Höchstein: Summit of the Schladminger Tauern

Conquer Höchstein in Schladming for panoramic alpine views, challenging hikes, and unforgettable mountain experiences in the Schladminger Tauern.

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Höchstein, a striking peak in the Schladminger Tauern range, reaches 2,543 meters, offering panoramic views for experienced hikers and mountaineers. The challenging ascent rewards climbers with vistas of the Enns Valley, Dachstein glacier, and other Austrian Alps peaks. Popular routes include starting from Hauser Kaibling or the Steirischer Bodensee.

A brief summary to Höchstein

Schladming, Rohrmoos-Untertal, AT

Local tips

Check the weather forecast before your hike; alpine conditions can change rapidly.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, as the terrain can be rocky and uneven.
Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are limited opportunities to resupply on the trail.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Schladming, take the Planai bus to Rohrmoos or Untertal. Several bus lines connect Schladming with Rohrmoos-Untertal. Get off at the 'Riesachwasserfall' bus stop in Untertal, which is the final stop. From there, follow the signs to the hiking trails leading towards Höchstein. A bus fare is approximately €2-3. The Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard provides free use of public transportation in the region.
Cable Car

Take the Planai cable car from Schladming to the Planai summit, then hike towards Hauser Kaibling. From Hauser Kaibling, follow trail no. 780 towards the Seescharte and Höchstein. A single one-way ticket on the Planai cable car costs approximately €22 for adults without the Sommercard. A single ascent and descent with a cable car of your choice is included per day with the Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard.
Driving

From Schladming, follow the Rohrmoosstraße (L722) to Rohrmoos. At the roundabout in Rohrmoos, take the Tälerstraße (L723) towards Untertal. Continue through Untertal towards the Seeleiten car park at the end of the valley. Parking at Seeleiten costs €7 per day without the Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard, or €5 with the card.

Discover more about Höchstein

Höchstein, towering at 2,543 meters, is one of the most striking peaks in the Schladminger Tauern mountain range. This majestic summit offers unparalleled panoramic views, making it a coveted destination for experienced hikers and mountaineers seeking an authentic alpine adventure. The ascent to Höchstein is not for the faint of heart, demanding a good level of fitness, surefootedness, and a head for heights. However, the reward for those who conquer its challenging slopes is an awe-inspiring vista that stretches across the Schladming-Dachstein region and beyond. From the summit, hikers can marvel at the sprawling Enns Valley, the imposing Dachstein glacier, and a host of other prominent peaks in the Austrian Alps, including the Hochgolling, the highest mountain in the Niedere Tauern range. The most popular route to the summit begins at the Hauser Kaibling, which can be accessed via the Schladminger Tauern cable car and the Kaiblinggrat chairlift. This approach significantly reduces the initial ascent, allowing hikers to start above the tree line and immediately immerse themselves in the stunning alpine scenery. From Hauser Kaibling, the trail winds its way through rugged terrain, passing by the picturesque Seescharte and the challenging Kaiblinglochscharte. The final ascent to the summit involves a steep climb over scree and rock steps, with some sections secured by ropes to aid hikers. For those seeking a longer and more challenging route, an alternative ascent begins at the Steirischer Bodensee, a beautiful mountain lake nestled in the Untertal valley. This route follows a scenic path alongside the Riesach waterfall, the highest waterfall in Styria, before ascending to the Hans Wödl Hütte, a charming mountain hut offering refreshments and stunning views. From the hut, the trail continues to the Filzscharte, a high mountain pass, before tackling the final scramble to the summit of Höchstein. Regardless of the chosen route, hikers should be prepared for changing weather conditions and challenging terrain. Sturdy hiking boots, appropriate clothing, and plenty of water are essential.