Prankerhöhe ridge hike

A refreshing hike in the Gurktaler Alpen, guaranteeing rest and relaxation, is to be found south of the Kreischberg ski resort.

Leisure hikers will love the fact that many summits can be conquered in a route that features easy ascents and descents. A stunning ridge hike starting from the Kreischberg is particularly recommended during alpenrose season, when the blossoms are out. The route runs along the ridge, where we can enjoy not only the views but also blooming meadows of alpenrose (from about mid/end June). On this hike, you just want to keep going. Complete the first, steep part of the ascent in comfort on the Kreischberg gondola lift (please note the opening times), and start your hike at the tree line. Delight in the glorious local alpine flora, marvel at the breathtaking panoramic views of the Tauern and the Nockberge, and of course experience the relaxing atmosphere of the down-to-earth mountain huts and guest houses.

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

The tour in numbers

easy

Level of difficulty

17,0 km

Route

5:30 h

Time

896 hm

Uphill

895 hm

Downhill

2166 m

Highest point

Map & downloads

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More information

From D, NL, B, F: Via Munich, Salzburg, Tauernautobahn to St. Michael/Lungau (or Radstätter Tauernpaß), turn off to Tamsweg - continue towards Murau.

From H: Via St. Gotthard, Graz – Packautobahn (Twimberg exit) – Judenburg – Scheifling – Murau – Kreischberg.

From CH: Via Arlberg, Innsbruck, Bischofshofen, Tauernautobahn.

From I: Via Tarvis, Villach, St. Veit/Glan, Scheifling, Murau, Kreischberg.

By car from Vienna: Via Semmering, Bruck/Mur, Judenburg, Scheifling, Murau, Kreischberg.

Driving up to the Rieglerhütte via the Grabenstraße is only possible on days when the Rieglerhütte is open (June to October, Wednesday to Sunday). Otherwise, you can take the Kreischberg gondola lift up to the mountain station (every Sunday in June; Wednesday, Friday and Sunday in July and August). Set off below the meadow at the Rieglerhütte mountain hut. We follow the orange markers (Riegler Rundwanderweg ‒ Circular Hiking Trail), which can be found on the gently ascending logging road that winds through the forest. Cross the ski slope to get back onto a logging road. Trail 130 runs west to the Esebeckhütte, a self-catering mountain hut situated in a forest. Hiking trail 131 now runs very sedately through the Zirbenwald to the Schirmbar near the Kreischberg summit (1,981m). Continue uphill. On the return journey, an idyllic view of the Schladminger Tauern und Wölzer Tauern accompanies us. Shortly before the Schirmbar, we fork right through the underpass and follow the logging road and the orange markers back to where we started. An attractive ridge hike from the Kreischberg (1,981m) to the Prankerhöhe (2,166m).

Take a ride on the Kreischberg GondolaGondola operating times: www.kreischberg.at

Please note the opening times!

With the BusBahnBim app from the interconnected line, timetable information is easier than ever before: all bus, train and tram connections in Austria can be queried by entering locations and/or addresses, stops or important points. The app is available as a free app for smartphones (Android, iOS) - on Google Play and in the App Store.

ÖBB www.oebb.at | Styria connection line www.busbahnbim.at

There are enough parking spaces at the Kreischberg valley station.

Information brochures are available at the various information offices.

www.weg-es.at

Freytag & Berndt, Wander-Rad-Freizeitkarte, WK 211, Naturpark Zirbitzkogel Grebenzen, Murau, Sölkpass, 1:50 000, ISBN 978-3-85084-680-6