Power spot: "Gerzkopf" (Place 12)

The hike to Gerzkopf begins comfortably with the Fidibus Summer (hiking bus) from Filzmoos. The bus takes you quickly and conveniently to the starting point in Neuberg. The bus stop for the return journey is located directly in front of the Hotel Neubergerhof, making this tour ideal for guests using public transport. 
If arriving by car, follow the signs to the Nestlerweg car park. From there, the trail initially continues straight ahead for a short distance before turning left towards the Nestlerhof. The path leads directly past the farm and into the peaceful, pristine natural landscape around Neuberg. Shortly before the Perlsmaishaus, a forest path branches off to the right and continues steadily uphill. The well-marked trail winds its way through a fairy-tale spruce forest, creating the feeling of entering a particularly quiet and untouched mountain world. Several forest roads are crossed before reaching the mountain ridge and passing above the tree line. With every step, the landscape opens up further, and the hike continues through a dense belt of dwarf mountain pines. Hidden within this unique alpine scenery lie the Gerzkopf peat bogs – small natural treasures that are unique in the province of Salzburg and are of great ecological importance. On the right side of the trail, the cosy Schäferhütte mountain hut invites you to take a well-deserved break. The hut is open from early June to early September and is the perfect place to stop for refreshments. Afterwards, the trail continues uphill to the left. Passing more rugged terrain and the idyllic “Schwarze Lacke” mountain tarn, the route leads partly through dwarf mountain pines until you finally reach the summit of Gerzkopf at 1,722 m.

Gerzkopf is not only a scenic summit but is also known as Power Spot No. 12 (Heart Place). According to traditional belief, this special location is associated with a unique energy. It is said that when the sun reaches the site, this energy begins to unfold. Many visitors experience Gerzkopf as a place of peace, mindfulness and renewal. Take time at the summit to pause, enjoy the silence and let the special atmosphere of this place unfold.

At the summit, you are rewarded with an impressive panorama of the Salzburg mountain world. The view extends across the Gosaukamm, the magnificent Dachstein Massif, the Tennengebirge and the Niedere Tauern mountain ranges. The striking Bischofsmütze dominates the landscape particularly to the east, while on clear days the peaks of the Hohe Tauern can be seen in the distance.  After enjoying a well-earned summit break and the magnificent views, the descent follows the same route back towards the Hotel Neubergerhof in Neuberg. If you would like to stop along the way, you can take a break at the Schäferhütte or enjoy a final refreshment at the Hotel Neubergerhof. Back in Neuberg, the Fidibus Summer hiking bus takes you comfortably back to Filzmoos. The bus stop is located directly in front of the Hotel Neubergerhof.

Weather changes, rapid temperature drops, thunderstorms, wind, fog, and snowfields are objective dangers and require the right behavior on the trail. Hut hosts are experienced mountain experts; they can provide good tips about the weather and the route. Lack of equipment, overestimating oneself, recklessness, poor condition, and incorrect assessment can lead to critical situations. In case of thunderstorms: avoid peaks, ridgelines, and fixed ropes at all costs.

A good backpack is helpful, and for routes in alpine terrain, a hat, gloves, a good jacket, and pants are basic equipment. Good waterproof shoes, sunglasses, sun protection, and sufficient drinks are essential. A flashlight, map material, knife, and a small first aid kit are also part of the basic gear.

GPS data and orientation aids

Available GPS data – like hiking maps – are only an aid for orientation, as they can never exactly represent or show all details of a path in reality. Especially in danger spots, the final decision on how and whether to continue the route must always be made based on the local conditions.

In case of emergency, please call the following emergency numbers: 

140 – for alpine emergencies – Austria-wide 112 – European emergency GSM emergency service

Coming from Eben:  Take the A10 Tauern Motorway and exit at Eben. Turn left towards Filzmoos. After approximately 7 km, turn off at the junction towards Neuberg and follow the road. At the Gseng junction, turn left and continue for about 500 m. The Nestlerweg parking lot is on the right-hand side of the road. Take the A10 Tauern Motorway and exit at Eben. Turn left towards Filzmoos. After approximately 7 km, turn off at the junction towards Neuberg and follow the road. At the Gseng junction, turn left (passing the Nestlerweg parking lot) and continue along the road until just before the Gsenghofalm. The Gerzkopf parking lot is on the left-hand side of the road. Take the A10 Tauern Motorway and exit at Eben. Turn left towards Filzmoos. After approximately 7 km, turn off at the junction towards Neuberg and follow the road to the Knabl junction. Turn left there and continue along the road to Hotel Neubergerhof. Take the A10 Tauern Motorway and exit at Eben. Turn left towards Filzmoos. After approximately 11 km, you will find public paid parking opposite Hotel Happy Filzmoos / Aparthotel Das Filzmoos. Take the A10 Tauern Motorway and exit at Eben. Turn left towards Filzmoos. After approximately 11 km, turn right at the junction opposite the gas station. A public paid parking lot is located opposite the gas station.

Coming from Ramsau am Dachstein:

At the roundabout, take the exit towards Neuberg and follow the main road towards Neuberg for approximately 4 km. At the Neuberg junction, turn right and continue straight along the road. At the Gseng junction, turn left and continue for about 500 m. The Nestlerweg parking lot is on the right-hand side of the road. At the roundabout, take the exit towards Neuberg and follow the main road towards Neuberg for approximately 4 km. At the Neuberg junction, turn right and continue straight along the road. At the Gseng junction, turn left (passing the Nestlerweg parking lot) and continue until just before the Gsenghofalm. The Gerzkopf parking lot is on the left-hand side of the road. At the roundabout, take the exit towards Neuberg and follow the main road towards Neuberg for approximately 4 km. At the Neuberg junction, turn right and continue straight along the road. At the Knablhof junction, turn left and continue along the road to Hotel Neubergerhof. At the roundabout, take the exit towards Neuberg and continue straight along the road. Public paid parking is available opposite Hotel Happy Filzmoos / Aparthotel Das Filzmoos. At the roundabout, take the exit towards Neuberg. Turn left immediately after the gas station. A public paid parking lot is located opposite the gas station.

By train: Nearest railway stations: Eben im Pongau or Radstadt (both on the Salzburg – Bischofshofen – Schladming – Graz railway line). From Salzburg Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), trains run regularly (approximately once an hour). The journey takes about 1 hour.

Continue by bus or taxi: From either Eben im Pongau or Radstadt, Bus Line 521 provides a direct connection to Filzmoos, Neuberg bus stop (journey time: approximately 20–30 minutes). Alternatively, taxis are available at both railway stations. Tip: Bus services are relatively infrequent, so we recommend checking the timetable in advance at www.oebb.at.

By the Fidibus Summer (Hikingbus): From the Petrol Station bus stop, you can take the Fidibus Summer, which operates between Filzmoos and Neuberg. Get off at either "Abzweigung Gseng" or "Hotel Neubergerhof". Click here to view the timetable.

At the Filzmoos tourist information, you can get a hiking map (Euro 5.50) or a hiking sketch (Euro 2.00) with information about this route. Further information can be found in the "Power Spot Booklet" with the story "The Lights of Filzmoos". This can be purchased for € 2.00 at the Filzmoos Tourist Office. All power spots are also marked on the Filzmoos walking map. KOMPASS Hiking Map 031 “The Dachstein, Ramsau, Filzmoos” – 1:25,000 (Highly detailed, weatherproof paper. Ideal for planning and for use on the go).