Kaltenbach wilderness - Miesweg circular hiking trail

The Kaltenbachwildnis - Miesweg circular hiking trail is a perfect excursion for a leisurely Sunday with the family. It is also a great tip for a varied walk with the dog.

We had actually only planned to visit the Kaltenbach wilderness. However, as this tour is really a bit short and we were a bit motivated, we decided to include the Miesweg as well. This turned out to be a wonderfully combined route, which nevertheless remains leisurely but is very varied. The Kaltenbachwildnis - Miesweg circular hiking trail is therefore a very hot tip from me.

Directions & parking facilities

Car

By car, take the A1 motorway to the Regau exit. Then drive in the direction of Gmunden. At the crossroads near the McDonalds, stay in the right-hand lane, which leads directly into the village. Just before you reach the Esplanade, turn left and follow the road for about 5.5 kilometres until you reach your destination. 

Public transport

From the railway station in Attnang Puchheim, take a bus to Gmunden station (forecourt). 4 stops and 28 minutes later you get on the tram. From here it is another 9 stops and 13 minutes until you get off at Gmunden Seebahnhof. From here you can get on the bus, which takes you directly to the Traunstein turnaround car park. The hiking bus runs on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (even in bad weather) towards the Umkehrplatz. From there you can easily reach the various access points to the Traunstein.

Access and exit possible:

Seebahnhof, Freisitz Roith, Landhotel Grünberg, Gasthof Ramsau, Das Traunstein, Seegasthof Hoisn, Umkehrplatz

Journey times:

April/May/June/Sept/Oct: 5.30 am - 6.00 pm (last journey towards Seebahnhof 18.00 hrs)
July/August from 5.30 am - 7.00 pm (last journey towards Seebahnhof 19.00 hrs)

Costs:

* Ticket - one way: € 5.00
* Ticket - return journey: € 10.00
(incl. € 5.00 Gmundner gift voucher/consumption voucher)
* Holders of a „climate ticket“ & children up to the age of 15: free

Parking facilities

There is a turnaround car park directly at the start of the Traunstein, but you should be there very early as it is otherwise impossible to get a space. There are always public car parks just before this. But be careful, most of them are short-term parking zones at the weekend and parking is not permitted in all of them - always pay attention to the signs and only park your car in authorised spaces.

The cost of parking at the reversible car park Status as of 1 April 2023:

5 hours ticket - 10,00€
24 hours card - 25,00€
48 hours card - 50,00€

Route description for the Kaltenbachwildnis - Miesweg circular hiking trail

Kaltenbach wilderness

Shortly before the turnaround car park, there is another access point to start the tour. As you can see in the Komoot overview at the end of the article, we started there. A beautiful, narrow forest path leads you up here. Most of the metres in altitude are also covered right at the start. Once you reach the highest point, you are rewarded with a fantastic view of Lake Traunsee, the mountains and the gorge. From now on, it's almost all downhill.

You hike through the gorge on gravel paths and concrete steps. There are also great stops along the way. There is a waterfall that you should definitely visit and a viewpoint a little further on. Here you get a view of Lake Traunsee. Two benches invite you to take a break, which you should definitely take advantage of and enjoy the view. The last stage of the Kaltenbach Wilderness takes you along a forest road to the point where the forest path from the ascent crosses. Now it's up to you to decide whether to stick with this tour or extend the loop and take the Miesweg.

Miesweg

Of course you chose the Miesweg. Now stay on the forest road and follow it to the first tunnel and then turn right. This is where the Miesweg begins. A narrow, stony path leads you along the Traunsee. Only centimetres apart. Again and again you have to cross beautiful wooden bridges before you finally arrive at a place to rest and enjoy yourself. Take a few minutes and if you feel like it, you could also go for a swim here.

Now comes a short, strenuous section. The last ascent of the day, but once you've made it, it's time to head back towards the car park. You cross 2 more tunnels, which I personally find very fascinating. You can then either follow the forest road back to the car park or turn left shortly afterwards. You then have a lovely walk back along the Traunsee with plenty of opportunities for swimming.

Brief key data

• ✅approx. 10 km
• ✅approx. 320 metres in altitude
• ✅Duration about 3 hours (pure walking time)
• ✅No grazing cattle
• ✅Refreshment stops (Hois'n Inn)
• Suitable for children and dogs
• ✅Swimming opportunities in Lake Traunsee
• ⚠️Festes Footwear
• ⚠️Trittsicherheit
• ⚠️wenig Car parks 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 & bathing opportunities

The Kaltenbachwildnis - Miesweg circular hiking trail is a great place to stop for refreshments. Just before you reach the Traunstein turnaround car park, you will find the Hois'n Inn. Not only culinary delights are on offer here, there are also rooms for overnight stays. A little foretaste of what you can look forward to - the Menu and you get a view of the rooms HERE.

Opening hours 

The Hois'n Inn is open for you every day without a day off. Hot food is available from 11:00 - 21:00.

Bathing possibility

Especially on hot days, it's always great to have the opportunity to cool off after a hike. There is a small public swimming area not far from the entrance to the Kaltenbach wilderness. What more could you want than to freshen up in the Traunsee after a lovely excursion, bathed in sweat?.

My summary of the Kaltenbachwildnis - Miesweg circular hiking trail

Whether you want to combine the two routes or complete them individually, it's definitely worth seeing. The forest paths and the great feeling along the gorge on the Kaltenbachwildnis trail or the wooden bridges along the Traunsee lake on the Miesweg trail. Both are so indescribably beautiful. As there are not really many metres in altitude to climb and the tour is rather leisurely, you can really enjoy it.

I have rarely seen such beautiful, varied trails when you combine these hikes. As I also have a dog myself and this excursion is perfect for spending the day with your pet, I think the Kaltenbachwildnis - Miesweg circular hiking trail is even better than it already is. What I also find great about this tour is that you can decide spontaneously whether to do just one of the two trails or combine them. The only negative thing I have to mention is the parking facilities. It's often really difficult to find a place to park your car here. Otherwise, I can only recommend the hike, so now you know your next destination - what are you waiting for? 😉

If the Kaltenbachwildnis - Miesweg circular hiking trail is right up your street, then the Hike along the Almsee lake also like.