From the parking lot of the Erzherzog Johann hut follow the road to the Winkleralm. After the Winkleralm, the path leads uphill through the forest. Shortly before the Mahdfeldalm the forest thins out, before you can enjoy the free view to the Deneck and the Großsölktal at the Mahdfeldalm. From the Mahdfeldalm follow the alpine pasture path (path 926 / long-distance hiking path 909) in south-east direction to the following fork (2,000m): Following the previous path, the direct path leads over the Haseneckscharte (2,205m) and then descending in the direction of Neunkirchner hut (1,535m) / Eselsberger huts.
For the summit variant to the Hochstubofen, the path branches off to the right, crosses the mountain up to a shoulder, and then leads along the ridge to the summit of the Hochstubofen (2,385m). The descent from the summit takes place first in a south-easterly direction into the Rocklscharte, then in a northerly direction back to the main path (approx. 200m altitude difference, 1.5h). Turn right onto path 926 / long distance hiking path 909 to the Neunkirchner Hütte / Eselsberger Almhütten, where an overnight stay is recommended. Mountain hikers who are particularly fit can continue their hike after a refreshment.
This takes place on path 918, first ascending into the Seifriedsenke (2,150m), then descending to the Seifriedalm and then moderately descending the extensive Seifriedtal along the Seifriedbach to the huts of the Breitlahnalm. These beautifully nestled alpine huts are ideal for a refreshing snack before the last part of the descent in the Seifriedtal valley out of the valley to Mößna. From there you can take the valley bus back.