From the Sabathy via the Winterleiten to the Zirbitzkogel

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 14,0 km

Time 6:00 h

Uphill 886 hm

Downhill 887 hm

Highest point 2376 m

“The Culinary": Experience a culinary highlight hike from the Sabathy via the Winterleitenhütte with the two beautiful lakes, up to the summit king of the Zirbitzkogel and back via the Rothaidenhütte and let your body and soul be pampered in equal measure.

The varied circular hike begins at the Sabathyhütte and first leads through dense forests and open alpine meadows up to the Winterleitenhütte. After a short rest, the ascent continues to the Zirbitzkogel - the highest point in the Seetal Alps. On the way up, there are impressive views of the surrounding mountain landscape and, in good weather, even as far as Slovenia. The stony path to the summit requires some surefootedness, but rewards you with a breathtaking panorama. From the summit, the trail leads downhill towards the Rothaidenhütte, where you can recover before the final section of the hike takes you back to the Sabathyhütte. The tour combines a challenging hike with unique landscapes and invites you to take numerous breaks in cozy huts. It is ideal for experienced hikers who want to experience a longer but rewarding day tour.

Best season

January

February

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More information

Direkt in der Marktgemeinde Obdach bei der Raiffeisenbank Richtung St. Wolfgang abbiegen. Kurz vor dem Erreichen von St. Wolfgang führt eine Abzweigung nach links zum Alpengasthof Sabathyhütte.
Beim Alpengasthof Sabtahy sind ausreichend Parkplätze vorhanden.

Your tour starts at the Sabathyhütte, a popular starting point for hikes in the region. From here, follow the marked hiking trail towards Winterleitenhütte.

The trail initially leads you through dense forests and open alpine meadows. You will find yourself on a steadily ascending route that is well marked and easy to follow even in winter. The views of the surrounding mountains and valleys gradually become more impressive as you gain altitude.
After a while, you will reach the Winterleitenhütte at 1,782 m above sea level. This hut is nestled in the alpine landscape and is an ideal place to take a break and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Take a short break if you wish, then set off towards the Zirbitzkogel, the highest point of the hike. The path continues to climb and leads you through rockier terrain. The section from Winterleitensee lake to the summit can be steep and challenging depending on the weather. You follow the well-marked trail over stony paths and wide scree fields.
Once you reach the Zirbitzkogel, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. From here, the view stretches far across the Styrian mountains to the Carinthian Alps and Slovenia.
Once you have reached the summit of the Zirbitzkogel, your descent towards the Rothaidenhütte begins. The path is steep and rocky at first and requires surefootedness and caution, especially in wet weather. You pass alpine vegetation as you steadily lose altitude.

After the descent, you reach the Rothaidenhütte (2,114 m), which offers you a welcome opportunity to rest and enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings.

From the Rothaidenhütte, you continue on your way back to the Sabathyhütte. The trail continues through open meadows and alpine pastures down into the valley. The descent is less steep than the path you took on the Zirbitzkogel and leads you back into the dense green of the forests you crossed on the ascent.
After another pleasant hike, you finally reach the Sabathyhütte again, where your circular hike ends.

On the Schreibersteig we ask you to be particularly careful with small children and people who are not afraid of heights.

So that you can really enjoy and relax on a hike in the Zirbenland, please note the following points:

Plan your stages according to your fitness and ability.
Take your time. Divide your strength very well and take enough breaks. There are very long sections. There are not places to stop for refreshments everywhere. For a long-distance hiker, it goes without saying that he has enough drinks (and snacks) with him.

Alpine emergency call:

Mountain rescue emergency number: 140

EU emergency number: 112

Weather service:

www.zamg.ac.at

Dress appropriately for a hike:

Wear weather-appropriate, durable clothing. In any case, the clothing should protect you from possible rain and cold or sun and heat.Even low mountain ranges often hold meteorological surprises. It is not uncommon, even in June, for a cold snap to occur at higher altitudes (so-called sheep cold).Sandals, bathing slippers, even sneakers are not the appropriate footwear for a hike.Use hiking boots with ankle protection. Make sure they have a good tread and grip. After downpours, it can be very slippery in the forest, even in summer, on roots, leaves and stones.

On this beautiful circular tour, take your time and enjoy the peace and quiet at the large or small Winterleiten Lake. This tour can also be reached by bus from Judenburg in the summer months. Starting point and arrival is the Schmelzhütte, please be sure to observe the bus times.

Murtal Region: https://www.murtal.at/styria

Alpine Inn Sabathy: https://www.alpengasthof-sabathy.at/

The Sabathy hut is easily accessible by car from Obdach via a continuous asphalt road. The hut is the starting point for beautiful mountain hikes and the main base for ski tours in winter. One of these hikes leads directly to the Zirbitzkogel.

By train to Judenburg home - ÖBB (oebb.at) and by bus 873 to the Schmelz (attention the Bus is only available in Summer),

BusBahnBim (verbundlinie.at)