From hut to hut in the National park Gesäuse Stage 02 Mödlingerhütte - Heßhütte

From the Mödlingerhütte, head east down the hiking trail to the mountaineering village of Johnsbach: the trail crosses the forest road several times, runs along it for a short distance, then branches off to the left, becoming slightly steeper. Once in the valley, we arrive at the Donner inn opposite the famous Johnsbach mountaineers' cemetery. This cemetery is a 5-minute walk from the car park at the Gasthof zum Donner inn and is definitely worth a visit. The first person to die in an accident in the Gesäuse mountains was buried here 200 years ago. Numerous historic gravestones tell the tragic stories of many young mountaineers who died in accidents in the Gesäuse mountains. This cemetery has gained sad notoriety as the largest mountaineers' cemetery in Austria and exudes a peaceful tranquility in an idyllic landscape.

We continue past Gasthof Donner, walking 500 m along the paved road until we turn right at the sharp left-hand bend and hike along the shaded path beside Johnsbach stream to Kölblwirt. 50 m after Kölblwirt, the hiking trail to Hesshütte (1,699 m) begins. Here, we first walk left past the waterfall in the meadow area. In the forest, we then take the so-called “Zach'n Schuach,” a gravel path, which is somewhat steeper. After about 20 minutes, this path flattens out and changes character into a leisurely hike through forest, alpine pastures, and larch woods. Once you have passed Gamsbrunn (turn-off to Sulzkarhund), the Hesshütte (1,699 m) and thus the destination for the day are soon in sight – it lies like an idyllic oasis beneath the rock faces of the Hochtor group.

It is recommended to contact the Trail Info & Booking Centre before booking.

Offers at: https://www.bookyourtrail.com/trail/gesaeuse-huettenrundwanderweg

In the Gesäuse you are mobile even without your own car

One call to t: +43 3613 21 000 99 is enough: During operating times, you can take the Gesäuse Sammeltaxi to any destination in the Gesäuse, without any timetable or stops.

Further information & operating times

Timetable inquiry at www.oebb.at or www.busbahnbim.at 

Parking facilities are available at the respective starting points, which are subject to a charge, especially in the Gesäuse National Park area.

Further information

Tip: Please leave a note in your car with your telephone number and the date of your return, together with a note that you are on a hike lasting several days. The mountain rescue service will thank you!

Tourismusverband Gesäuse
Hauptstraße 35, 8911 Admont, Österreich
t: +43 3613 2116010
info@gesaeuse.at
www.gesaeuse.at