Loferer Steinberge

Like their immediate neighbors, the Leoganger Steinberge, the karst landscape of the Loferer Steinberge is a combination of steep rock slopes, plateaus, and underground caves. Due to their proximity, the two mountain groups are even classified as a subgroup by the Alpine Club division of the Eastern Alps ("Loferer and Leoganger Steinberge"). However, there is still a separation line in the form of the Römer saddle, which at an altitude of 1,202 meters also marks the border between Salzburg and Tyrol.

As a climber, good condition is required to enjoy the natural beauty of the Loferer Steinberge. The approaches require a little more time and there are no technical aids such as chairlifts available. This also means, of course, that you can experience nature in its original form here and meet passionate mountaineers.

The Schmidt-Zabierow Hut is the only Alpine Club hut in the Loferer Steinberge. It is a central point of contact for climbing the surrounding mountains. Almost all peaks are relatively easy to reach from the hut. Spend the night in the dormitory or simply stay for a refreshment break - a hearty Kaspressknödel soup or a substantial Brettljause guarantee the high quality of regional Stoaberg cuisine.

From the hut, you can make the ascent to the pyramid of the Großer Hinterhorn/Mitterhorn (2,506 meters) in about two hours. Well-marked paths lead through the southeast flank of the Breithorn and over the Waidringer Nieder until you reach the summit and an incredible view of the Hohe Tauern and the Berchtesgaden Alps opens up before you.

To ascend the normal route to the Große Ochsenhorn (2,511 meters) - the highest peak of the Loferer Steinberge - requires surefootedness. Especially the steep southwest side also challenges good climbers. From the Schmidt-Zabierow Hut, take path no. 613 into the Kleine Wehrgrube and further to the northwest flank of the mountain. This is followed by a well-marked path on the west side of the ridge. Just before the summit, you have to cross a steep gully before reaching the top. Walking time: 2.5 hours.

One of the most beautiful high-altitude trails in the Northern Limestone Alps winds its way over the peaks of the Loferer Steinberge - the Nuaracher Höhenweg. It starts in St. Ulrich am Pillersee, then runs over the Mitterhorn, the Rothornkamm, the Schafleck, and leads over the Seehorn and the Ulrichshorn back to St. Ulrich. Overall, you should plan for 10 to 12 hours, and be sure to bring enough water, as there are no refill options.

If you want to escape the summer heat, the Prax Ice Cave offers a chance to cool off. The approximately 1 kilometer long through cave is located in the eastern part of the mountain range under a ridge that runs away from the Großer Ochsenhorn. Mysterious ice sculptures can be admired inside the cave, where the temperature rarely exceeds +2°C. However, the cave can only be visited by prior arrangement and only with a cave guide.