Winter long-distance hiking stage 4 over the Maria Alm Schattberg to Hinterreit
Winter long-distance hiking stage 4 over the Maria Alm Schattberg to Hinterreit
Experience the snow-covered mountain world around Maria Alm on an impressive circular route! The 4th stage of the long-distance winter hike takes you over a good 12 kilometers with gentle ascents and descents through forests, over open meadows, and past traditional farms. Repeatedly wide views open onto the Stone Sea and the impressive Hochkönig massif. Around 280 meters of altitude difference are easy to manage and make the route a pleasurable experience for all winter hiking fans. Along the way, the Hinterreit Inn tempts you with regional delicacies to rest before you return comfortably to the town center of Maria Alm. This stage combines enjoyment of nature, exercise, and culinary experiences to a winter highlight.
11,81 km
03:30 h
236 m
Path Conditions
The starting point of this stage is in the heart of Maria Alm, directly at the Maria Alm Tourist Information Office. From here, walk between the tourist information office and the Hochkönig pharmacy and take the street to the right. The path leads you along the cemetery wall, and soon the impressive Maria Alm Pilgrimage Church with its distinctive church tower rises above you.
Keep to the right to reach the House of Encounter and continue into the district of Urchen. There you cross the federal road and follow the path to the left into the district of Unterberg. Here you pass rural farms that open up wonderful views of the mighty Hochkönig massif.
Arriving in the Unterberg district, turn right and follow the babbling Jetzbach stream to the Bachleitbauern farm. The path now gently ascends, passing the farms Jetzbachbauer and Hangleiten. Especially in winter, there is a quiet, almost magical atmosphere here – snow-covered trees, sparkling ice crystals, and the peace of nature accompany you.
From there, the path leads downhill again via the Erdstadl towards Schlossberg. A cozy rest is offered at the traditional Hinterreit Inn, where you can, for example, strengthen yourself with a hearty Kaspressknödel soup. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of well-known ski stars preparing for their World Cup races at the Hinterreit lifts.
After the break, descend towards the street, turn left, and follow it in the direction of Saalfelden until you reach the Alpine Village. There, cross the Hochkönig federal road and hike along the upstream Urslau, past the well-maintained golf course.
Soon you will reach the Gasteg Chapel, a gem with an octagonal floor plan, a wooden entrance hall, and a pointed tower. The rococo altar inside encloses a valuable Pietà from the first half of the 14th century – a brief look inside is well worth it.
From here it is not far: continue following the path downstream and finally reach your starting point, the Maria Alm Tourist Information Office, where the diverse circular route ends.
