Sabathy-Rothaidenhütte-Zirbitzkogel-Winterleitenhütte-Sabathy

Your tour starts at the Sabathyhütte, a popular starting point for hikes in the region. From here, follow the marked hiking trail towards Winterleitenhütte.

The trail initially leads you through dense forests and open alpine meadows. You will find yourself on a steadily ascending route that is well marked and easy to follow even in winter. The views of the surrounding mountains and valleys gradually become more impressive as you gain altitude.
After a while, you will reach the Winterleitenhütte at 1,782 m above sea level. This hut is nestled in the alpine landscape and is an ideal place to take a break and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Take a short break if you wish, then set off towards the Zirbitzkogel, the highest point of the hike. The path continues to climb and leads you through rockier terrain. The section from Winterleitensee lake to the summit can be steep and challenging depending on the weather. You follow the well-marked trail over stony paths and wide scree fields.
Once you reach the Zirbitzkogel, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. From here, the view stretches far across the Styrian mountains to the Carinthian Alps and Slovenia.
Once you have reached the summit of the Zirbitzkogel, your descent towards the Rothaidenhütte begins. The path is steep and rocky at first and requires surefootedness and caution, especially in wet weather. You pass alpine vegetation as you steadily lose altitude.

After the descent, you reach the Rothaidenhütte (2,114 m), which offers you a welcome opportunity to rest and enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings.

From the Rothaidenhütte, you continue on your way back to the Sabathyhütte. The trail continues through open meadows and alpine pastures down into the valley. The descent is less steep than the path you took on the Zirbitzkogel and leads you back into the dense green of the forests you crossed on the ascent.
After another pleasant hike, you finally reach the Sabathyhütte again, where your circular hike ends.

On this beautiful circular tour, take your time and enjoy the peace and quiet at the large or small Winterleiten Lake. This tour can also be reached by bus from Judenburg in the summer months. Starting point and arrival is the Schmelzhütte, please be sure to observe the bus times.

Beim Alpengasthof Sabtahy sind ausreichend Parkplätze vorhanden.

 

Murtal Region: https://www.murtal.at/styria

Alpine Inn Sabathy: https://www.alpengasthof-sabathy.at/

The Sabathy hut is easily accessible by car from Obdach via a continuous asphalt road. The hut is the starting point for beautiful mountain hikes and the main base for ski tours in winter. One of these hikes leads directly to the Zirbitzkogel.

By train to Judenburg home - ÖBB (oebb.at) and by bus 873 to the Schmelz (attention the Bus is only available in Summer),

BusBahnBim (verbundlinie.at)