{"id":8306,"date":"2026-04-24T11:15:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T09:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.muatsdrawig.at\/?p=8306"},"modified":"2026-09-16T09:55:57","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T07:55:57","slug":"hike-to-the-katzenstein-peaks-directly-on-the-laudachsee-in-salzkammergut","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.muatsdrawig.at\/en\/wanderung-zu-den-katzenstein-gipfeln-direkt-am-laudachsee-im-salzkammergut","title":{"rendered":"Hike to the Katzenstein peaks directly on the Laudachsee in the Salzkammergut"},"content":{"rendered":"

This time, we headed for the two Katzenstein peaks \u2013 the normal Katzenstein and the small Katzenstein with views of the Traunstein and Laudachsee.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For those seeking a fantastic, less-trodden hike, these two peaks are highly recommended. \ud83d\ude04 The little Katzenstein is actually still a well-kept secret, as there are no markings or signs here. The best part? It's only about 20 minutes from the main summit. So, this little detour to the little Katzenstein is definitely worth it!<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"View
View of the small Katzenstein and Laudachsee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

And the best part: the first stop is the beautiful Laudachsee lake, which you'll also have a clear view of from the peaks. \ud83c\udfde\ufe0f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Laudachsee
Laudachsee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hike to Laudachsee & Katzenstein in Gmunden<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We started near the Franzl in Holz (you'll find the exact starting point in my Komoot tour below). From here, we went via forest roads and woodland paths to the first stopover: the Laudachsee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From here, the path then continues to the ascent of the Katzenstein, where there's a steep climb for a while. The path is marked and generally not exposed. However, there are 2-3 dangerous key sections where a good head for heights and surefootedness are definitely necessary, as you have to do a fair bit of scrambling here. I wouldn't recommend this hike to anyone travelling alone with a large dog. With Shaggy (approx. 12 kg) and a second person, it worked out quite well, but at one point we had to lift him down together.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Katzenstein
Cathedral window<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Once you get to the top, there's a fork in the path where heading left leads to the Katzenstein summit, and heading right takes you towards the small Katzenstein.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both peaks are absolutely recommended! \ud83e\udd29<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Shaggy's
Shaggy at Little Catstone<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Key information for the hike to both Katzenstein peaks in Salzkammergut<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you'd like to retrace the tour yourself, here are the key details at a glance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 approx. 12 km
\u2705 around 800m elevation gain
\u2705 Approx. 5 hours
\u26a0\ufe0f Caution with children and dogs (there are sections in exposed places where you have to scramble)
\u26a0\ufe0f Not recommended to go alone with a dog
\u26a0\ufe0f A good head for heights, excellent stamina and sure-footedness required
\u26d4\ufe0f Not possible with pushchair or wheelchair<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u26a0\ufe0f 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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Wildlife<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Wildlife<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wildlife on the move<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there and parking for the hike to Katzenstein<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This time, the approach was via the Laakirchen West motorway exit (or Regau if coming from Salzburg), where you then head towards Gmunden. With my Komoot tour below, you can start navigation directly to the starting point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We parked directly below the Franzl in the woods in the free car park and started here. You can also use the paid car park at the top and also take a different path to the Laudachsee directly from here. There are many paths to the Laudachsee, which is why the starting point is irrelevant. \ud83d\ude04<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out public transport right here:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n