The Königsweg stage 1 (Maria Alm - Dienten)

STAGE 1: FROM MARIA ALM TO DIENTEN

Take the Natrun cable car up to Maria Alm’s local mountain – the starting point of your hike. Follow trail no. 401A past the forest ropes course to the picturesque Prinzensee, where the mountain panorama is reflected in the water. Continue on a two-way shared trail to the Jufenalm – watch out for mountain bikers here. Crossing alpine meadows and a short forest section, you’ll reach Pichlhof, then follow its access road downhill to the main road and cross it.

Walk about 100 meters along the Urslau stream, cross a small bridge, and follow the idyllic Auweg path to Hinterthal. Just before the church in the village center, turn right onto trail no. 401A toward Aueralm and Mußbachalm. After a relaxed break with local delicacies, continue on the old, almost treeless alpine path uphill to the junction with the Austrian Alpine Club trail no. 436 – a perfect spot for a last view of the eastern Steinernes Meer.

On trail no. 401A/436, hike across alpine paths, trails, and a high moor to Pichlalm. After a short rest, take trail no. 68 toward Filzensattel, from where the hiking bus conveniently takes you to Dienten.

Optional: On foot to Dienten Cross the Hochkönig main road and follow the path uphill to the forest road (trail no. 50) toward Grünegg – Gabühel. After about 2 km, reach the junction with trail no. 52 to Dienten, descending across open terrain. In the valley, the first houses come into view before the path leads back into the forest and eventually meets a paved road. Follow it to the Almhäusl snack station, then continue toward Dienten. Soon you’ll see the village entrance, pass the ski center (with the tourist office), and from a small rise enjoy the view of the village church. Additional walking time: approx. 1 hour.

Self-assessment: Check your physical fitness before every mountain tour and correctly assess your strength as well as that of your companions - especially those of your children! Surefootedness and a head for heights are often very important!
Planning and preparation: Plan each intended mountain tour in detail beforehand. Hiking maps and guides as well as information from alpine associations and local experts such as mountain guides and mountain hut keepers can be helpful.
Equipment: On the mountain, you will need appropriate equipment and clothing, especially sturdy, high shoes with good grip soles. Weather and cold protection are essential, as the weather can often change unexpectedly.
Weather forecasts: Take note of the current weather conditions at: www.zamg.at
Together: Follow the 10 rules for the correct handling of grazing animals and do not leave any waste in nature!
Do not kick stones: Do not kick stones as this can seriously endanger other hikers. Marked places with a danger of falling rocks should be crossed as quickly as possible and with attention and caution.
Turn back in good time: This is not a disgrace, but a sign of common sense. It becomes necessary when the weather changes, fog rolls in, and also when the path is too difficult or not in good condition.

Emergency numbers: Alpine emergency call: 140, International emergency call: 112, Rescue: 144

Coming from Salzburg: Take the A10 motorway to the Bischofshofen exit, then take the B311 towards Bischofshofen. Follow the Hochkönig Bundesstraße/B164 to Maria Alm.

Coming from Innsbruck/ Kufstein: Take the Loferer Straße/B178 in the direction of St. Johann i.T., then follow the Hochkönig Bundesstraße/B164 via Saalfelden to Maria Alm.

A valid vignette is required to use the Austrian motorway and motorway network. It is also compulsory to carry a first-aid kit, warning triangle and high-visibility waistcoat. Further information can be found under Asfinag.

ÖBB-Scotty: Timetable information
Bus line 620: Timetable information
Hiking bus: Timetable information

Further information on hikes and activities in the Hochkönig region:

For detailed information about hiking maps, the opening hours of the cable cars and the huts and mountain pastures in summer, we recommend you visit the local service centre. There you will not only receive the hiking map, but also valuable tips on the best hiking routes and current conditions.

Opening hours of the mountain lifts in summer: The mountain lifts offer different opening hours during the summer months, which can vary depending on the weather and season. Please check the current operating times in advance.

Opening hours of huts & mountain huts in summer: The huts and mountain huts in the region are ideal rest stops for hikers. Here, too, opening hours may vary depending on the season and day of the week. Ask the friendly hosts for advice about the offers and specialities on site.

For more information, please visit our website: www.hochkoenig.at.

If you have any questions or require specific information, please do not hesitate to contact us:

- E-mail: region@hochkoenig.at

- Telephone: +43 (0)6584 20388

We look forward to helping you and hope you enjoy exploring the beautiful Hochkönig hiking region!

Start early and take a break at Prinzensee – in calm weather, the Steinerne Meer is perfectly reflected in the water. Perfect for a panoramic photo!