Marmot hike
Characteristics
SkillThe tour in numbers
Level of difficulty
easy
Route
6,6 km
Time
2:00 h
Uphill
260 hm
Downhill
260 hm
Highest point
1067 m
A varied family hike to see the marmots at the idyllic Zölzboden. This leisurely loop trail leads through the Krumpengraben along forest paths up to the alpine pastures, where, with a little luck, you can spot the local wildlife.
The marmot hike in the Krumpengraben is a special nature experience for the whole family. From the starting point, the hike leads along the Krumpenbach stream through a peaceful forest and alpine pasture landscape up to the Zölzboden. Marmots make their home on the expansive alpine pastures. With a little patience and a keen eye, you can watch the animals as they play, eat, or bask in the sun. It’s especially important to keep a safe distance and not to feed the animals. After a break at Zölzboden, the loop hike continues past the Rahmhütte toward Hirnalm and finally back to the starting point in Krumpengraben. With its manageable length and moderate elevation gain, the hike is particularly well-suited for families and anyone who wants to combine a leisurely walk with a special nature experience.
Best season
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
More information
Take the A9 to the Traboch exit or the S6 to Leoben, continue on the B115 in the direction of Eisenerz. In Trofaiach, turn off at the northern edge of the village into the Krumpengraben. Drive to the end of the ditch and to the last parking lot.
Parking available in Krumpengraben
Parking available in Krumpengraben
The hike begins at the last parking lot in Krumpengraben and heads into the valley. Right from the start, stay along the Krumpenbach stream and follow the gravel road toward Zölzboden.
Important: Do not turn directly toward Hirnalm from the parking lot.
The route first follows the stream at a leisurely pace and then climbs gently uphill along a forest road through the woods. Gradually, the landscape opens up and you reach the alpine pastures of Zölzboden.
It’s worth taking a longer break here. With a little patience, you can spot marmots in the surrounding meadows.
From Zölzboden, continue along the trail across the alpine pastures and past the Rahmhütte toward Hirnalm. The route then leads back downhill into the Krumpengraben. Following the trail, you’ll eventually return to the starting point at the parking lot.
Important: Do not turn directly toward Hirnalm from the parking lot.
The route first follows the stream at a leisurely pace and then climbs gently uphill along a forest road through the woods. Gradually, the landscape opens up and you reach the alpine pastures of Zölzboden.
It’s worth taking a longer break here. With a little patience, you can spot marmots in the surrounding meadows.
From Zölzboden, continue along the trail across the alpine pastures and past the Rahmhütte toward Hirnalm. The route then leads back downhill into the Krumpengraben. Following the trail, you’ll eventually return to the starting point at the parking lot.
Packing your backpack correctly makes things much easier: Store heavy items close to your body and as low as possible. Your water bottle should always be within easy reach in a side pocket. Items you’ll need frequently, such as sunglasses, a hiking map, or sunscreen, should go at the top.
Sturdy footwear with good traction, weather-appropriate clothing, and plenty of drinks are part of the basic gear. No hiking backpack should be without emergency supplies, including blister bandages. Dressing in layers is also recommended.
Mountain Rescue Emergency Number for Hiking: 140.
When making an emergency call, provide answers to the six “W” questions:
Sturdy footwear with good traction, weather-appropriate clothing, and plenty of drinks are part of the basic gear. No hiking backpack should be without emergency supplies, including blister bandages. Dressing in layers is also recommended.
Mountain Rescue Emergency Number for Hiking: 140.
When making an emergency call, provide answers to the six “W” questions:
- What happened?
- How many people are injured?
- Where did the accident occur? If possible, provide GPS coordinates.
- Who is calling? Provide a callback number.
- When did the accident occur?
- What are the weather conditions at the scene of the accident?
Public transportation is available to Hafning.
Timetables and travel information can be found directly at: Österreichischen Bundesbahnen (ÖBB), Steiermärkischen Landesbahnen (STLB) , www.busbahnbim.at
With the BusBahnBim app of the Verbundlinie, timetable information has never been easier: all bus, train and tram connections in Austria can be queried by entering locations and/or addresses, stops or important points. The app is available as a free app for smartphones (Android, iOS) - on Google Play and in the
Tourismusverband Erzberg-Leoben
Homanngasse 12
8700 Leoben
Phone: +43 3842 48148
office@erzberg-leoben.at