Snowshoe tour Hohe Ranach
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An easy and safe snowtour can be found here in the northern area of the Seetal Alps in the
Murtal adventure region, as a groomed trail leads over about 400 meters in altitude to the summit of the Hohe Ranach at 1981 m above sea level. Numerous winter hikers, ski tourers and snowshoe hikers like to take advantage of the trail, which is maintained by the federal army. Due to the exposed location of the extensive summit area, one has a wonderful view of the Judenburg-Knittelfeld basin and the surrounding mountain regions. However, before setting out on snowshoes, it is important to know that you are walking here in the immediate vicinity of a restricted military area and that the hiking trail to the Hohe Ranach is closed during live-fire exercises. On the homepage of the Austrian Armed Forces you can see the closed times. In addition, there is an INFOPOINT board at the starting point with a digital display that informs about the current closed times of the hiking trails. If you would like to extend the hike a bit, you still have the option of heading west to the Erslstand (2124 m) and enjoying the view of the extensive cirque (Fleischhackerboden - restricted military area).
More information
From Judenburg via Oberweg and Ossach, the Seetalstraße leads directly to the grounds of the military training area Schmelz and thus to the large parking lot opposite the soldier's church. (16 km, approx. 25 minutes).
From Wolfsberg via the B78 to Obdach and then via St. Wolfgang to the starting point (50 km, approx. 50 minutes).
By car to snowshoe hiking - a few things to watch out for!
- Good winter tires are an absolute MUST!
- Ice scraper, snow broom, de-icer for the door locks and a small shovel belong to the basic equipment.
- Put snow chains and a tow rope in the car, even if you are not good with them yourself. Helping and knowledgeable hikers are always available on the mountain!
- Clear the car completely of snow and ice, especially sweep off the roof of the car completely.
- When parking, make sure you leave room for other motorists.
- Always park so that the rest of the roadway remains clear for cars, logging trucks, and snow removal vehicles.
- Find out about the snow situation on the access road or parking facilities before setting off. (hut host, webcams)
Large parking lot (1), 1550 m, opposite the soldier's church on the enamelAt the large parking lot (1), 1550 m, there is an information board of the Austrian Armed Forces, which gives information about the closed times of the hiking trails. From here we start our hike and go right through at the gate (see yellow information boards of the federal army). Mostly there are tracks, which we follow slightly uphill on the left across an open meadow area until we reach a forest road. When the snow conditions are good, cross-country ski trails are also prepared here. In succession we hike straight ahead through the forest and at the next crossing we make a right-left combination and are now on the main path towards Hohe Ranach. Forest and meadow areas alternate and the path climbs comfortably over long serpentines. After about 2 km and 190 meters of altitude, we reach the Mühlbacher Sattel (2), 1788 m. From now on the forest becomes thinner and gradually we reach the tree line. Just after the Mühlbacher Sattel, when it goes uphill again, we keep to the left and hike along this prepared trail. If you want it to be shorter, you can also take the direct line uphill, although we find the small detour to the summit very nice. On the one hand, we have a better view and on the other hand, we escape, at least partially, the downhill route of the ski tourers. Shortly before we reach our destination, we turn left uphill for the last few meters and then we can already see the summit cross of the Hohe Ranach (3), 1981 m, in front of us. For the descent we follow our ascent route.
There are numerous snowshoe hikes on the eastern side of the Seetaler Alps, including Tour 13 "Hüttenwanderung Seetaler Alpen" in the Snowshoe Guide Styria.
There is no public transport connection to the starting point of the tour itself.
General information about public transport in the region: www.verbundlinie.at
Large parking lot across from the Soldier's Church.
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Brunnen am Weg | © Weges OG | Weges OG
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Nach dem Mühlbacher Sattel beginnt der steilere Aufstieg | © Weges OG | Weges OG
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Aufstieg entlang der präparierten Spur | © Weges OG | Weges OG
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Kurz vorm Gipfel | © Weges OG | Weges OG
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Aussicht auf die Gipfel der Seetaler Alpen | © Weges OG | Weges OG
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Der Aufstieg ist leicht zu erkennen | © Weges OG | Weges OG
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Ausblick auf den Zirbitzkogel | © Weges OG | Weges OG
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Eingewehte Winterlandschaft | © Weges OG | Weges OG
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Gipfel auf 1981m | © Weges OG | Weges OG
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Informationstafel am Ausgangspunkt | © Weges OG | Weges OG
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Rother Schneeschuhführer | © Weges OG | Weges OG
What the weather will be like
Mariazell (860m)
Dry and partly sunny throughout the day, with cloudy periods from time to time.
Dry and partly sunny throughout the day, with cloudy periods from time to time.
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