Stage 08 From Glacier to Wine South Route Putzentalalm - Krakau

This stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine leads from the Sölktäler Nature Park on the northern side of the Schladminger Tauern across the Prebertörl to the mountaineering village of Krakau on the southern side of the range.

This beautiful and often remote mountain tour traverses the Niedere Tauern from the Enns Valley to the Mur Valley side of the mountains. While the route rewards hikers with magnificent alpine scenery and a strong sense of wilderness, it also requires sure-footedness and confidence in mountain terrain.

The destination, Krakau, is one of Austria's recognised mountaineering villages and is renowned for its peaceful setting amidst the mountains of the Niedere Tauern. The high valley, which runs almost parallel to the Mur Valley, enjoys a particularly favourable climate. It is considered one of the sunniest areas in the region while also receiving comparatively low levels of precipitation.

Especially during the winter months, Krakau benefits from its well-ventilated east–west orientation, which largely prevents the formation of persistent fog. As a result, the valley often enjoys clear conditions and abundant sunshine, contributing to its reputation as an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.

In addition to the mountain huts, alpine pastures such as the Putzentalalm and the Möslhütte in the Prebert Valley, with their small and cosy rooms, have long been important destinations for hikers and mountaineers. Originally built as simple summer dwellings for alpine farmers and herdsmen, many of these huts gradually developed into popular stopping places for hiking excursions and mountain tours.

To this day, traditional food is prepared at many of these alpine huts, offering visitors an authentic taste of regional cuisine. One of the best-known specialities in Steiermark is Steirerkas, a distinctive cheese with a strong and unique flavour. While highly appreciated by locals and connoisseurs, its robust taste is not necessarily to everyone's liking.

Historical records show that Steirerkas was already an important staple food for farm workers and miners as early as the 17th century. One of the most popular ways to enjoy it is wrapped in freshly prepared Steirerkrapfen, traditional pastries baked in hot lard. These filled pastries are considered a true culinary classic of the region and are an essential part of the local food culture.

A distinction should be made between the different regional varieties of Steirerkas. On the northern side of the Schladminger Tauern, the Ennstal Steirerkas is traditionally used as a filling for Steirerkrapfen. Local tradition even distinguishes between "Catholic" doughnuts, made with rye flour, and "Protestant" doughnuts, made with wheat flour.

On the southern side of the Schladminger Tauern, however, visitors encounter the Murtal Steirerkas, which is quite different. This firm cooked cheese is produced from matured curd cheese and refined with caraway, pepper, salt, and milk before being melted through heating. The result is a completely different flavour profile, reflecting the rich culinary diversity found across the mountain regions of Steiermark.