The destination on a hike was a long time for me the alpine hut and a tasty snack. When I was young, hiking was not exactly one of my favourite pastimes. Yet in the past few years hiking has become really popular and today I see things through different year and head through the scenic landscape consciously. Mother Nature’s not quite ready yet, but I would like to tell you about some of my favourite tours, as at least you you can dream.
The area called the Hofalm is a perfect starting point for many hikes of varying difficulty levels. As at the foot of the Bischofsmütze there stretches as wonderful hiking area. Whether gentle walkers or hikers, families or seniors as well as extreme sports enthusiasts and climbers – everyone’s sure to find their own “spot” in the beautiful Hofalm area.“There are not just many roads to Rome, but to the Hofalm too“ I’ll tell you all about my dreams and my favourite tours to the Hofalm.
A wonderful and idyllic footpath, which is also ideal for families. My absolute favourite tour is the Nature Trail to the Hofalm. For many guests this is their first tour after arriving in Filzmoos. I just love this route, as you can do an extensive hike or just for a “quick” Hofalm tour.
I start off from the Village Square in Filzmoos, along the road towards Hinterwinkl to the toll road. Just before the toll road I cross over the bridge to the right and follow the Leopichl access road a short way until just before a cattle grid. The Hofalm Nature Trail leads off to the left. At first I hike through the forest. In the cool forest in the morning my body gets going. At a gentle pace I head upwards and meet up with the path which leads behind the Wallehengut. From here I carry on alongside meadows and forest and reach the signposted footpath to the Hofalm. Every now and again I pause and conciously enjoy the peace and quiet and do a few breathing exercises, so that my body’s cells are supplied with fresh oxygen.
I head off to the right towards the Oberhofalm past the „Meeräugl Spring“. I drink a sip of the fabulous spring water from the water trough in front of the Bögrainalm. The „Meeräugl-Spring“ has a long history and even a compelling legend. “If you wish to delve into my depths, I’ll gladly swallow you up.“, is a voice supposed to have said from this spring pool, as long ago two shepherds wanted to find out how deep the rock crevice was, out of which the water came. According to legend the mysterious spring doesn’t have a floor and is connected to the sea, therefore its name “Sea’s Eye”. Many people get their water from this spring, me too. It has an enormously high level of energy and said to have healing properties.
Parallel to the gravel track a footpath leads over meadows to the Oberhofalm. From here I come onto the circular path around the Almsee Lake to the Unterhofalm. The idyllic mountain lake lies at the foot of the benevolent queen, the Bischofsmütze. With this fantastic view of the picturesque mountain range I feel I can recharge my batteries. The scenic and very popular trail ends for me at the Unterhofalm, where I’ve earned a reward. The Wanderbus runs from the Oberhofalm back down to Filzmoos.
Once again I start in Filzmoos heading towards the Hofalm. After the „Kenn i di“ bar I cross over a small bridge. The road leads up to the Reithof. I carry on, past the Rettensteinhütte, which is only open in winter. If you don’t want to walk along tarmaced road you you also take the Wanderbus up to the Rettensteinhütte. From the Rettensteinhütte an access road leads to the Ahornegghof. A short way past the Ahornegghof I hike along a forest trail through the woods, until I reach a clearing.
Savouring the fabulous views of the Bischofsmütze, Rötelstein, Hochkönig and in fine weather even the Grossglockner, I still get goosebumps. At the Wallehenhütte a hearty cheese platter and a glass of butter milk should not be missed. For the return route I take the Sulzenalm access road past the Löckenwaldhütte and turn off right onto the somewhat steeper red footpath. In wet weather, however, this path is quite slippery and there are lots of tree roots along the path. The footpath leads in windy bends downhill, until I reach a forest road. The last part is either a short detour off to the left to the Almsee Lake or left off to the Hofalm. From here I take the Wanderbus back to the village.
a little exercise for you: breate in slowly through your nose and breathe out slowly through your mouth, with your lips nearly closed. Close your eyes and repeat the exercise a few times. The exercise ensures relaxation and is a foretaste of whats awaiting you in the fabulous nature in Filzmoos.
Tips & Info: HERE you find hiking tours around Filzmoos