Hike to the Steinitzen-Alm

This hiking trail also begins right at the hotel, making it a popular choice among guests.

We set off after breakfast around 10:00.

After about 100 metres along the main road towards Lake Salza, a wide gravel path branches off to the left. First, you cross a large meadow. Then the path veers left towards the snack station “S’Kragal.”

The station was closed that day, but we planned to visit it another time.

After the snack station, you turn left. A few minutes later, you reach a fork in the road – to the right, the trail continues to Bad Mitterndorf, to the left it leads to the Steinitzen-Alm.

From this point, it’s a steady uphill climb, which was quite exhausting in the heat.

Still, the path was beautiful once again. We kept catching glimpses of the mountain peaks in the distance.

The interplay of light and shadow gave the landscape a magical quality that made every drop of sweat worthwhile.

Unfortunately, there were no benches along the way, but we took short breaks on a few fallen tree trunks.

For about an hour, we hiked steadily uphill and enjoyed the stunning surroundings.

At last, we spotted the mountain hut from afar on a large meadow.

Then we reached the final junction. The path led past some wooden huts – and then we were there.

Happily, we found a seat and ordered ice-cold drinks.

To eat, we had traditional Styrian “Krapfen,” a hearty pastry made of dough, filled with cabbage and cheese, and rolled up.

For dessert, we had “Gebackene Mäuse.” Both were delicious.

The Steinitzen-Alm is truly beautiful. It’s surrounded by lush green meadows, and cold water flows constantly from a fountain.

Rustic benches and tables invite you to eat and relax.

We had actually planned to stay only an hour, since Gerhard had to catch a train back to Vienna that afternoon. But it turned into nearly two hours.

Luckily, the return hike was shorter – going downhill is definitely easier.

Even though we took the same route back as we had come, the change in direction offered completely new perspectives on the surrounding landscape.

When we arrived back at the hotel, we were utterly exhausted.

We showered first, then rested. Finally, it was time for Gerhard to begin his journey home. But the following weekend was a long one, so we would be seeing each other again soon.