HOHE TAUERN PANORAMA TRAIL | ET02: Wildgerlos Valley | Hochkrimml-Königsleiten

From the Alpengasthof Filzstein, walk a few meters up the asphalt road to a crosswise asphalt road. Cross this road and hike up the ski slope at the signpost "Plattenkogel" – crossing a gravel road several times at the top – until you reach the highest visible lift station, just below the Plattenkogel (2,039 m), which you ascend in a gentle left curve. Cross the summit, go left past the summit station of the Plattenkogel Express, and follow the very beautiful hiking trail down a ridge. At a fork, choose the left path, ascend a few meters, and then descend to reach the Breitscharte (1,925 m).

Now choose the initially slightly ascending track straight ahead towards "Trisslalm/Leitenkammersteig." Later the track suddenly turns into a rocky path. You are now on the Leitenkammersteig, which is one of the most challenging sections of the "Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail," wonderfully wild and impressive but requires surefootedness, alpine experience, and a certain freedom from dizziness. At first, follow it with little descent over blockwork and stony alpine meadows until it steeply descends through larch forests to Trisslalm (1,583 m). Tip: If you realize at the beginning of the rocky terrain that the path is overwhelming, it still makes sense to turn back and take the alternative route.

From the Trisslalm, which like the soon following Alpengasthof Finkau offers an excellent place to stop, follow the gravel road downhill towards Alpengasthof Finkau and repeatedly shorten left over hiking trails that lead close to viewing platforms near the Leitenkammerklamm. This impressive gorge should definitely not be missed! Down in the flat valley floor, follow the gravel road, keeping left along the valley floor, to the already visible Alpengasthof Finkau (1,420 m).

Passing this, you walk the asphalt road flat downhill until just before the Durlaßboden reservoir the road makes a sharp right turn. Here go straight ahead over the gravel road and continue along it above the west shore of the reservoir to the managed Bärschlagalm. Now the gravel road narrows to a beautiful promenade, which you continue along above the shore to the dam at the west end of the reservoir. Cross the dam (there is a snack station on the other side) and follow the wonderful promenade to the right along the north shore. This section leads you through several very beautiful bays inviting you to linger. At the end of the path, you reach an asphalt road, which you follow left away from the reservoir. Past the valley station of the Plattenkogel Express towards the old Gerlospass road and cross it.

Now the last part of your hike today begins. On the other side of the road, a hiking trail starts, leading you to a small asphalt road. Follow this to the left to another road. A few meters on this to the right uphill and you have reached your destination in the center of Königsleiten (1,567 m).

Note: If weather conditions or personal constitution do not allow for the Leitenkammersteig, it is advisable to take the Alternative Route 02 Plattenkogel | Hochkrimml-Krimml. It leads from Plattenkogel over the Gletscherblickalm to Gerlosplatte and from there over the Durlaßboden reservoir up to Königsleiten. 

An alpine hiking outfit is required for the Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail:

Day hiking backpack (approx. 20 liters) with rain cover Sturdy and comfortable footwear Weather-appropriate and durable clothing in a multilayer principle. The Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail mostly lies at altitudes between 1,300m and 2,450m – this must be taken into account when selecting your hiking gear (especially your clothing). Trekking poles are recommended due to the often long descents Sun and rain protection Make sure to have enough provisions and sufficiently large water bottles, as not all stages offer places to stop or fountains (e.g., stages 5 and 7) First aid kit Pocket knife Mobile phone Tour description or hiking map

Attention! The Leitenkammersteig is one of the most challenging sections of the Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail: It is a “moderate mountain trail” – but due to the rocky and partially steep terrain requires solid surefootedness. If weather conditions or personal constitution do not permit the Leitenkammersteig, the Alternative Route 02 Plattenkogel | Hochkrimml-Krimml is recommended. It leads from Plattenkogel over the Gletscherblickalm to Gerlosplatte and from there over the Durlaßboden reservoir up to Königsleiten. 

The IC/EC train station is located in Zell am See. From there, the Pinzgauer Lokalbahn, a narrow-gauge railway, takes you to Krimml. Stops are along all trail locations.

Bus connections from Zell am See to Königsleiten are

Line 670: Zell am See – Mittersill – Krimml Line 673: Wald im Pinzgau – Krimml – Almdorf Königsleiten

Timetables and information on arrival by public transport >> 

www.hohetauerntrail.at

Holiday Region National Park Hohe Tauern
Gerlosstraße 18 5730 Mittersill, Austria
Tel. +43 6562 40939, E-mail: hohetauerntrail@nationalpark.at

Booking center & info hotline
Trail Angels GmbH
9821 Obervellach 15, Austria
Tel. +43 4782 93093, E-mail: info@bookyourtrail.com

Enjoy an unforgettable hiking experience on the Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail! The official Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail Info & Booking Center with the award-winning Trail Angels team is happy to support you. Experience a combination of personal freedom and the longing for something special, paired with service, comfort, and safety. Top Offer: The small drop-out package: 2 nights, 2 stages including baggage service, shuttle and return transfer, and much more from € 218,-.