Stage 02 Mödlingerhütte - Hesshütte, Gesäuse hut loop

From the Mödlingerhütte, head east down the hiking trail to the mountaineering village of Johnsbach: the trail crosses the forest road several times, runs along it for a short distance, then branches off to the left, becoming slightly steeper. Once in the valley, we arrive at the Donner inn opposite the famous Johnsbach mountaineers' cemetery. This cemetery is a 5-minute walk from the car park at the Gasthof zum Donner inn and is definitely worth a visit. The first person to die in an accident in the Gesäuse mountains was buried here 200 years ago. Numerous historic gravestones tell the tragic stories of many young mountaineers who died in accidents in the Gesäuse mountains. This cemetery has gained sad notoriety as the largest mountaineers' cemetery in Austria and exudes a peaceful tranquility in an idyllic landscape.

We continue past Gasthof Donner, walking 500 m along the paved road until we turn right at the sharp left-hand bend and hike along the shaded path beside Johnsbach stream to Kölblwirt. 50 m after Kölblwirt, the hiking trail to Hesshütte (1,699 m) begins. Here, we first walk left past the waterfall in the meadow area. In the forest, we then take the so-called “Zach'n Schuach,” a gravel path, which is somewhat steeper. After about 20 minutes, this path flattens out and changes character into a leisurely hike through forest, alpine pastures, and larch woods. Once you have passed Gamsbrunn (turn-off to Sulzkarhund), the Hesshütte (1,699 m) and thus the destination for the day are soon in sight – it lies like an idyllic oasis beneath the rock faces of the Hochtor group.

Technically speaking, the Gesäuse Hut Tour is moderately difficult, which is no problem for sure-footed and experienced mountain hikers. All stages run along mountain trails marked with red dots, which means they are classified as moderately difficult hiking trails according to the Austrian Alpine Club classification. However, you should have some mountain experience for the Gesäuse Hut Tour, as you will be hiking in the mountains at altitudes of up to 1,850 m.

For the Gesäuse Hut Tour, “normal” equipment for alpine hikes on unpaved trails is completely sufficient. We definitely recommend sturdy shoes and telescopic hiking poles to relieve the strain on your knees during the sometimes longer descents. For all shelters along the trail, you will also need to bring a hut sleeping bag and a towel. Click here for a detailed equipment list for your trail trip. As the shelters where you will be staying during your trail trip are very remote, high up in the mountains, and cannot be reached by luggage shuttle, we are unable to offer luggage transport for the Gesäuse Hut Tour. We therefore recommend that you pack your backpack sparingly and only take what you really need with you on the Gesäuse Hut Tour. It can be quite liberating to be on the trail without luxury!

It is recommended to contact the Trail Info & Booking Centre before booking.

Offers at: https://www.bookyourtrail.com/trail/gesaeuse-huettenrundwanderweg

In the Gesäuse you are mobile even without your own car

One call to t: +43 3613 21 000 99 is enough: During operating times, you can take the Gesäuse Sammeltaxi to any destination in the Gesäuse, without any timetable or stops.

Further information & operating times

Timetable inquiry at www.oebb.at or www.busbahnbim.at 

Tourismusverband Gesäuse
Hauptstraße 35, 8911 Admont, Österreich
t: +43 3613 2116010
info@gesaeuse.at
www.gesaeuse.at