On the Backenstein and to the Appelhaus

The Backenstein (1,772 m) is Grundlsee's local mountain and was given its name due to its distinctive shape. The summit cross was deliberately erected slightly lower than the highest point to provide the best view of the valley. This challenging mountain tour combines the summit experience with the Albert Appelhaus, a comfortable refuge and starting point for numerous high-altitude tours in the Totes Gebirge.

The hike starts in the district of Rößlern. First, the trail leads uphill on a gravel road until the Alpine trail no. 235 branches off. Following the marked forest path, you cross the gravel road once again and reach a resting bench below a small rock face with a shrine, the so-called “Schakeles”.

Now begins the steep ascent over the Almberg, which includes both rocky terrain and scree passages. From the top of the Almberg, there is an impressive view of Lake Grundlsee. From here, the high-level trail to the Appelhaus takes around 1.5 hours through varied high plateau terrain.

Shortly after a high passage, at a gate, the trail branches off to the right to the summit of the Backenstein. The ascent is initially steep through earthy terrain, later through mountain pines. A special feature of this tour is that you have to descend to the summit cross. The entire detour from the main trail to the summit of the Backenstein takes about an hour.

Back on trail no. 235, continue in the direction of Albert Appelhaus. First you pass the junction of the unmarked trail to the Breitwiesenalm before a support for the material cable car becomes visible. Here the marked path branches off to the left towards Trisselwand and Altaussee.

The hike continues to the Brunnwiesenalm, which offers an idyllic resting place with its alpine huts. After another 20 minutes you reach the Henaralm. The Naturfreunde self-catering hut is located to the right below the path, while the destination of the tour - the Albert Appelhaus - is already visible above the alpine huts.

The descent follows the same route as the ascent - with the exception of the summit detour to the Backenstein.
A free Ausseerland hiking map is available to help you plan your hiking vacation in Ausseerland and can be conveniently ordered by post. The hiking map store also offers a large selection of detailed maps for other mountain tours in the region.

Emergency call mountain rescue: 140

Emergency reporting tip - provide answers to the six W questions:

• What happened?
• How many injured?
• Where did the accident happen? (possibly GPS coordinates)
• Who is reporting? (callback number)
• When did the accident happen?
• Weather at the accident site?

Proper backpacking makes many things easier:

• pack heavy things first.
• The water bottle should always be within easy reach in a side pocket.
• All things that are often needed, such as sunglasses, camera or hiking map, belong on top.
• An emergency kit including blister plaster belongs in every backpack and a clothing according to the "onion system" is always recommended!

A free Ausseerland hiking map is available to help you plan your hiking vacation in Ausseerland and can be conveniently ordered by post. The hiking map store also offers a large selection of detailed maps for other mountain tours in the region.

• Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB)
• www.busbahnbim.at

Tourist office Ausseerland Salzkammergut
Information office Grundlsee
Mosern 25
8993 Grundlsee
+43 3622 86 66
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