Death Ridge Trail

Continue a few dozen meters southwest from the bus stop at Hinterstoder Schiederweiher to reach a large parking area, where the atmosphere of the trek begins immediately beneath the dramatic silhouette of Spitzmauer (2,446 m). Cross the bridge over the fast-flowing, green waters of the Steyr River and enter a broad forest path that leads gently into the mountains. 

After about half a kilometer, the trail passes a small clearing beside the vividly green Schiederweiher pond, one of the best spots along the route to photograph the Spitzmauer peak that will dominate the landscape throughout the day. The path continues through the forest for another kilometer before opening onto a wide meadow, where the Polsterstüberl event hall stands at its center. When weddings or private events are not taking place, it offers a pleasant place to stop for a drink or a light meal.

From here, the trail returns to the forest, and roughly four kilometers from the starting point the ascent toward the Prielschutzhaus hut begins. The climb is moderately challenging, gaining elevation steadily through wooded terrain. Less than half a kilometer into the ascent, a short detour leads to the Klinserfall waterfall, the first major point of interest on the trek. In midsummer, the waterfall may be reduced to a small flow, with the pool below partially dry, but after rain or earlier in the season it is far more impressive.

Beyond the waterfall, the trail continues climbing through the forest for approximately two kilometers, alternating between gentler and steeper sections, until reaching the Prielschutzhaus hut, where you will spend the night beneath the towering slopes of Großer Priel. Experienced hikers can choose to summit the mountain the following day.

Head northwest toward Großer Priel. Within the first kilometer, the forested landscape of the previous day gradually gives way to low alpine shrubs, and after roughly two kilometers the terrain opens into the stark limestone plateau that gives the Toten Gebirge range its distinctive, almost lunar appearance. The route follows a mostly gentle ascent through a barren landscape of pale rock formations, occasionally marked by wooden or metal summit crosses visible on nearby peaks. Early in the hiking season, lingering snowfields often blend into the gray limestone, adding to the stark beauty of the scenery.

After approximately two more kilometers, you will reach the Temlbergsattel pass at 2,063 meters, where several marked trails converge. Trail 261 branches left toward the summit of Temlberg and offers exceptional panoramic views, but the main route continues in the opposite direction, turning north onto trail 263. From here, the ascent remains gradual as the trail crosses open alpine terrain toward another junction marked by three weathered signs. At this point, follow trail 215 toward the Fleischbanksattel pass at 2,124 meters.

For hikers who start early and feel confident tackling a more demanding route, this is the point where trail 262 branches off and later connects with trail 260, leading to the summit of Großer Priel, the highest peak in the range. The summit is marked by a large red iron cross that remains visible from much of the day’s route and rewards the climb with sweeping views across the surrounding Alps.

Those not attempting the summit should continue descending along trail 215 toward the Welser Hütte. The descent can be steep in sections but remains straightforward. Perched high above the surrounding valleys, the hut occupies a dramatic and isolated setting, with numerous trails branching off toward nearby peaks of varying difficulty. Hikers arriving early and still feeling energetic may choose to explore one of these additional routes. Some, however, require technical mountaineering experience, so it is advisable to consult the hut staff regarding current conditions and the suitability of the surrounding climbs.

To reach the lake, continue southeast on trail no. 214 instead of turning right toward the ascent. The path descends gradually through the forest, and after about half a kilometer you will notice the small Hinterer Lahngangsee on your left. This lake is not directly accessible from the trail and can only be reached via a separate path branching from Vorderer Lahngangsee below. Continuing another half kilometer downhill brings you to the eastern shore of Vorderer Lahngangsee, an excellent place to rest or stop for a picnic. Surrounded by steep cliffs and dense forest, the lake has a distinctly alpine atmosphere reminiscent of the Rocky Mountains.

After visiting the lake, return to the main route and follow trail no. 201 toward the Albert-Appelhaus hut. Unlike the previous days, the landscape gradually becomes greener as you progress. The route first crosses open grassy slopes dotted with shrubs and conifers, while the pale limestone terrain slowly gives way to dense, low alpine vegetation that covers the surrounding hillsides and creates a striking contrast with the rocky peaks above.

Just before reaching the Abblasbühel pass, you will find a black plastic pipe on the left side of the trail carrying spring water. The water is considered safe to drink, though filtering it is still recommended. Beyond the pass, the trail becomes easier, winding gently between limestone ridges and cliffs with only moderate ascents and descents. After roughly five kilometers, the route begins a gradual descent through woodland toward the Albert-Appelhaus hut, your overnight stop for the day.

The trail begins with an easy walk to the lake, where you can take a short break. From there, continue toward the limestone plateau, where you can admire the unique, barren landscape of ridges and peaks with their distinctive shapes, such as the Großer Scheiblingkogel, rising to 2,020 m, or its smaller northern neighbor, the Kleiner Scheiblingkogel, at 1,962 m. Pay close attention to the red and white trail markings in this area, as the path can sometimes be difficult to follow. 

 Around 8 km from the hut, you will reach a junction marked with yellow signs. Both trails, 230 and 228, lead to the same mountain, Schönberg, which stands at 2,090 m. However, the two routes are very different: trail 228, the shorter one, is highly challenging and technical, and not recommended for those without experience in mountain climbing techniques. It is especially inadvisable in cloudy weather or when strong winds are blowing. The trail is very exposed and includes sections where ropes are needed for support. 

Trail 230, although longer and looping widely around the problematic ridge, is much safer, and the views along it are no less impressive. The ascent to Schönberg is particularly enjoyable and offers stunning panoramas of the entire area. From the summit, marked by an iron lattice cross, the trail descends steeply to your overnight stop, the Ischler Hütte.

Eventually, you will arrive in the historic Austrian town of Bad Ischl. This is where Emperor Franz Joseph spent 83 of his 86 summers, and you can visit the imperial villa (Kaiservilla) where he stayed. 

Once the summer capital of the Habsburg dynasty, the town is, as its name suggests, a spa destination, one of the first in the world, and a perfect place to relax after the trek. The thermal springs are a treat for sore muscles. Here you will find excellent restaurants and multiple options for accommodation.