Kreuzkogel

The hike to the Kreuzkogel (2109m) starts at the Gamperhütte in Brettstein (approx. 1380m). From there, you hike to the Schwabergeralm in approx. 20 minutes and follow the markings up a meadow slope. As there are only a few markings in this area, you should always keep an eye out for the trail. In spring, when the snow melts, the path to the Große Windlucke is often very wet. Once you reach the Grosser Windlucke, you already have a beautiful view of the neighboring area, including the Hochrettelstein. To the west you can see the ascent path, to the east you can hike to the Schrattnerkogel and the Seitnerzinken - two peaks that attract many mountaineers, especially in winter. If you follow the summit ridge on the Zentralalpenweg to the east, you reach the municipality of Hohentauern via Hochschwung and Zinkenkogel as well as Kleiner Bösenstein and Großer Hengst.
However, we continue on the Zentralalpenweg 02 in an easterly direction and tackle the last 250 meters in altitude. Along the ridge and one last ascent - the summit cross always in view. The last few meters in altitude are, like the whole tour, without any difficulties. The cross on the Kreuzkogel was erected on 15 July 1973 by the Pöls branch of the Styrian Mountain Rescue Service - so the summit cross has adorned the 2,109-metre-high mountain in the middle of the beautiful Wölzer Tauern mountains for many years. For all stamp collectors: you'll find what you're looking for in the summit book box! During the summit rest you can see many other peaks: Hohenwart, Eiskarspitz and Hans-Runde to the south, Gamskögerl, Amachkogel and Kesseleck to the east.
After the summit, follow the path in a south-easterly direction, which leads slightly below a ridge to the descent path. This now meanders downhill close to the Bretsteinbach stream. We walk the last ten minutes or so to the Schwabergeralm on a partly grassy forest path. After just under five hours, we are back at the starting point, the Gamperhütte.

Basic rules for hikers in the Pölstal...

Check your personal condition before every mountain tour and estimate your strength correctly. The length of your tour will depend on this. Plan each tour carefully. Pay close attention to the necessary equipment, make sure you have enough provisions and check the local weather forecast. Inform acquaintances about your hiking destination, as well as the planned return time, if necessary. Always stay on the marked trails. Always close fences and pasture gates. Watch out for falling rocks and do not kick any rocks yourself. Doing so will endanger other hikers. In case of bad weather, sudden indisposition or other difficulties, do not take risks and turn back in time. Avoid approaching wild animals. - Observe from a distance. Keep dogs on a leash. Use designated parking areas, please do not block access roads, and observe local driving restrictions.

What do I need when hiking?

The equipment is depending on the difficulty, location and duration of the hiking route,as well as according to your own needs:

- sturdy shoes

- backpack

- clothes suitable for the season

- sun protection (glasses, headgear, cream)

- small first-aid kit (gauze bandage, plaster, scissors and knife)

- orientation aids (hiking maps)

- sufficient drinks and provisions

- cell phone with emergency numbers- personal medication

You can shorten the tour by around 3km and 100m if you start at the Schwabergerhütte.

This tour is NOT considered "accessible by train and bus" because there is no regular connection.

You can also find more information about the region on - www.murtal.at