Salzburger Almenweg - The hiking stages

Ascent via the Hofalm or Aualm to the Hofpürglhütte, from which point we will follow the Austriaweg to the west. After 2.5 km on this high trail we will descend to the Sulzkaralm. Now we follow the access road for around 500 meters, subsequently taking a shortcut down a footpath. This will once again meet up with the access road, taking us down the hill to the Arzbergalm. Shortly before the rather dilapidated Arzbergalm, we will branch off to the right, then immediately take the footpath (up and to the left) towards the forest (important: several trails radiate out from this crossing). A forestry road begins after about 700 meters, from which we turn off at the next crossing and head up towards the Langeggsattel. Once we are at the top, we will come to a trailside altar and, another 20 meters further along, a religious icon attached to a tree..
Now we begin the more strenuous portion of this stage with a climb up to the Gsengplatte and the Gerzkopf. But this climb affords us some magnificent views that are truly not to be missed. From the relatively flat Gsengplatte, we now descend to the Schäferhütte. After not quite 200 meters, we branch off to the right and up to the Gerzkopf (make sure you don’t miss this turn-off, otherwise you will find yourself heading downhill once again). After passing the high moors known as the "Schwarze Lacken" and making our way through occasionally dense groves of mountain pine, we will finally reach the summit. The descent from the Gerzkopf, leading us in a westerly direction, is no less beautiful, taking us across the St. Martiner Platte through a fairytale forest, with its old, turnip-shaped spruce trees, to the Hüttlboden. Hikers are often likely to encounter sheep, driven up there in springtime by local farmers. Passing through a wooded area featuring numerous ant hills, the path takes us past two old hunters' refuge huts to the Höllbrand. From this small private hut, we enjoy marvelous views out over the village of St. Martin including its hugely successful lakeside park, the Ostermais beyond it and, last but not least, the mighty Tennengebirge range, towering high above everything else. After a few more minutes, the Höllalm invites us to take a break and recharge our batteries.  After hiking downhill for another half an hour, we will finally reach the town center of St. Martin am Tennengebirge, a community famous for its boundless opportunities for fun-filled outdoor activities.

• Filzmoos Tourist Office: Tel. 06453 8235,
• St. Martin Tourist Office: Tel. 06463 7488,
• Eben Tourist Office: Tel. 06458 8194
• Bus Information (hiking buses): Tel. 06453 8235 Filzmoos Hiking Bus

• Hofpürglhütte: 30 May until the beginning of October, then weekends only Tel. 06453 8304 or 0676 3718566
• Sulzkaralm: end of May until the end of September, Tel. 06453 8516
• Höllalm: open year-round, Tel. 06463 7405

• Hofpürglhütte: 30 May until the beginning of October, then weekends only Tel. 06453 8304 or 0676 3718566
• Pension Buttermilchalm: 10 May until the end of October, 06463 7279 www.buttermilchalm.at

Eben:

• Tauern Road Museum
• Eben Lake Resort

St. Martin am Tennengebirge:

• Emperor Franz Josef Memorial Stone
• Lake Park,
• Lammertal Forest,
• Self-guided Tree Trail
• Gothic parish church