Vulture's Head
Characteristics
SkillThe tour in numbers
Level of difficulty
challenging
Route
13,9 km
Time
8:00 h
Uphill
1440 hm
Downhill
1440 hm
Highest point
2417 m
The challenging mountain hike to the Geierhaupt takes you through varied terrain. Forests and mountain pine areas alternate with steep sections and rocky stretches over stone slabs. Near the summit, the route follows a challenging ridge to the Geierhaupt at 2,417 m.
The tour begins at Liesinggraben near Wald am Schoberpaß and initially follows the Ripplgraben. As the elevation increases, the ascent becomes steeper and the landscape increasingly alpine. The route continues over the Hocheggriedel toward Grieskogel before the final section leads to the summit of the Geierhaupt. The route requires good physical conditioning, sure-footedness, and experience in alpine terrain.
Best season
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
More information
Coming from the south via the A9 Pyhrn Highway to the Kalwang exit, then take the B113 toward Wald am Schoberpaß. In Unterwald, the road branches off to the south into the Liesinggraben. Follow the road into the valley; the access road is paved at first and later continues as a gravel road toward the starting point of the tour.
Coming from the north via the A9 to the Treglwang exit, then continue on the B113 toward Wald am Schoberpaß. In Unterwald, turn onto the Liesinggraben and follow the road to the starting point.
There are signposted parking areas available in the Liesinggraben. One parking lot is located near the chapel, and another small one further up the valley. Since there are only a limited number of parking spaces, it is recommended that you arrive early. Please use only the designated parking areas and keep access roads and forest trails clear.
Coming from the north via the A9 to the Treglwang exit, then continue on the B113 toward Wald am Schoberpaß. In Unterwald, turn onto the Liesinggraben and follow the road to the starting point.
There are signposted parking areas available in the Liesinggraben. One parking lot is located near the chapel, and another small one further up the valley. Since there are only a limited number of parking spaces, it is recommended that you arrive early. Please use only the designated parking areas and keep access roads and forest trails clear.
From the starting point in the Liesinggraben, follow the marked Trail No. 971 into the Ripplgraben. After the first section, the route branches off and climbs much more steeply to the Hocheggriedel at around 1,950 m.
From there, the hike continues over increasingly rocky and alpine terrain to the Grieskogel (2,328 m). This is followed by the most challenging section along the ridge to the Geierhaupt (2,417 m). A documented tour description notes a somewhat tricky section of the ridge here.
For a classic round-trip hike, the descent follows the same route back down to the Liesinggraben.
From there, the hike continues over increasingly rocky and alpine terrain to the Grieskogel (2,328 m). This is followed by the most challenging section along the ridge to the Geierhaupt (2,417 m). A documented tour description notes a somewhat tricky section of the ridge here.
For a classic round-trip hike, the descent follows the same route back down to the Liesinggraben.
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.
Emergency call for mountain rescue while 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? Provide GPS coordinates if possible.
Who is calling? Provide a callback number.
When did the accident occur?
What are the weather conditions at the scene of the accident?
Caution: The route through the Liesinggraben has changed due to storm damage. The access path previously used has been partially or severely damaged—or even destroyed—by storms in recent years and should no longer be used. The currently marked access path is located about 1 km further back in the Liesinggraben. It is essential to follow the current on-site markings and not to rely on older GPS tracks or outdated route maps. Before starting the hike, it is recommended that you check the current trail conditions and the passability of the route.
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 App Store
Map & downloads
What the weather will be like Wald am Schoberpaß (847m)
Today, 18.09.2026
Partly sunny in the morning, gradually becoming cloudy in the afternoon.Morning
8°C
sr.Regenwahrscheinlichkeit
0%
sr.Windstärke
0 km/h
Noon
18°C
sr.Regenwahrscheinlichkeit
20%
sr.Windstärke
5 km/h
Night
13°C
sr.Regenwahrscheinlichkeit
45%
sr.Windstärke
0 km/h
Tomorrow, 19.09.2026
Rather cloudy in the morning, then sunny spells will develop gradually.Morning
10°C
sr.Regenwahrscheinlichkeit
10%
sr.Windstärke
0 km/h
Noon
20°C
sr.Regenwahrscheinlichkeit
40%
sr.Windstärke
5 km/h
Night
14°C
sr.Regenwahrscheinlichkeit
40%
sr.Windstärke
0 km/h
Forecast
20.09.2026
8°C
23°C
21.09.2026
8°C
19°C
22.09.2026
7°C
17°C
