Circular Hike to Mount Hochanger

Summer Hike to Mount Hochanger in the Hochschwab Mountains

Starting point

Parking lot at the Seeberg Pass. Parking is free.
 

Description of the hike

From the parking lot at the Seebergsattel mountain pass, we set out along a wide forest trail toward Mount Hochanger. The trail gradually gained elevation, and through gaps in the trees, views of the Hochschwab mountain range and the surrounding peaks gradually opened up. We walked a little over one kilometer along the wide trail. Then we turned onto a forest trail. It climbs quite steeply right from the start. Although the trail isn’t marked in any way, it’s clearly defined and there’s no problem finding your way. We were actually climbing along the forested ridge of the mountain. Following the trail, we reached the summit of Karlkögerl. Here, thanks to the meadows, views of the summit of Hochanger opened up. We descended slightly across the meadows, followed by another steeper ascent to the mountain ridge. By then, we had gradually risen above the tree line, so views opened up in all directions. We then walked across the meadows, passing through a herd of cows, all the way to the summit of Hochanger. There, we rested in the company of the cows and enjoyed the beautiful views.

Then we set off back. This time, we followed the marked trail. It leads steeply across the meadows, once again past herds of cows. The descent is steep all the way down to the Göriacher Alm. Here, we turned onto a wide forest road. After a short while, we descended along a narrow trail winding through hairpin turns. It rejoined the wide forest path, and we continued our descent along it into a beautiful valley. We reached the first houses in the valley along the road. Then came the final ascent back to the parking lot at the Seebergsattel pass.

 

Difficulty

By Alpine standards, this is an easier hike, as the total elevation gain isn’t that great. Although the route leads off the marked trails, the path is clearly visible, so finding your way isn’t a problem. There are a few short, steeper sections, but they won’t be a problem for a healthy hiker. The descent from the summit to the mountain huts is also relatively steep. The route is ideal for families with children.
 

Water availability

The Strobl-Hütte pub is located near the Göriacher Alm mountain hut. Otherwise, you'll need to bring your own supplies.
 

Sleeping options

Accommodations are available in the villages in the valleys at the foot of the mountains.
 

Mountain peaks

From the Hochanger mountain (1,682 m above sea level), there is a magnificent view of the Hochschwab Mountains, the Veitschalpe, the Ötscher, and many others.
 

Danger

Technically, the route poses no problems; it follows wide paths or forest trails. The only issue is the curious cows grazing in the meadows around the summit. They can be particularly dangerous when a dog is nearby. There have already been several reported cases where cows attacked hikers because of a dog.
 

Food

The Strobl-Hütte is along the route, but we didn't stop there, so I don't know if they serve food there. That's why it's important to bring your own snacks.