Circular trek across Mount Zeiritzkampel

Ascent of Mount Zeiritzkampel in the Ennstal Alps

Starting point

Forest car park behind the town of Kalwang. Parking is only permitted during the day, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in summer and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in spring and autumn.
 

Description of the hike

After an evening conversation with the park rangers, who kicked us out of the forest car park for nature conservation reasons, we spent the night in a small car park just outside the town of Kalwang. In the morning, we returned to the original car park and set off into the mountains along the marked trail.

It first leads through a beautiful valley, where the bellowing of deer constantly echoes. Gradually, the surrounding peaks are bathed in the first rays of the sun, and views of the Seckau Tauern mountains begin to open up. The wide path leads all the way to the Achneralm mountain huts. Further on, the trail becomes a classic mountain path. First, we climbed up a meadow, then entered the forest for a while. Just above the tree line is the Brunnecksattel pass. Here we took a break, which we spent picking blueberries and enjoying the views of the surrounding mountains. We could also see that a very steep climb awaited us.

From the saddle, we continued towards Mount Zeiritzkampel. The climb up the slope of this mountain is really very steep and quite challenging. This was followed by a short ridge, followed by another very steep climb. We were now basically on the summit ridge. Following it, we reached the very top of Mount Zeiritzkampel. Here we took a break and enjoyed the views in all directions. Unfortunately, active but very noisy Austrian pensioners also reached the summit from the other side, which spoiled the otherwise wonderful experience a little.

After resting, we began our descent. A comfortable trail led us to the Zeiritztörl saddle. Here we said goodbye to the views of the surrounding mountains and also to the marked trail. From the saddle, we began to descend along an unmarked but clear path into the valley. The descent was pleasant, and we refilled our water bottles at the mountain hut, which was refreshing on a hot day. From the hut, the trail descends steeply in short switchbacks. Eventually, we joined a wide path, which took us back to the car park without any problems.
 

Difficulty

A classic mountain trek, the entire route follows forest or mountain trails. The descent follows an unmarked but clearly visible trail. The ascent of Zeiritzkampel from the Brunnecksattel saddle is relatively demanding. It is a very steep climb, but technically easy.
 

Water availability

There is a strong spring near the Jagdhütte Zeiritz mountain hut during the descent from the summit. There are also some streams during the ascent to the Brunnecksattel pass. Otherwise, it is necessary to carry at least 1.5 litres of water per person.
 

Sleeping options

We spent the night in the car. We originally wanted to sleep right in the forest car park, but the park rangers chased us away because overnight parking is prohibited there. So we had to drive closer to the town of Kalwang.
 

Mountain peaks

The summit of Zeiritzkampel, at 2,125 metres above sea level, offers fantastic views in all directions. You can see all the eastern mountain ranges of the Alps – Rax Alpe, Hochschwab. Further afield are the Ennstal Alps, Rottenmann Tauern, Totes Gebirge and even Dachstein.
 

Danger

The entire route follows mountain trails that are easily passable. There are a few rocky sections in the highest parts, but they are not difficult. The descent along the unmarked trail from the ridge is also quite comfortable, as the trail is well trodden and descends into the valley in serpentines.
 

Food

There are no huts along the route, so it is necessary to bring your own supplies.