Pinzgauer Marienweg stage 11: Dienten - Maria Alm

Hike from Dienten to Hinterthal

Walking times: Dienten – Filzensattel: 2 hrs; Filzensattel – Hinterthal: ¾ hr; Total: 2 ¾ hrs

Start at the Dienten church and walk past the old lime tree. After about half an hour, go steeply upwards toward Filzensattel. The hiking trail merges into a forest road – follow this to the right. After about 3 km, you reach the road to Hinterthal. Turn left and follow the road for about 300 m until the forest road to the “Hochmaisalm” (trail no. 34) branches off on the left. Follow the forest road for 300 m. At the signpost, the hiking trail branches off to the right through the forest – this section is very beautiful, somewhat steep and partly muddy. The path soon meets the road again. Walk 150 m along the road to the right (upwards), then turn left at the signpost down into the forest road. After 200 m turn left (yellow signpost) into a beautiful, gently sloping hollow path (Old Filzen Road). Stay on trail 34 and do not detour onto 34a Auerhalt. The path leads you about 2 km to Hinterthal.

 Hike from Hinterthal to Maria Alm

Walking times: Hinterthal – Jufen: 1 ¼ hrs; Jufen – Maria Alm: 2 hrs; Total: 3 ¼ hrs.

From the Hinterthal church walk downhill. After 500 m, cross the road and pass the Hochmais lift. Follow the gravel road (401A) on the left side of the stream for about 1.5 km. Cross the bridge and walk 100 m to the right, then cross the road again and take the gravel path uphill to the Pichl farmer. 100 m past the Pichl farmer, go steeply right over the meadow to the barn (yellow arrow). After the barn, follow the yellow arrow: first 300 m on the gravel road, then left (watch the arrow!) onto a forest path that leads moderately steeply for about half an hour to the Jufen chapel and the Jufen guesthouse. For the descent: 100 m past the Jufen guesthouse (yellow arrows) turn left, after 100 m turn right again. Keep direction “Natrun” (trail 401A) and lead 150 meters of elevation through the forest over the wooded ridge (Natrun). Then go steeply downhill to Maria Alm. Shorter variant from the Jufen guesthouse: 100 m past the Jufen guesthouse (yellow arrows) turn right (no. 26); a slightly downhill forest road leads you in about ¾ hr towards “Postalm.” From the cable car, switch to no. 401A.

Self-assessment: Before every mountain tour, check your physical fitness and realistically assess your strength as well as that of your companions – especially your children! Surefootedness and a head for heights are often very important!

Planning and preparation: Plan every intended mountain tour carefully in advance. Hiking maps and guides as well as information from alpine clubs and locals like mountain guides and hut hosts can be helpful for this.

Equipment: In the mountains you need appropriate equipment and clothing, especially sturdy, high shoes with a grippy sole. Weather and cold protection are essential; the weather can often change unexpectedly.

Weather forecasts: Check current weather conditions at: zamg.at or www.uwz.at. 

Togetherness: Take note of the 10 rules for proper behaviour around grazing animals and do not leave any rubbish in nature!

Do not dislodge rocks: Do not dislodge rocks because this can seriously endanger other hikers. Areas marked with rockfall risk should be crossed as quickly and attentively and carefully as possible.

Turn back in time: This is not a disgrace but a sign of prudence. It becomes necessary when the weather changes, fog sets in, or the path is too difficult or not in good condition.

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

Arrival coming from Salzburg: On the A10 motorway to the Bischofshofen exit, then on the B311 toward Bischofshofen. Follow the Hochkönig federal road/B164 to Mühlbach and further on to Dienten.
Arrival coming from Innsbruck/Kufstein: On the Loferer road/B178 towards St. Johann i.T., then via the Hochkönig federal road/B164 via Saalfelden and Maria Alm to Dienten or the Filzensattel.
A valid vignette is required for the use of the Austrian motorway and expressway network. The mandatory carrying of a first aid kit, warning triangle and reflective vest also applies. More information can be found at Asfinag.

ÖBB-Scotty: Timetable information
Bus line 620: Timetable information
Bus line 631: Timetable information
Hiking bus: Timetable information

More information on hikes and activities in the Hochkönig region: 

For detailed information on hiking maps, opening times of mountain lifts as well as huts and alpine pastures in summer, we recommend visiting the local service center. There you will not only receive the hiking map but also valuable tips on the best hiking routes and current conditions.

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

Opening times of huts & alpine pastures in summer:  The huts and pastures in the region are ideal rest stops for hikers. The opening times can also vary here depending on the season and day of the week. Let the friendly hosts advise you on the offers and specialties on site.

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

If you have questions or want to get specific information, you can contact us here:

Email: region@hochkoenig.at

Phone: +43 (0)6584 20388

We look forward to helping you and wish you lots of fun exploring the beautiful hiking region of Hochkönig!

A visit to the Nikolaus Church in Dienten as well as the pilgrimage church Maria Alm is an absolute must for you!