Hike to the Hochsteinalm - circular route from Almgasthof Windlegern

The hike to the Hochsteinalm is always a great excursion destination. However, it's often too short for me, so I find the circular route from Almgasthof Windlegern a wonderful alternative.

No plans for the weekend yet? A family outing, a new adventure with the dog or just fancy a solo hike away from the stress and noise of everyday life - then the hike to the Hochsteinalm is just the thing for you. As a child, it was always a highlight for me, of course I wasn't a huge fan of hiking back then, but once I got to the top it was a real paradise. There were so many animals to marvel at, a little something in the Almgasthof Hochsteinalm and there was food for the animals on the way back, which I really enjoyed. Today I love the path via Windlegern to clear my head and give my dog a physical and mental workout. It's a slightly longer tour to get to the Hochsteinalm, but I experience the same feelings of happiness as I did as a child.

Directions for the hike to the Hochsteinalm

Travelling to the starting point Almgasthof Windlegern by car. The first stretch leads to Pinsdorf railway station, where you then turn into the road towards Eurospar - drive past the Gmundnerberg and follow the road to Reindlmühl. Cross the village until you reach Neukirchen bei Altmünster. At the crossroads by the fire station, turn left and follow the road towards Kollmannsberg. Now it's just a short climb up to the Almgasthof Windlegern and you've reached your destination. If you are travelling via the motorway, take the A1 to the Regau exit.

Route description - Hochsteinalm via Windlegern

The tour starts with a small forest path uphill and after 500 metres you have the choice of how long it should be. If you decide to take the path to the left, a 5.5 - 6.0 km long forest road with an elevation gain of around 150 metres awaits you - walking time around 2 hours. Alternatively, you can follow my route and stay on the forest path, which takes you uphill a little further. The first 100 metres in altitude have been covered and the first highlight of my tour has been reached. A large, spacious meadow invites you to take a short break and enjoy. With your battery recharged and full of energy, the route continues downhill for just over 1 kilometre to the Langbathsee road, which you then follow to the Country inn in the Kreh, which is unfortunately closed at the moment.

Immediately behind the inn, a path with many hairpin bends leads uphill. The most strenuous part is now ahead of you. The next 1.5 km hold a crisp 300 metres in altitude in store for you. One last leisurely kilometre on the forest road until you get your first glimpse of the beautiful alpine pasture. From here, you are sure that it was worth every effort and the last hundred metres to the Almgasthof Hochsteinalm are the reason why I love hiking and nature.

The return route on this hiking tour is MY special highlight. Why - normally it's „the journey is the destination“, but for me it's more like „the destination is the destination“ 😅. No, joking aside, but once I've reached the summit cross - then take a break with a coffee or a short rest in a hut, I usually find the way back difficult and my motivation drops a little. But the hike to the Hochsteinalm is a different and very leisurely route. It's about 3 kilometres with 1 or 2 small climbs along a forest road back to the car.

Refreshment stops & opening hours

Almgasthof Windlegern: Unfortunately, I have never managed to stop off at the Almgasthof Windlegern on my hikes to the Hochsteinalm. As it is the start or end of the hike. However, this is definitely on my to-do list for 2023. Not only is the food there said to be delicious, but there are also rooms available for a great weekend. The inn is closed from 28 November 2022 until around mid-March, so we'll have to be patient until then.

Almgasthof Hochsteinalm: I can really only say positive things here. The landlord and the staff are always super friendly, the food is delicious and the prices are more than reasonable for an alpine inn in my opinion. There is animal feed for children and in winter sledges are available to everyone for a small price. Monday and Tuesday are closed, otherwise there is absolutely nothing to stop you, but don't forget, only cash payment is possible. From April to December, you can also spend the night on the mountain pasture. You can find more information about the offers HERE.

Country inn in the Kreh: Unfortunately closed since 2019 due to a lack of staff, but apparently not for long. It would be great to be able to pop into the inn again for food and drink from April/May. Unfortunately, I can't guarantee this information, but let's all keep our fingers crossed that it's true and that we can pay a visit to the Landgasthaus in der Kreh in summer.

Brief key data

• ✅Hochsteinalm is located at 927 m
• ✅11 km
• ✅550 metres in altitude
• ✅Duration 3.5 - 4 hours (pure walking time)
• Suitable for children and dogs
• ✅Refreshment stops ( Almgasthof Windlegern and Almgasthof Hochsteinalm )
• ⚠️Festes Footwear
• ⚠️Hochsteinalm Not possible with a pushchair over the Windlegern
• ⚠️ Dogs must be kept on a lead due to the large number of animals

⚠️ 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.

What does the Hochsteinalm and the route via Windlegern have in store for you?

You can tackle this tour all year round.

In winter:

A special experience, which is only possible on the direct hike to the Hochsteinalm and not via Windlegern - the toboggan ride from the Almgasthof to the car park. No return journey necessary, a great adventure for the whole family - what more could you want?.

In summer:

Whether directly to the Hochsteinalm or via Windlegern, both hiking tours can be tackled by bike. This is a very important point for me, as I love travelling by mountain bike and can always use varied routes😊.

⚠️ATTENTION: Walking on the ice and swimming in the lake is at your own risk.

My overall impression of the hike to the Hochsteinalm

As you can already guess, the Hochsteinalm was not only a highlight for me as a child, but it still is today. Although I now prefer the route from Almgasthof Windlegern, as it is closer to me and also a longer route with more variety. It's a hike for every season and every occasion. For a lovely Sunday outing with the family, a nice walk with the dog or just to switch off.

Great places to stop for refreshments, just as you would wish. The inn on the Hochsteinalm - friendly staff, delicious food with options for our vegetarians, here you are in good hands and simply feel good. Unfortunately, I can't say much about the Almgasthof in Windlegern yet, but I will change that this year. In winter, I also love the direct route to the top, because I'm always up for a great descent on a sledge. You should always keep this tour in mind and if the hike to the Hochsteinalm - circular route from Almgasthof Windlegern is still new to you, then you should definitely put it on your to-do list for 2023.

If you liked this excursion tip, then you might also like the Circular hiking trail around the Laudachsee be something for you.