St. Lorenzen - Kreischberg - Esebeckhütte

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 19,8 km

Time 7:15 h

Uphill 1219 hm

Downhill 1187 hm

Highest point 1981 m

This long hike runs along hiking trails and mountain pastures to the world championship ski mountain of Kreischberg. For an easier family-friendly variant, take the gondola lift to the top.

From the Kreischberghalle, this hike threads up the world championship mountain of Kreischberg on logging roads. Our first milestone is the halfway station for the 6-seater gondola lift, which runs up from the valley to an altitude of 1,900m. The hike then continues over meadows and paths used mainly as ski slopes in the winter. The Kreischberg is a well-known venue for numerous international ski and snowboarding competitions.

For families, there is a simpler version of the tour: you can conquer the first, steep ascent in leisurely fashion by gondola lift and start your hike at the tree line. Enjoy the local alpine flora and marvel at the breathtaking panoramic views of the Tauern and Nockberge! Traditional mountain huts and guest houses exuding a relaxed atmosphere make the perfect places to stop for refreshment.

Once you have reached the summit of the Kreischberg, you can hike back via the Esebeckhütte (mountain hut) and tackle the descent on foot or by gondola lift.

Best season

January

February

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More information

From D, NL, B, F: Via Munich, Salzburg, Tauernautobahn to St. Michael/Lungau (or Radstätter Tauernpaß), turn off to Tamsweg - continue towards Murau.

From H: Via St.Gotthard, Graz - Packautobahn (exit Twimberg) - Judenburg - Scheifling - Murau - Kreischberg.

From CH: Via Arlberg, Innsbruck, Bischofshofen, Tauernautobahn.

From I: Via Tarvis, Villach, St. Veit/Glan, Scheifling, Murau, Kreischberg.

By car from Vienna: Via Semmering, Bruck/Mur, Judenburg, Scheifling, Murau, Kreischberg.

Public parking is available directly at the Kreischberg valley station.

Starting at the Kreischberghalle, Trail 3a leads right, about five kilometres to the halfway station and from there another 4.5 km or so to the mountain station. From the mountain station, we follow Trail 3 to the summit. To get down from the summit, continue on Trail 131 to the Esebeckhütte (not serviced) and from there keep going along Trail 131 back to Lutzmannsdorf.

Plan your tours carefully & stay flexible.
Bring the right equipment.
Check current weather information.
Cancel your trip in the event of poor weather.
If there is an accident, remain calm.
Emergency mountain rescue number: 140
Take your rubbish with you.
Act calmly when encountering animals on the mountain pastures (alps).
Always keep dogs on a lead.

Sturdy footwear with high-grip soles, protection against the rain, the cold and the sun, enough drink, hiking maps, emergency equipment (dressings, blister pads, etc.)
Packing your rucksack properly makes things much easier: pack heavy items first. Your water bottle should always be stored within reach in a side pocket. Items used often, such as sun glasses, camera, maps, etc., go on top.

Ascent with the Kreischberg gondola (Please note the opening hours!)

With the BusBahmBim app from Verbundlinie, timetable information has never been easier: all bus, train and streetcar 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.

ÖBB www.oebb.at | Verbundlinie Steirmark www.busbahnbim.at

Gondelbetrieb Sommer: www.kreischberg.at

Information brochures are available at the various information offices. Freytag & berndt, Wander-Rad-Freizeitkarte, WK 211, Naturpark Zirbitzkogel Grebenzen, Murau, Sölkpass, 1:50 000, ISBN 978-3-85084-680-6