Hirschegg Mountain Hut Duet

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 16,0 km

Time 6:00 h

Uphill 880 hm

Downhill 880 hm

Highest point 1775 m

A long and varied hike through the alpine landscape around Hirschegg. Two traditional mountain huts, wide-ranging views and peaceful alpine meadows make this a memorable mountain experience.

The hike leads from Hirschegg via Pongratzwirt and Bartholomäer-Alm into the alpine landscape of Hirschegger Alm. The route alternates between mountain forest, open alpine meadows and peaceful mountain trails. Saureishütte and Bernsteinhütte, two traditional mountain huts, offer opportunities for a break along the way. The ridge of Hirschegger Alm opens up wide views across Styria and into Carinthia. On the way to Bernsteinhütte, the striking Sieben Heufuhren, impressive rock formations in the alpine landscape, are a highlight.

At around 16 km and 880 metres of elevation gain, the hike requires good fitness. The route can be extended via Seinerkreuz and the ridge of Hirschegger Alm, increasing the distance to around 18 km and 1,000 metres of elevation gain.

Sieben Heufuhren
The striking rock formations consist of gneiss mica schist. According to legend, the seven Heufuhren are the petrified image of a wicked farmer, his farmhands and their carts, who tried to bring in the hay on St Peter and Paul’s Day before an approaching thunderstorm.

Best season

January

February

March

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June

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October

November

December

More information

Car:
Take the A2 motorway to the Modriach exit. Continue on the Modriach regional road towards Hirschegg. In Hirschegg, turn left towards the church. After a short uphill section, you reach the Parish Church of St Mary and the village centre.
Sufficient parking is available.

The hike starts in the village centre of Hirschegg. Follow the well-marked trail 540 to Pongratzwirt. Above the inn, the trail continues uphill through the mountain forest. Passing the private Franzlhütte, the route continues with occasional views towards the Bartholomäer-Alm.

At Bartholomäer-Alm, a short detour to the little church is worthwhile. The forest road then continues to Saureishütte at 1,620 m above sea level. For the extended route via Seinerkreuz, turn off after the church and follow the trail towards the ridge of Hirschegger Alm.

From Saureishütte, continue on trail 45 to Hirschegger Alm. There, join the long-distance trail 505 towards Pack. The trail follows the alpine ridge gently downhill and passes the impressive rock formations known as the Sieben Heufuhren.

After just over 11 km, you reach Bernsteinhütte. For the return, follow trail 41 downhill through the forest. The final section crosses a steeper meadow, the former ski slope of the Hirschegg village lifts, before returning to the village centre of Hirschegg.

Hiking or mountain boots, hiking poles if needed
Daypack with rain cover
Water bottle, lunch box and snacks
Light rain poncho and/or umbrella
Sun protection
First-aid kit
Mobile phone/GPS device

Visit the St. Bartholomäer chapel, take the detour via Seinerkreuz and enjoy the panorama of Hirschegger Alm and the Sieben Heufuhren rock formations.
Hirzmann and Packer reservoirs are also nearby.

Bus: Take RegioBus 722 or the shared taxi flux from Köflach railway station.
www.flux.at

Free hiking map and information:
Graz Region Tourist Board
Herrengasse 16, 8010 Graz
T: +43 316 80750, info@regiongraz.at

Graz Region Information Office Lipizzanerheimat
Rathausplatz 2
8580 Köflach, Austria
T: +43 3144 727770, lipizzanerheimat@regiongraz.at