Austria: Schladminger Tauern – Climb Up Hochwildstelle Mountain

Hochwildstelle – Challenge for Every True Mountaineer

The Schladminger Tauern belong to a larger mountain unite of the Lower Tauern which belong to the Central Eastern Alps. These are situated more or less in central Austria, in the region of Styria and Salzburg. Hochgolling (2 862 m) is the highest mountain. Imporant place of start is situated at the northern edge of the mountain range in the town of Schladming, which is better known as a winter resort, and in the village of Gröbming. In the south you would start at the town of Tamsweg. Our hike would lead us to the most important summits of this mountain range. Every true mountaineer dreams about and is challenged to climb onto the top of the most important mountains here. ThHochwildstelle (2 747 m) is a massive, unconquerable pyramide and the second highest mountain in teh Schladminger Tauern.

Along the Südgrat Trail to the Top

There are two tourist trails going up to Hochwildstelle from the north. These are the best access routes to the mountain. The first trail goes on the top of Südgrat ridge. We leave the village of Pruggern and by car follow a well maintained forest road running to Sattenal valley until we reach a small car park in Keinreiteralm. There we join a marked tourist trail. In the walley, we pass some dwellings upon which we enter forest and go uphill. Then we pass a direction board near Stierkarsee lake. We go uphill across wide valley, we cross a rocky formation go around Goldlacken lakes and cross steep terrain covered with brash to Trattenscharte saddle (2 408 m). From here, we follow a trail across Wildlochscharte. When we cross steep terrain we get on the Südgrat ridge which is exposed and partially secured with cramp irons. By crossing this ridge we expect to reach the summit of Hochwildstelle. This trail can be recommended only to physically fit and skilled tourists. Hiking in this difficult terrain is similar to the Rohace ridges in the Western Tatra mountains.

Descending Seewigtal Valely

The second trail to the summit of Hochwildstelle starts in Seewigtal valley. Here we get by car from Aich village. By following a marked trail we go along Bodensee lake then pass Hans Wöld Hütte cabin and Hüttensee lake. We gain altitude quite fast. The trail leads us to Obersee lake. All of a sudden we got the feeling that going uphill cirque seems endless. Eventually we get on the top of the ridge at Neualmscharte saddle(2 347 m). Then we follow a marked alpine trail along an interesting, partially exposed ridge of Kleine Wildstelle mountain (2 577 m). Some more difficult sections have iron cramps installed. The last climb goes along steep rocky ridge which ends at a Hochwildstelle summit corss. Some sections require increased focus and steady walk. However, Kleine Wildstelle crossing is not that difficult compared to Südgrat. Therefore, we recommend you to better take this trail.

The climb up Hochwildstelle is trully unique and adventurous experience, despite the fact it is a difficult day-long trek. The vistas from the top are something you will never forget. Every mountaineer will feel touched here. The vista from 2 747 meters over the surrounding peaks of the Schladmiger Tauern is marvelous! Moreover, you will feel inspired to climb another mountain in this monumental mountain range.

GPS: 47°25'25.8"N 13°52'32.0"E (Pruggern) 

Text and photos: Radoslav Biskupič