Hike to the Eisenaueralm via the Burggrabenklamm gorge

The hike to the Eisenaueralm via the Burggrabenklamm gorge is a wonderful route. Not the first time I've done this route, but the first time in winter. In the following article, I would like to tell you what the tour was like in snowfall and sub-zero temperatures and whether I can recommend it.

In the warmer months, the hike up to the Eisenaueralm is simply fantastic - it's not on my to-do list every year for nothing. On narrow paths and over bridges, you hike along the Burggrabenklamm gorge to the top - where a relaxed final spurt to the huts awaits you. I have already enjoyed this view several times, but I really wanted to see it in winter - a white Eisenaueralm. I'll tell you what the winter tour was like for me at the very end in my winter summary.

Directions and parking facilities

The easiest way to get to Eisenau is to take the A1 motorway, whether coming from Vienna/Linz or Salzburg, as far as the Seewalchen exit. From here, drive in the direction of Weyregg. After about 30 minutes you will arrive in Weißenbach am Attersee, from where it is not far to Burgbachau - where our destination is located. Shortly after the Burggrabenklamm canyoning gorge above the Klammbach stream, there is a small car park where I always try my luck. I think there are also car parks at the canyoning building, but as I never park there, I'll check again next time.

Route description - Hike to the Eisenaueralm

Burggraben Gorge

The hike starts with a beautiful forest path that leads us to the start. You gradually make your way up over high rocks and steps. The first kilometre is the most strenuous for me, although it's not even that steep, but personally I just prefer normal forest paths. I'm always happy when this first part is done. After that, there is a lovely narrow path along the gorge.

Those with a fear of heights should perhaps think twice about this route to the Eisenaueralm. Although there are mostly wire ropes to hold on to, you should be sure-footed. The trail continues over a small bridge, which offers you a wonderful view of the gorge and a waterfall visible in the distance. Be sure to stop here briefly and enjoy. A small forest path follows, which takes you the last stretch to the forest road, from where you then follow the alpine pasture to the huts.

The mountain pasture

From here it gets cosy and believe me, you will be fascinated by the view up there. So enjoy this part of the hike to the Eisenaueralm and take your time. At the beginning of the forest road, the path is still slightly uphill and leads you through the trees to a „pasture gate“. In the warmer months, you may encounter grazing cattle all along the way. What follows is little to no metres in altitude and a decision that you now have to make. You can continue along the forest road to the huts or keep to the right and take the path through the forest - as I always do. Just over a kilometre to go and you've reached your destination. You've really earned a stop at the huts and everything tastes so much better with a view of the Schafberg.

Brief key data

These dates correspond to the hike as I normally do it. On the Komoottour shown below, you can see that we took a different route back due to the wintry conditions. As a result, the duration and number of kilometres of our tour do not match these key data.

• ✅Highest point 1030 m
• ✅circa 700 metres in altitude 
• ✅A distance of around 11 kilometres
• ✅A pure walking time of 3.5 - 4.5 hours
• ✅Refreshment stops available (Buchberghütte & Kienberghütte)
• ✅A beautiful cycle tour via the forest road
• Suitable for dogs
• ⚠️Festes Footwear
• ⚠️Trittsicherheit & head for heights
• ⚠️Weidevieh available
• ⛔️ not possible with a pushchair

⚠️ ATTENTION: We expressly point out that we accept no liability for accidents or possibly closed trails. Before hiking, check the availability of the trail and reflect on your own fitness.

Refreshment stops on the hike to the Eisenaueralm

The Kienberghütte

Opens in May the Kienberghütte opens its doors for you again and is available for refreshments every day from 09:00 until October. Except Thursday - this is a well-deserved day off.

The Buchberghütte

Even with the Buchberghütte the season starts again in May.

The current opening hours: Status February 2023

• May, June & September - Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 - 19:00 (Monday closed)
• July & August daily from 09:00 - 19:00
• October from Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 - 18:00

My general conclusion about this hike

As you can easily hear from my raving about this tour, I am a huge fan of the Eisenau. No matter how many times I go there, I will always be fascinated by it. The beautiful path along the gorge, the marvellous alpine pasture and the great places to stop for refreshments. Gravel paths, forest tracks, forest roads - this hike is so multi-faceted that you completely forget the effort. I will be travelling to the Eisenaueralm at least once a year in the future. If you haven't been to this destination before, I can only recommend that you visit the Eisenaueralm this year.

The „wintry“ conclusion to the hike to the Eisenaueralm

One day I wanted to see the Eisenau with snow. Covered in white, bright sunshine - simply a perfect winter's day on the mountain pasture. Was it fantastic up there? - Yes, absolutely - one of the most beautiful views I've ever had. Would I recommend it to you in winter via the Burggrabenklamm gorge? - No, definitely not! As you can see from my Komoot recording, we took a huge diversions. Why? Firstly, because the path along the Burggrabenalm was partly covered in snow and in places covered in a layer of ice. Secondly, there was over a metre of snow at the top - slightly frozen and we sank knee-deep into it with every step. It took us over an hour to cover the last 1.5 kilometres, which normally takes 20-30 minutes. I really reached my limits. Sinking into the snow not only wore me out physically, but was also annoying - which meant even more effort for me.

We therefore opted for a different forest road for the way back. This was cleared and we could walk down without any problems. The only disadvantage here was that it was an extra 11 kilometres. About twice as much as the outward journey. But if you still say you would like to do the hike to the Eisenaueralm in winter because you don't want to miss out on this view, then don't do it via the Burggrabenklamm. Use the forest road that we took for our way back, which is usually cleared. Find out beforehand how much snow there is and whether it makes sense at all. And most importantly: don't put yourself in dangerous situations, but rather turn round and avoid this sight - your health always comes first. 

Here is the tour to follow yourself on Komoot

One excursion destination that I can also recommend for the winter is the Hike up the Ameisstein and around the Almsee lake.