Hike with us - our favorite routes in the Alps
Favorite hiking tours of our employees
Whether easy, intermediate or expert – our employees revealed their favorite hiking routes to us. Follow Caro to the top of Persailhorn in Saalfelden, Rici to the shore of beautiful Berglisee in Ischgl or Stephan to the peak of the Steirische Kalkspitze in Styria.
Persailhorn via Wiechenthaler Hut, Saalfelden
Favorite hiking tour of Caro Egger
Caro Egger – shop employee in Saalfelden
- My favorite tour: Persailhorn via the Wiechenthaler hut – Steinernes Meer, Saalfelden
- Actual hiking time: 3-4 hours to the Wiechenthaler hut, 3 hours for the ascent of the Persailhorn via the south via ferrata
- Elevation gain: 1530 vm
- Difficulty: intermediate – difficult
- Starting point: Pabing-Bachwinkl car park
- Refreshment points: Wiechenthaler Hut
Why is it your favorite mountain?
As a native of Saalfelden, the Steinernes Meer and its stunning views represent the essence of home to me. The two via ferratas leading to the summit offer unique variety and challenges. The South Wall Via Ferrata (difficulty B/C) and the Wildental Via Ferrata (difficulty B/C) are both exciting climbs.
What is your favorite magic moment on this tour?
On the Persailhorn, the Madonna "watches over" the Steinernes Meer. Standing up there at the summit beneath her, and enjoying the panorama, is a truly special and magical moment for me!
What makes this hike so special to you?
The combination of a via ferrata tour with a summit conquest and a scenic hike to the Wiechenthaler hut is a popular choice no matter whether you are a little bit younger or older. During friendly get-togethers up there, you often meet familiar faces or get to know new, fellow mountain enthusiasts.
Berglisee – Ischgl, Mathon
Favorite hiking route of Rici Bucsek
Rici Bucsek – shop employee at Pardatschgratbahn Ischgl
- My favorite tour: Berglisee – Ischgl, Mathon
- Actual hiking time: 1 1/2 hours via the Larein Alpe (Galtür)
- Vertical gain: 750 vm
- Difficulty: easy
- Starting point: Larein Alpe in Galtür
Why is this your favorite hiking route?
The Berglisee, located at an elevation of 2115 meters, above the Ischgl hamlet of Mathon, is generally considered one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Tyrol. The small lake captivates with its incredible color in an idyllic setting.
What is your favorite magic moment on this tour?
My magic moment is the view of that turquoise lake, surrounded by beautiful nature. Describing the unique color of Berglisee isn't easy, but I can explain where it gets its fantastic blue-turquoise hue from: Rising up behind the lake is an impressive alpine cirque, known as the Bergler Loch, with a glacier hidden below its large boulders.
What makes this hike so special to you?
The easy climb isn't too challenging and is suitable for almost all fitness levels. The hike to the lake is great for families and dogs, or you can even combine it with a mountain bike ride for an extra dose of fun.
Gernkogel in Walchen near Zell am See
Favorite hiking route of Marion Puchler
Marion Puchler - deputy shop manager, Schmittental Zell am See
- My favorite tour: Gernkogel - Piesendorf/Walchen
- Actual hiking time: ca. 2.5 hours
- Elevation gain: ca. 1000 vm
- Difficulty: intermediate
- Starting point: Röderlehen car park in Walchen
- Refreshment points: The Sonnberg hut - hands down, they have the best cheese dumplings and buttermilk with cranberries you'll find anywhere around!
Why is it your favorite hiking tour?
It's my local mountain, and I look up at it every day. My Border Collie, Ylvi, and I usually head out really early to enjoy the fresh morning air and solitude. No talking, just taking it all in and experiencing nature even more intensely.
What is your favorite magic moment on this tour?
Sipping on my tea on the summit is such a treat. From here, you get an amazing view of the Hohe Tauern and Grossvenediger. On the other side, I can look out over Saalbach-Hinterglemm, the Kaisergebirge, and the Steinernes Meer.
What makes this hike so special to you?
It's dog-friendly with lots of variety: During the descent, you have the option of following the beautiful "Pinzgau Walk" to the Schmittenhöhe and then riding the gondola down. If you stop by the Bründl Sports Shop at the valley station, you might even run into me!
What are your must-haves for this hike?
I always bring my thermos filled with tea and fresh-squeezed oranges, treats for my dog, hiking poles, and a warm insulated jacket. Pro tip: Bring binoculars to fully appreciate the stunning mountain views!
Steirische Kalkspitze (2433m) via the Kranzl
Favorite hiking route of Stephan Stocker
Stephan Stocker – shop employee Planai Schladming
- My favorite peak: Steirische Kalkspitze (2433m) via the Kranzl
- Actual hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Elevation gain: 926 vm
- Difficulty: expert
- Starting point: Ursprungalm
- Refreshment points: Giglachsee hut and Ursprungalm
Why is it your favorite hiking tour?
This hike has everything I want from a challenging mountain tour: A demanding ascent, some easy clambering (as long as you have a head for heights and are surefooted), and a sensational 360-degree panoramic view of Styria and Salzburg.
What is your favorite magic moment on this tour?
There's an exposed spot on the way to the summit that once took a lot of courage for me to overcome. After a few minutes of getting focused, and munching on an apple, I faced up to the challenge and celebrated a beautiful summit conquest. Now, every time I pass that same spot, I'm reminded of that amazing moment.
What are your must-haves for this tour?
High-quality hiking gear, good footwear, plenty of water, and a small snack for the summit. In my case, that would be Manner wafers!
