Lavant spring from the Waldheimhütte

We start at the Waldheimhütte (1), 1614 m, and follow the yellow signposts in the direction of Türkenkreuz - Wildsee, trail no. 321. The forest trail leads through the forest at the beginning, where we repeatedly pass beautiful, open areas with a view. After about 1.5 km we reach the rest area "Maria in der Zirbe" (2), 1720 m. The path is clearly marked and recognizable. In the forest-free area we orient ourselves along the fence, until we reach the crossing point "Türkenkreuz" (3), 1839 m. Directly at the cross you have a beautiful view of the 2396 m high Zirbitzkogel and the Schutzhaus (to the right of the summit). Continue in the direction of Wildsee, i.e. we enter the forest immediately here and go slightly downhill to the right. The "Volksbank-Murtal Genuss-Tour-Tafeln" (Volksbank-Murtal enjoyment tour signs) let us know where to start. We hike downhill in the forest along a hollow path until we reach a clearing or meadow area. We continue on the right side and then along a wide path uphill again until we reach the Köhlerhütte (4), 1855m. This self-catering hut from the Alpine Club is suitable as a nice place for a snack. The path continues below the Köhlerhütte. Immediately after passing a gate, a yellow sign shows us the way to the right in the direction of Lavantsee. From now on the orientation becomes a bit more difficult, because the summer markings on the stones are not or hardly visible. It goes slightly uphill in a line, keeping enough distance from the slope on the right. Above the tree line, the wide cirque below the Lavantsee opens up in front of us. We stay on the right side of the flat area until we reach the small waterfall and thus our destination of the Lavantursprung (5), 1900m. It is also important here to keep enough distance from the steep slopes. The descent can be the same as the ascent route, or you can keep slightly downhill along the valley floor until you reach the tree line again at about 1850 m, and then continue to the left towards the Köhlerhütte. From the Köhlerhütte (4), 1855 m, follow the path slightly uphill towards the Waldheimhütte. At the next yellow signpost we leave the path in the direction of Waldheimhütte and keep left in the direction of Rothaidenhütte. Now we go on a road (mostly recognizable even in winter) over the free slope slightly uphill and further on level until we cross the prepared Radrakspur (6), 1910 m, in the direction of Zirbitzkogel. We now follow this trail, marked with snow poles, downhill to the starting point.

It is recommended that you bring small change for the parking machine at the Waldheimhütte.

Unfortunately, this tour cannot be reached by public transport.

• Recommendation: Travel by car or organize a carpool.

There are enough parking spaces at the Waldheimhütte.

Waldheimhütte, Tel.: +43 3578 8205, 8742 St. Anna am Lavantegg, Lavantegg 57, 

You can also find more information about the region on - www.murtal.at 

Sarcletti S., Zienitzer E., (2. Auflage 2018): Schneeschuhführer Steiermark – Vom Dachstein bis zum Steirischen Weinland. Bergverlag Rother GmbH, München, S. 176.
Schneeweiß C., (2012): Schneeschuhgehen – Praxiswissen vom Profi zu Ausrüstung, Technik und Sicherheit. Bruckmann Verlag GmbH, München, S.192