- Brief description
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A tour ( fee required) in a wonderful hiking landscape between Western Styria and the Murtal region.
- Difficulty
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medium
- Rating
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- Starting point
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Hirschegger-Sattel / Salzstiegelhaus (1543 m)
- Route
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Salzstiegelhaus0.0 kmSalzstiegelhaus5.9 kmHirschegger Sattel5.9 km
- Best season
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AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul
- Description
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The Salzstiegl is located on a connecting road between western Styria and the Murtal adventure region. It was once a rest stop on one of the trade routes for - as the name reveals - salt, which was transported from the Salzkammergut region to the south. Today it is a popular excursion destination that attracts visitors from the Graz area as well as from the Mur Valley. Due to the extensive alpine pastures it is also attractive for families as a hiking area. In addition, many long-distance hiking trails run here such as: E6, Koralm-Kristall-Trail, "From glacier to wine" and Austrian long-distance hiking trail 05. Winter offers skiers, tourers, tobogganers, cross-country skiers and especially snowshoe walkers many opportunities. From the finish of our medium-difficulty tour with slightly ascending to steep sections, there are magnificent views in a northerly direction of the Seckau and Eisenerz Alps to the Hochschwab and in a southerly direction of the Graz Basin, the Seetal Alps, the Koralpe and the Karawanken.
Ski tourers or snowshoe hikers who want to go up the Speikkogel have to pay 10 € per person to cross or go up the slope.
- Directions
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The parking lot at the Salzstiegelhaus (1), 1553 m, is our starting point. Basically, hiking trail 520, the course of which can also be seen by marking poles, leads us directly to our destination. We pass by the Salzstiegelhaus, first slightly uphill along the access slope, and then immediately turn right into the forest. It goes right along the ski slope, heading towards the windmills and walking around the reservoir (2), 1713m. From now on we are away from the colorful skiing and enjoy the climb ahead, marked by poles. Shortly before we reach our destination, we keep to the right along the fence and come directly to the Speikkogel summit cross (3), 1993 m. In good weather, the hike can be continued for as long as you like in the direction of Ameringkogel. On the descent we go back along the ascent path. The way back is via the ascent route.
- Highest point
- 1,965 m
- Endpoint
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Hirschegger-Sattel / Salzstiegelhaus (1543 m)
- Height profile
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- Equipment
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Apart from the most necessary equipment, such as snowshoes, poles, etc., we recommend that you bring orientation aids (bus pole, map, GPS), avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel. We have taken this checklist from the Rother Snowshoe Guide Styria and summarized it for you, so that it will be helpful for your next snowshoe hike.
SnowshoesTelescopic poles with snow plateWaterproof mountain boots or lined winter mountain bootsBackpack: If the snowshoes have to be carried, a backpack with a lid buckle is necessary.Gloves: waterproof and warmingHeadgearGaiters: If there are no closable leg cuffs on the pants.Pants: Ski pants are rather not recommended, because they are often too warm, but we need waterproof and warming pants.Warming outerwear: Onion layering system, t-shirt, sweater, jacket and winter jacket with hood.Sunglasses: Very important, as snow reflects up to 95% of the light.Creams: Protective measures for the skin are important against both the sun and the cold.Headlamp: In winter it gets dark early, especially in the forest it can often be very dark when dusk begins.Thermos: On cooler days a warming drink is pleasant.Snack or snackFirst aid kit Other important items of equipment:
Cell phoneTour descriptionMap: For overview a map in scale 1:50.000 of the respective region and a detailed plan of the hikeGPS deviceavalanche transceiver (LVS), shovel and probeThis list and also the safety instructions have been summarized by the authors of the Rother Snowshoe Guide Styria. You are welcome to use these texts, but we kindly ask you to mention the copyright "Rother Schneeschuhführer Steiermark".
- Safety instructions
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When choosing a snowshoe tour, weather, snow and avalanche situation are essential criteria. Basically, the decision of the tour depends on your own experience and basic physical condition. In advance, factors such as weather, avalanche situation report and equipment must be clarified in detail. A clear description of how to prepare for a snowshoe hike can be found in the Rother Snowshoe Guide Styria from page 14 to 20. Even if you have prepared perfectly, you must also take into account the given weather and snow conditions and the physical condition of the day during the hike itself. Thus, there is one important basic rule: please turn around if the hike becomes too strenuous or if the external conditions require it.
Walking times: The indicated walking time is to be understood as a guideline, as it depends on the snow conditions, the terrain and the presence of a trail. The individual condition and the stamina for strenuous trail work also play an important role. Sometimes the duration of the tour can change significantly due to large amounts of new snow, broken slush, soft sulzing snow, etc.
Alpine emergency call:
Mountain rescue emergency number: 140
EU emergency number: 112
Avalanche info:
Weather service:
Direct link mountain weather Styria:
https://www.zamg.ac.at/cms/de/wetter/produkte-und-services/bergwetter/steiermark
- Tips
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From this starting point you can also hike to the Rappoldkogel (1928 m) in the northeast. Detailed information can be found under this direct link: Rappoldkogel from the Salzstiegelhaus.
- Additional information
- Directions
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From St. Michael in Upper Styria via the Murtal expressway S36 (vignette required) to Zeltweg (30 km, approx. 25 minutes) and further via Großfeistritz to the Salzstiegelhaus (total 52 km, approx. 50 minutes).
From Graz via the A2 freeway to Modriach and L344 via Hirschegg to the Salzstiegelhaus (76 km, approx. 85 minutes).
By car to snowshoe hiking - a few things to watch out for!
Good winter tires are an absolute MUST!Ice scraper, snow broom, de-icer for the door locks and a small shovel belong to the basic equipment.Put snow chains and a tow rope in the car, even if you are not good with them yourself. Helping and knowledgeable hikers are always available on the mountain!Clear the car completely of snow and ice, especially sweep off the roof of the car completely.When parking, make sure you leave room for other motorists.Always park so that the rest of the roadway remains clear for cars, logging trucks, and snow removal vehicles.Find out about the snow situation on the access road or parking facilities before setting off. (hut host, webcams)
- Public transportation
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There is no public transport connection to the starting point of the tour.
General information about public transport to the region: www.verbundlinie.at
Murtal Taxi, Tel.: +43 660 1018101, 8740 Zeltweg, www.murtal-taxi.at
Cab Jäger, Tel.: +43 3512 44833, 8720 Knittelfeld
Cab Steiner, Tel.: +43 3512 71718, 8720 Knittelfeld
- Parking
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There are numerous parking spaces in the immediate vicinity of the Salzstiegelhaus.
- Author
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The tour Snowshoe hike Speikkogel, 1993 m is used by outdooractive.com provided.
