Großer Buchstein Crossing

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty challenging

Route 16,0 km

Time 11:00 h

Uphill 1686 hm

Downhill 1673 hm

Highest point 2198 m

Challenging traverse of the Großer Buchstein from the National Park Pavilion in Gstatterboden via the Buchsteinhaus to Eisenzieher – featuring alpine terrain, stunning views, and the option to overnight at the hut.

This tour is one of the most impressive traverses in the Gesäuse. From the valley floor in Gstatterboden, we ascend via the Rauchbodenweg and trail no. 641 to the Buchsteinhaus at 1,546 m. The hut offers a spectacular view of the Hochtor range from its panoramic terrace – especially magical at sunset. For those wishing to split the tour over two days, the hut provides comfortable overnight accommodation.

The summit can be reached via the Westschlucht (normal route), the Wengerweg (easy climbing, only for experienced hikers), or the Südwand-Klettersteig (A/B). All routes lead to the 2,224 m summit of the Großer Buchstein, which rewards us with sweeping views of the Gesäuse and the Enns Valley. The descent via the northern side to Eisenzieher is steep and crosses loose scree – alpine experience and surefootedness are essential.

Best season

January

February

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November

December

More information

B 146 Gesäuse federal road from Admont or Hieflau to Gstatterboden
Parking at Gstatterboden railway station or at the Gstatterboden National Park Pavilion

We begin at the National Park Pavilion in Gstatterboden and follow the Rauchbodenweg, enjoying views of the Enns River and the Hochtor range. After about 30 minutes, trail no. 641 branches off to the Buchsteinhaus. Starting on forest roads, the path narrows into woodland trails, leading through beech forest and over several ridges to the Brucksattel. From there, we ascend in 20 switchbacks to the hut.

After a rest, we continue toward the summit. The entry to the Südwand-Klettersteig (A/B) lies about an hour above the hut. Alternatively, we follow the Wengerweg (only for experienced hikers) or the normal route through the Westschlucht – a steep ascent through scree and rock that leads to a high plateau. From there, it’s just a short walk to the summit.

The descent follows the northern route to Eisenzieher/St. Gallen. The trail is steep and covered in loose scree, requiring alpine experience. To avoid a long return, it’s advisable to park a second car in Eisenzieher.

Via ferrata set
Climbing harness
Rockfall helmet
Via ferrata gloves
Sturdy hiking boots or good trekking shoes
Hiking backpack
Water bottle
First aid kit including blister plasters
Hiking map and smartphone
Snacks
Sunglasses
Sunscreen

We should also be well prepared for changeable weather.

Packing your backpack correctly makes things much easier: pack heavy items first. Your water bottle should always be easily accessible in a side pocket. Everything you need frequently, such as sunglasses, your smartphone, or hiking map, should be packed on top.

At the starting point Gstatterboden visit the National Park Pavilion with the exhibition " Planspitze - the mountain of contrasts" and restaurant

Postbus Line 912, www.busbahnbim.at on Saturdays and Sundays, also by train to www.oebb.at.

Gesäuse Tourism Association
Hauptstraße 35, 8911 Admont, Austria
t: +43 3613 2116010
info@gesaeuse.at

www.gesaeuse.at

www.nationalpark.co.at