Waidring Alps

From the Pinzgau in Salzburg to Kitzbühel in North Tyrol, the powerful territory of the mountain range extends, which appears on maps as part of the Northern Limestone Alps.

It consists of several elevations - including the Leoganger Steinberge and the Loferer Steinberge, as well as the Fellhornmassiv, the Kirchbergstock, the Buchensteinwand and - as part of the Kaisergebirge - the Unterberghorn (with ski lifts for skiers and hikers).

The Steinplatte (1,869 meters), which is now referred to as the largest dry reef in Europe and is one of the most popular mountains in the region, must not be missing from this list.
The steeply sloping rock face on its south side gives it a characteristic appearance from a distance. The gentler north side, on the other hand, offers the best conditions for skiing. Several ski lifts ensure busy operation in the snow-rich winter months.

Summer is then marked by soul-stroking hikes through the impressive natural scenery. Use the Bergbahnen Steinplatte Waidring, which are in operation from June to October. If you have the PillerseeTal Card or the Kitzbüheler Alpen Sommer Card, then congratulations - you can ride the cable cars for free.

Another attraction is the "Triassic Park" with life-size dinosaurs, a do-it-yourself fossil excavation site, and interesting information about the Tethys primeval sea (with a 200 million year old history), as well as the corals and ammonites that once frolicked in it.

An observation platform in the form of a fan coral, which hovers 70 meters above the abyss, not only tests your fear of heights, but also reveals a magnificent view of the current sea of peaks.

One of these peaks stands out. It is the largest in the region - that of the Birnhorn in the Leoganger Steinberge (2,634 meters), which is also one of the 30 most prominent mountains in the Alps (a list led by Mont Blanc and the Großglockner). Its impressive, 1,400-meter-high southern wall is one of the highest rock faces in the Eastern Alps.

A climb is possible from the Passauer Hütte on the edge of Hochgrub (operated from June to October). Via the Hofersteig, past the Hochzint and through the Melkerloch. Finally, through the upper part of the south wall and on an unsecured path to the summit.

An alternative: the normal route via the Kuchelnieder with secured climbing sections. Each path takes about 2 hours and requires surefootedness and a head for heights.

The Große Ochsenhorn, on the other hand, is considered the highest elevation of the Loferer Steinberge. It is best to climb from Lofer to the Schmidt-Zabierow-Hütte (overnight stay possible).

From the hut, take path 613 to the east, enter the small Wehrgrube and continue to the northwest flank. On a well-marked trail, continue along the mountain ridge until just before the summit. Then pass a steep gully on the northern side and you have reached your goal. Walking time: 2.5 hours from the Schmidt-Zabierow-Hütte.

If the Steinplatte and the Buchensteinwand are popular destinations for hikers, climbers and skiers, the Leoganger and Loferer Steinberge are still almost insider tips. They are easily accessible from the Pillerseetal and Kitzbühel.