Schladming Loop

From there, continue on a gentle descent to the Latterfußsattel pass, then follow trail no. 773 up to the stunning viewpoint at the top of Mount Guschen, 1,982 m. From here, continue along trail no. 773, which includes several ups and downs. Shortly after circling the sharp peak of Mount Hochfeld from the south, the trail reaches a saddle and begins to wrap around the Schiedeck summit from the south along a beautiful “balcony” path suspended above a deep valley. 

From this point, a steep side trail branches off to the left leading to the summit of Schiedeck (2,339 m). The climb is optional, but the view from the top is truly spectacular. From here, the route becomes simple and pleasant. 

From the junction leading to the summit of Kampspitze (2,390 m, optional), the trail descends comfortably, passing by Klammsee and Brettersee lakes. Shortly after the latter, you will already enjoy magnificent views of the Giglachseen lakes. You can spend the night at the Giglachseehütte (1,956 m) near the upper lake, or at the Ignaz-Mattis-Hütte (1,986 m) above the lower Giglach lake. Continue along the ridge trail until you reach an area dotted with small and large lakes. There you will find two huts, Ignaz-Mattis-Hütte and, below it by the lake, Giglachseehütte. You can spend the night in either one.

In the nearby Obertal Valley, there is a former nickel smelting furnace that has been converted into a museum, offering a glimpse into the area’s fascinating past. From here, the trail climbs steeply through scree slopes and switchbacks toward an impressive glacial cirque as you head south along trail number 702 toward Rotmandlspitze, at an elevation of 2,453 meters. 

This is the highest point you will reach today, and from here you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and the many lakes that feed the water sources of the Obertal Valley. 

From this point, the route is mostly downhill until you reach your accommodation for the night. The trail passes beneath the summit of Mount Sauberg and continues through the Kruckeckscharte mountain pass. 

From there, it descends in numerous zigzag turns along the slopes of Krukeck (2,428 meters) on a beautiful balcony path leading toward Lake Zinkbodensee. From the trail, you can clearly see your lodging for the night, the Keinprechthütte hut at 1,872 meters. If you arrive early, you can take lovely short hikes in the area or simply relax with a cold beer on the wooden deck.

Especially in early summer, the slopes covered with alpine meadows are a beautiful sight to behold. After a short descent toward the Landawirseehütte, it is worth making a short detour south to the Landawirsee lakes, a perfect spot for a picnic. 

From there, continue ascending from the Göriachwinkel area to the Gollingscharte pass at 2,326 m. 

If you are in good physical condition and have experience with high Alpine treks, you can attempt the climb to the Hochgolling summit at 2,862 m, which offers a breathtaking view of the entire region. 

The ascent follows a trail heading south directly from the Gollingscharte pass, but take care, as the route includes several very exposed sections without fixed ropes or chains. 

Allow about 3.5 to 4 hours for this additional 540-meter climb, round trip from the pass. From the Gollingscharte pass, descend into the Gollingwinkel, where you will find yourself directly beneath the massive north face of the Golling, in a natural amphitheater formed by glaciers. From there, it takes only a few minutes to reach the Gollinghütte, your accommodation for the night.

From this point, continue ascending north toward the summit of Mount Greifenberg, which rises to 2,618 meters. Although the path crosses some scree, the trail is well maintained. This is the highest point of the entire route and of the Schladminger range in particular, and without a doubt one of the most impressive viewpoints of the trek. 

After taking in the breathtaking panorama, begin a short descent into the valley and toward Lake Klaffer (Klafferkesse). This lake is a remnant of the last Ice Age, and the surrounding area is remarkable for its unique alpine vegetation. It is one of the most water-rich regions in all of the Alps. 

Pass the prominent rock formation Greifenstein and continue toward the Klafferscharte mountain pass, crossing the vast glacial cirque known as Lämmerkare. A further descent, less steep but longer, leads through dense forest before you arrive at the large Preintalerhütte, where you will spend the night.

At the Höfertsteig trail junction, continue on trail 782, which starts steeply and then becomes gentler and more consistent as it ascends to the Neualmscharte mountain pass at 2,347 meters. Along the way, enjoy views of Lake Riesachsee lying below and the breathtaking panorama from the saddle toward the Seewigtal Valley. 

 From the pass, the trail descends quite steeply at first. You will soon reach Lake Obersee, whose shores are perfect for a picnic or at least a short rest. After about 40 more minutes of walking, you will arrive at the Hans-Wödl-Hütte, located above Lake Hüttensee. 

From the hut, continue descending for about another hour to Lake Steirischer Bodensee, where you will find a restaurant called Forellenhof with a panoramic terrace overlooking the lake and waterfalls. If that restaurant does not appeal to you, there is another one called Seewigtalstüberl a bit farther along, just before the Seewigtal parking area, from where bus number 976 will take you back to the town of Schladming.