Kreiskogel & Zirbitzkogel
The tour over the Kreiskogel to the Zirbitzkogel offers a wonderful panorama over the edge of the Murtal. At 2396 meters above sea level, the Zirbitzkogel is one of the highest peak in the Murtal. On the way over the Kreiskogel, hiking enthusiasts can enjoy breathtaking views over the Winterleitenseen lakes, dignified slopes and sublime mountain edges.
Highlight: Winterleitenlakes, Summit cross Kreiskogel, Summit cross Zirbitzkogel
The tour over the Kreiskogel to the Zirbitz in the Seetal Alps can either be started at the Schmelzhütte or shortened by about an hour's walk and started from the Winterleitenhütte. During the summer months, the Schmelzhütte can be reached by public hiking bus from Judenburg at the weekend. The Winterleitenhütte and the Schmelzhütte offer plenty of parking spaces.
From the Winterleitenhütte you pass the two Winterleiten lakes and climb up to the Kreiskogel, thus reaching the first summit. With a view of the Ochsenboden and the Ochsenlacken there, you continue along the mountain ridge via Wetterstation and Scharfes Eck to the Zirbitzkogel, where you can enjoy some refreshments in the shelter after a short climb to the summit cross. The descent is along the Schreibersteig trail back to the starting point.
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Arrival via Obdach directly to Winterleitenhütte: Drive by car from Obdach to St. Wolfgang. Turn left before the church and follow the road to Winterleitenhütte.
Important note: Partly you are in a restricted military area, which can be temporarily inaccessible. Current information about restricted times can be found online on the HomePage of the Austrian Armed Forces.
Passing the Kleiner Winterleitensee on the right, walk along marker 315 A and ascend in the direction of the Großer Winterleitensee. After a short, partly somewhat soggy forest section, the trail leads over a beautiful alpine pasture with bushes and berry bushes. Contrary to the direct route to the Zirbitzkogel, continue to stay to the right along the marked path. After about 1 1/2 hours of steady uphill with a view of the summit, you have reached the Kreiskogel (2,306m).
Continue along hiking trail 312 south along the ridge of the Seetaler Alps. From here, with good visibility, you can look down on the Ochsenboden and even spot shy groundhogs. Passing the weather station at Scharfen Eck (2,364m), you reach the Zirbitzkogel (2396m) after a small final climb. From the summit cross you have a beautiful view of the surrounding mountain landscape. There is also a metal plate where you can see exactly in which direction, for example, the Dachstein, Ameringkogel or Hochschwab are located.
The way back is on the same path until the weather station. There, however, keep to the right along the marked trails 08/315 and descend via the Schreibersteig, which allows beautiful views down to the Lindersee. People who suffer from fear of heights might have their problems with the exposed Schreibersteig. Past Schlafer Kogel and Schloßerkogel with the mark 08 and then further 315 on the left, respectively, you return via the Winterleiten lakes to the Winterleiten hut.
The hike can be started from the Schmelzhütte or shortened by a good hour, starting from the Winterleitenhütte.
Please note: Check the opening times of the huts and pack a snack just in case.
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Mühlen (961m)
