Hofpürglhütte

The hike starts at the Experience Portal Filzmoos. From here, cross the road and walk towards the pilgrimage church “Zum Filzmooser Kindl”. Passing the church, the trail leads downhill via the Kirchbichl. Follow the path down to the Hotel Bischofsmütze. To the left of the Hotel Bischofsmütze, a narrow and steep trail begins, leading over the Kalvarienberg (Calvary Hill). Along this path, several Stations of the Cross accompany you, highlighting the historic character of this section of the route. After a short but impressive climb, you reach the Calvary Chapel. From here, you can enjoy a particularly beautiful view of the pilgrimage church and the cemetery below. The trail then continues downhill through the forest on the right until you reach a road near Haus Fritzenwallner. Here, a magnificent view opens up over the village centre of Filzmoos. Follow the road further to the Kleinberg access road and turn right towards Kleinberg. At Kleinberg, a wider path begins, which is used as a toboggan run in winter. It climbs gently and steadily uphill. After some time, a small forest trail branches off to the right via a fence crossing – the so-called Jägersteig (Hunter’s Trail). Follow this natural trail through the forest until you reach a forest road again. Turn right onto the forest road and continue hiking downhill towards the Marcheggsattel. This section leads through peaceful woodland and provides a pleasant connection between the different elevations of the hike. Directly at the Marcheggsattel, a narrow trail branches off to the right through overgrown terrain. The path now climbs steeply through high forest towards the Wiesenhöhe, a small and idyllic raised bog. This section follows Austrian Alpine Club Trail No. 634 and offers a particularly authentic nature experience. From the Wiesenhöhe, the trail continues upwards in numerous switchbacks. Some sections cross rocky terrain and require sure-footedness. As you gain altitude, the landscape gradually opens up until the Hofpürglhütte finally appears ahead of you – the destination of this varied mountain hike. The walking time from the Marcheggsattel to the Hofpürglhütte is approximately 2 hours.

Tip: Shortly before reaching the Hofpürglhütte, it is worth making a short detour to a small saddle with an impressive panoramic view. From here, you can enjoy a magnificent vista of the Aualm, the Hofalmen pastures, the Almsee lake, the imposing Bischofsmütze mountain and the Rettenstein. For the return journey from the Hofpürglhütte, take the Wastl-Lackner Trail (Austrian Alpine Club Trail No. 612). This trail is named after the Filzmoos local Wastl Lackner, who served as the hut keeper of the Hofpürglhütte for many years and played an important role in shaping the character of the hut. The trail initially leads from the Hofpürglhütte through dense mountain pine fields and descends steadily in numerous switchbacks. Afterwards, you continue downhill across open alpine meadows, where you can enjoy the impressive scenery of the Hofalmen region. After the descent, you reach the parking area at the Unterhofalm. On the left, near the horse-drawn carriage shelters, you will find direct access to the parking area. From here, follow the signposts onwards to the Oberhofalm. For your return to the valley, several options are available: you can take the Fidibus Sommer hiking bus for a comfortable transfer back to Filzmoos, or enjoy a leisurely walk back towards the village centre via the Hofalmen Nature and Hiking Educational Trail. The route through the Hofalmen provides wonderful final impressions of the Filzmoos mountain landscape and brings this varied hiking experience to a memorable conclusion.

Sudden Weather Changes, Rapid Temperature Drops, Thunderstorms, Wind, Fog, and Snowfields These are objective dangers and require appropriate behavior while hiking. Hut hosts are experienced mountain experts and can provide valuable advice about the weather and trail conditions. Inadequate equipment, overestimation of one’s abilities, carelessness, poor fitness, and misjudgment can lead to critical situations.

In case of thunderstorms: Avoid summits, ridgelines, and fixed-rope sections at all costs.

A good backpack is helpful, and for routes in alpine terrain, a hat, gloves, a good jacket, and pants are essential basic equipment. Sturdy, waterproof footwear, sunglasses, sun protection, and plenty of fluids are also crucial. A flashlight, map material, knife, and a small first aid kit should always be part of your gear.

GPS Data and Orientation Aids

Available GPS data – like hiking maps – are only intended as orientation aids, as they can never fully represent the exact layout or detail of a trail in reality. Especially in potentially dangerous areas, it is essential to make decisions based on the actual conditions on site regarding whether and how to proceed.

In case of emergency, please call:

140 – for alpine emergencies – valid throughout Austria 112 – European emergency number / GSM emergency service

Coming from Eben: Take the Tauern Motorway A10 – exit at Eben – turn left towards Filzmoos. After approx. 11 km, turn right opposite the gas station. There is a public paid parking lot opposite the gas station. Tauern Autobahn A10 – exit at Eben – turn left towards Filzmoos – after approx. 11 km, there are public paid parking spaces opposite Hotel Happy Filzmoos/Aparthotel Das Filzmoos. Tauern motorway A10 - Eben exit - turn left towards Filzmoos - after about 11 km you reach a roundabout - take the exit towards Hofalmen - paid parking spaces in the Hammerau area or just before the toll station there is a parking lot (beware of grazing cattle). Tauernautobahn A10 – take the Eben exit – turn left towards Filzmoos – after approx. 11 km you will reach a roundabout – take the exit towards Hofalmen – free parking spaces are available in the Marcheggsattel junction area (please note: a toll fee must be paid).

Coming from Ramsau am Dachstein:

At the roundabout, take the exit towards Neuberg – shortly after the gas station, turn left. There is a public paid parking lot opposite the gas station. Roundabout – take the exit towards Neuberg – continue straight ahead following the road. Opposite Hotel Happy Filzmoos/Aparthotel Das Filzmoos, there are public paid parking spaces available. Roundabout - take the exit towards Hofalmen - paid parking spaces in the Hammerau area or just before the toll station there is a parking lot (beware of grazing cattle). Roundabout – take the exit towards Hofalmen – free parking spaces are available in the Marcheggsattel junction area (please note: a toll fee must be paid).

By train: Destination station: Eben im Pongau or Radstadt (both located on the railway line Salzburg – Bischofshofen – Schladming – Graz). From Salzburg Central Station, regular trains run (approximately every hour). The journey takes around 1 hour.

Continue by bus or taxi: From Eben im Pongau or Radstadt, bus line 521 runs directly to Filzmoos, stop “Ortsmitte” (travel time approx. 20–30 minutes). Alternatively, taxis are available at the train stations.Tip: Buses do not run very frequently – please check the timetable in advance at ÖBB timetable

With the Fidibus Summer: From Hotel Neubergerhof, the Fidibus Summer (hiking bus) takes you from Neuberg to Filzmoos, stop "Tankstelle" or “Marcheggsattel”. From there, continue on foot to Marcheggsattel. The timetable is available here.

By taxi: Local taxi companies are authorised to drive directly to the Kirchgasshütte-Aualm.

With the Almi: From the "Grossberg" or "Filzmoos Info" bus stop, the Almi (a tractor with a covered alpine wagon) takes you up to the Kirchgasshütte–Aualm. From there, it is approximately a 45-minute walk to the Hofpürglhütte. The Almi service is available by online reservation only.

You can get a hiking map (Euro 5,50) or overview map (Euro 2,00) with information about this tour at the Filzmoos Tourist Information Office. KOMPASS Hiking Map 031 “The Dachstein, Ramsau, Filzmoos” – 1:25,000 (Highly detailed, weatherproof paper. Ideal for planning and for use on the go).