the Stone Sea. Take your time to absorb the calm of the snowy landscape – winter gives nature a very special magic!

At Jufenalm, a well-deserved break in a cozy atmosphere awaits you. Enjoy regional delicacies and the charm of the inn. A short detour to the nearby wildlife enclosure is worthwhile: Perhaps you will spot the majestic red deer up close.

Refreshed, continue downhill towards Hinterthal, past idyllic farms and through snowy landscapes, always with the Hochkönig in view. In Hinterthal, follow the "Lower Sonnleiten" through a quiet residential area to the parish church of the Holy Trinity. From there, the path follows along the right side of the Urslau stream to the Triefen.

Enjoy the peaceful winter landscape, the clear ice formations, and the roaring waterfall of the Triefen in the background – perfect moments for unforgettable photos!

Follow the same path back to the town center of Hinterthal, where you take the ski bus back to Maria Alm.

STAGE 3 "From Filzensattel to Dienten"

Get ready for a winter adventure around Filzensattel! Your hike starts directly at Filzensattel on the prepared forest road, gently leading towards Grünegg Alm. Feel the crisp mountain air and enjoy the snowy landscape until after about 1.5 km a small path branches right to Gabühelhütte (trail no. 51) and further to Steinbockalm. Before Gabühelhütte, you cross the ski slope – watch out! – experiencing the colorful hustle and bustle of the skiers up close. At Gabühelhütte, you will be warmly welcomed: A cozy stopover with regional specialties and views of the surrounding peaks awaits you. Only five minutes walk away is the stylish Steinbockalm with its sunny terrace – ideal for enjoying the winter sun with hot chocolate or punch. The return route takes you a bit along the ascent path back to the intersection at Haus der Stille. From here, take trail no. 50, which branches right, and then follow trail no. 12 to the Grünegg snack station. Here you can refresh again and take in the snowy landscape. This tour combines exercise, enjoyment, and nature experience – perfect for anyone who wants to fully enjoy winter.

STAGE 4 "Over the Maria Alm Schattberg to Hinterreit"

The starting point of this stage is in the heart of Maria Alm, directly at the Maria Alm info office. From here, walk between the info office and the Hochkönig pharmacy and turn right up the street. The path leads along the cemetery wall, and soon the impressive Maria Alm pilgrimage church with its distinctive church tower rises above you.

Keep right to reach the House of Encounter and continue into the district of Urchen. There you cross the federal road and follow the path left into the district of Unterberg. Here you pass rural farms that open up the first wonderful views of the mighty Hochkönig massif.

Arriving in Unterberg, turn right and follow the babbling Jetzbach to Bachleitbauern. The path now gently rises, passing Jetzbachbauer and Hangleiten farms. Especially in winter, a quiet, almost magical atmosphere prevails here – snow-covered trees, sparkling ice crystals, and the silence of nature accompany you.

From there the path leads over Erdstadl downhill again towards Schlossberg. A cozy rest awaits at the traditional Hinterreit inn, where you can strengthen yourself, for example, with a hearty Kaspressknödelsuppe (cheese dumpling soup). With some luck, you might even catch a glimpse of well-known ski stars preparing for their World Cup races at the Hinterreit lifts.

After the stop, descend to the road, turn left, and follow it towards Saalfelden until you reach Almdorf. There you cross the Hochkönig federal road and hike along the Urslau stream upstream, past the well-kept golf course.

Soon you arrive at the Gasteg Chapel, a gem with an octagonal layout, a wooden porch, and a pointed tower. The Rococo altar inside houses a valuable Pietà from the first half of the 14th century – a brief look inside is definitely worth it.

From here it is not far anymore: Follow the path further downstream valleywards and finally return to your starting point, the Maria Alm info office, where the varied circular tour ends.