Filzmoos - known as THE hiking village. From long-distance hikes and themed hikes to mountain tours, you’ll find everything on offer. But hikes don’t have to be long to discover the beauty of our landscape.
I like to start my hiking tours early in the morning, as they usually last a few hours. But let's be honest - on holiday you really want a lie-in. Enjoy breakfast in peace and quiet and then the morning is quickly over. Almost too late for a big hiking tour. That's why I'm sharing my top 3 short and varied hiking tips with you here - all with a refreshment stop, of course! 😉
1. Moosalm Circular Tour:
The description short and sweet definitely applies to this hike - especially the first section. You start to the left of the valley station of the Papageno Cable Car. Via the Moosalm kids’ stamp trail, the route immediately climbs steeply uphill along a narrow forest path. This is particularly exciting for little mountain enthusiasts. Because with the Moosalm stamp booklet in their hand, the hike is an adventure even for the little ones: there are 15 little houses with stamps on the way up to the Moosalm. The return journey is a leisurely walk through the forest and along the forest path back to Filzmoos. As soon as you reach the road, follow the signs for a short distance to the UNICEF Herzerlweg (Path of Hearts) trail and return to the valley station via this trail.
Stop off at the MOOSALM: Known for its fantastic cuisine and extraordinary floral splendour, a refreshment stop here is almost a must. The two dairymaids Johann and Marlene are committed to using only regional produce in their cooking - and the twin sisters do this really well! Be sure to try their alpine cuisine. My favourites: The homemade juices made from blackberries and currants and the delicious wild mushroom dishes. Enjoy the flavour! 😉
More details:
Walking time: 2 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 330 metres
Link to the tour: https://www.filzmoos.at/en/tours/no-11-moosalm-childrens-walk.html
TIP: Perfect for families: the Moosalm stamp booklet is available from the Filzmoos Tourist Office. (NOT SUITABLE FOR PUSHCHAIRS)
2. Hofalm Circular Tour with Almsee Lake:
You've probably might have already heard of THE excursion destination at the foot of the imposing Bischofsmütze and now, on holiday, the destination is within reach. The beauty of the alpine pasture area in the Hofalm fascinates me time and time again. An idyllic hiking trail that you can experience with all your senses - that's how I describe the short but beautiful tour towards the end of the valley to my friends. Especially early in the morning, when most people are still tossing and turning in bed, I enjoy the wonderful peace and quiet in the forest. Imagine standing amid the trees, the birds greeting the day with loud chirping, the first rays of sunshine illuminating the deep green forest floor, breathing in the fresh and soothing air and then tasting the bright red wild strawberries, which simply taste delicious. A feast for all the senses - can you feel it? About the tour: The best place to start is at the Hofalm toll station. The ‘Hofalm nature and hiking trail’ takes you leisurely through the forest, which slowly gets your body going. The trail continues through lush green meadows and forests behind the Wallehenhof to the Hofalm. The striking Bischofsmütze with its distinctive shape appears again and again. Shortly before the destination, the paths fork: on the right, the path leads to the Oberhofalm, on the left to the Unterhofalm. This fork in the path marks almost the end of the hike and offers the opportunity to choose between two beautiful mountain pastures.
Walk along the marvellous circular trail from the Oberhofalm via the Almsee to the Unterhofalm or in the opposite direction. The Almsee, a small, idyllic mountain lake, is picturesquely situated at the foot of the Bischofsmütze, where 3 of the 17 power spots in Filzmoos are also located. You can find out which ones HERE.
Refreshment stop at the UNTERHOFALM: Did you know that the Unterhofalm was declared the ‘most beautiful alpine hut in the Alps’ in 1996? See for yourself and enjoy the scenery at the foot of the mighty Bischofsmütze. Fine delicacies are also served at the Unterhofalm.
and OBERHOFALM: The over 350-year-old Oberhofalm is located just below the Unterhofalm. #funfact: Yes, you read that right. The Unterhofalm is at the top and the Oberhofalm is at the bottom. However, this has to do with the farms in Filzmoos. Because the ‘Oberhof’ is located above the ‘Unterhof’. 😉 The two huts are the oldest huts in Filzmoos and together are approx. 600 years old.
You will also be spoilt with delicious culinary delights at the Oberhofalm - with homemade alpine specialities and regional dishes including a special atmosphere and a view of the Queen of the Mountains.
My personal tip: try the excellent spinach dumplings. Enjoy your meal!
More details:
Walking time: 2.5 hours
Elevation gain: 300 metres
Link to the tour: https://www.filzmoos.at/en/tours/no-13-natural-and-hiking-trail-hofalm.html
TIP: Take a sip of the marvellous, good spring water of the ‘Meeräugl-Quelle’ from the fountain trough in front of the Bögrainalm.
3. Hachau Circular Tour:
An absolute insider tip and a tour with unbeatable views of the Dachstein range is the hike to the Filzmoos district of Hachau. Fiaker Schorsch – Filzmoos legend and horse & carriage driver - describes Hachau as ‘the gateway to the giants of our mountains.’
About the tour: You start the tour at the Filzmoos village square, walk towards the roundabout and follow the road towards Ramsau to the ‘Aumühle’. Cross the bridge opposite the ‘Aumühle’ and follow the path along the forest to ‘Haus Rabenbichl’. Before the road ascends into the Hachau, turn right and walk along the gravel road next to the ‘warme Mandling’ stream. Keep left and pass the pasture gate. From the log cabin, the path climbs moderately up to the small Hachau high plateau.
This beautiful spot scores points not only for its peace and quiet, but above all for its breathtaking views of the imposing Dachstein range.
The JAUSENSTATION SCHNITZBERG is a little gem high above Filzmoos, a perfect destination for hikers looking for cosiness and a quiet spot. From the sun terrace you have an unrivalled view of the mountain village of Filzmoos as well as the Schladminger Tauern to the south and the mighty Hochkönig to the west. In good weather and on a clear day, you can even see the Watzmann mountain. Down-to-earth fare, from a hearty snack - with many products from our own farm - to a sweet temptation: a delicious Kaiserschmarren, is available from Elfi at Schnitzberg. ‘Enjoy it!’
After a relaxing stop, follow the forest road to the ‘Lassbauern’ and then a little steeper downhill, past the Hotel Alpenkrone, back to Filzmoos.
More details:
Walking time: 2.5 hours
Elevation gain: 260 metres
Link to the tour: https://www.filzmoos.at/en/tours/ivv-hachau-runde.html
TIP: Take a detour to the reservoir in Filzmoos - a perfect place for hot days. Simply follow the ‘warm Mandling’ to the reservoir and from there you will reach the high plateau in Hachau again.
Did you know that there is also a world championship in hiking?
In addition to my top 3 ‘short hikes’ in Filzmoos, I would also like to draw your attention to a special event: The Hiking World Championships. Because our mountain village will be a hotspot for hiking enthusiasts from all over the world in September 2024.
The Hiking World Championships in Filzmoos is a unique event organised by the IVV (International People’s Sports Association) or OEVV (Austrian People’s Sports Association) and takes place in a different location in Austria every year. Hiking enthusiasts of different ages and fitness levels come together at this event to celebrate their passion for hiking.
Over three days, participants complete three predetermined routes of around 5, 10 and 20 kilometres, followed by a final marathon of 42 kilometres on the last day. Participants can have their hiking passes stamped at special stamping stations to document the kilometres they have covered. The main focus is on hiking as many kilometres as possible, which is rounded off with meeting like-minded people and enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Filzmoos. The event is complemented by an extensive supporting programme, an opening ceremony, award ceremony, information stands and live music.
Everyone is invited to this event - even children accompanied by an adult can take part. The programme for the three days and further information can be found below.
photo credits: Sabrina Reisenberger, DanielIrkes, Filzmoos Tourismus