Beginner Gesäuse Trek

Your trek starts in Admont, home of the famous abbey library, and from the first steps it goes up. Over the day you climb close to 1,100 metres and descend about 340, so this is a proper mountain day rather than a warm-up. Good paths and no technical sections, but do not underestimate the climbing.

From the southern edge of Admont the trail climbs steadily through the forest. After about 3.5 kilometres the gradient eases at around 1,200 metres and you get a breather on a fairly level stretch. Then the path climbs again, up to the highest point of the day at just over 1,500 metres.

From there you drop around 330 metres before the last climb of the day takes you up to the Mödlingerhütte, on the southern side of the Gesäuse. Drop your pack, find a spot on the terrace and enjoy your first hut evening. About 10.7 kilometres, count on around 4.5 hours.

Please note: Payment at the Mödlingerhütte is not included in the price of your package. We reserve your stay, but accommodation and half board (approximately €75 per person) must be paid in cash at the hut.

A day of two halves: a long descent from the Mödlingerhütte into the Johnsbach valley, then a short, steep climb up to the Haindlkarhütte below the north walls of the Hochtor group. You lose more than 900 metres and gain close to 600, so your knees do most of the work today.

From the hut you descend on meadow trails and forest tracks to the farms of the Johnsbach valley. The route then follows lanes and paths along the valley floor to the Haindlkar car park, with the dark north faces of the Gesäuse rising ahead of you.

From the car park the final climb of roughly 500 metres begins, through rooty forest and over rocky steps. The last kilometre before the hut is steep and rocky in places, so take your time and watch your step. Then the Haindlkarhütte appears at the foot of the north faces of the Hochtor group, a snug place to drop your pack. About 10.5 kilometres, count on around 4.5 hours.