Let's go

Along the Gschnitzbach to the Laponesalm

The Laponesalm.(Bild: Peter Freiberger)

The Laponesalm is the destination of our tour this time. Depending on the weather, we hike on a rustic trail or on the road to the cozy stop in the Gschnitztal.

If it is not snowing too far down, the path or footpath is the first choice for the approach to the Laponesalm. In this case, we first walk a few meters inwards on the asphalt road. At the material cable car, follow the sign "Steig Laponesalm".

Now follow the (non-asphalted) road inwards. Later, turn right uphill at an unspecified fork in the route.

Over hill and dale, the rustic trail leads comfortably to our destination.(Bild: Peter Freiberger)

Over hill and dale ...
In a right-hand bend at an altitude of around 1350 meters, we then branch off to the left onto the trail. It climbs over hill and dale and then ascends and descends slightly into the valley. The route meets the road - here over the bridge and then immediately left along the marked "Wanderweg Laponesalm" hiking trail along the Gschnitzbach stream. The fact that this trail is only for experienced hikers seems to be greatly exaggerated.

Streams and a waterfall here and there give the route a romantic touch.(Bild: Peter Freiberger)

In any case, the trail leads alongside or above the Gschnitzbach and mostly through the forest, with a waterfall on the left above us being a particular attraction. Finally, we reach beautiful alpine meadows, with the Innere Wetterspitze towering in the foreground in the magnificent rocky basin. Now turn right across the stream to the Laponesalm.

Facts and figures

• Valley town: Gschnitz
• Starting point: paid parking lot (1281 m) directly behind Gasthof Feuerstein in the Gschnitz hamlet of Obertal at the end of the Gschnitztal valley
• Route: rustic trail, (asphalted) road (occasional traffic)
• Equipment: sturdy shoes, poles, hat, possibly gloves
• Requirements: sure-footedness, basic fitness level
• Children: from baby age
• Mountain buggy: for exclusive use of the asphalt road
• Refreshments: Laponesalm (1472 m), open until October 20, closed on Wednesdays, 0664/1634190, www.laponesalm.at
• Public transport: Bus from Steinach train station to the starting point
• Difference in altitude: around 200 m
• Length: around 3.5 or around 3 km climb or path
• Walking time: around 1 1/4 hours or around 50 minutes ascent via path or descent via road; ascent via road slightly shorter than via path

Return via the road
After food and drink, you return to the parking lot on the narrow asphalt road. This route is a great option for those who are out and about with a mountain buggy and in case it snows far down: simply follow the asphalt path from the parking lot to your destination.