Gamssteinrunde

The Gamsstein is a 1,774-meter high mountain in the Ybbstal Alps. The border between the federal states of Styria and Lower Austria runs over the mountain. The Gamsstein can be reached via easy trails from Palfau or the Sandgraben near Hollenstein an der Ybbs in about two and a half to three hours each. Usually, visitors go to the 1,770 m high summit where the summit cross stands and enjoy a magnificent mountain panorama!

The highest point of the Gamsstein, the Hochkogel, is about 250 meters southwest of this and can be easily reached via trail tracks. The Gamsstein is often climbed as a ski tour in winter, usually from Palfau, with ascent and descent following the fall line of the summit cross over the Hühneriegel. Slightly southwest and separated by a notch lies the 1,766 m high Gamssteineck. A wonderfully colorful and diverse alpine flora accompanies the hiker.

Palfau, town center

Route description Gamssteinrunde

Outbound: From the center of Palfau, go west on the paved access road to the church parking lot (parking available for cars). Then follow the paved road to the Bergbauer farmstead. Head north, following the markings over moderately steep meadows and mixed forest terrain to the TVN Palfau Naturfreundehütte. Continue north through sparse high forest following the summer path markings over the Hühneriegel to the forest edge. On the now gentler, rounded ridge until it transitions between two large, steep cirques to the summit slope. Climb between the rock on the left side (west) and the steep summit slope falling into the cirque on the right (east) up to the ridge and traverse about 20m west to the summit cross. On the ridge about 200m west to the summit of Hochkogel, 1,774m.

Return: Head northeast on the marked trail 284(64) following the Lower Austrian/Styria border over the ridge of the Gamsstein massif, through idyllic high alpine pastures to the junction of trails 64 to Hollenstein/Lower Austria and 284(63) to Palfau/Styria. Then south on the old alpine path 284(63), past the remains of a former night pen for grazing cattle and a hunting hut on the Moar-(high)alm. Over a moderately steep, initially slightly rocky trail and then through high forest terrain on trail 284(63) to the Moar-(lower)alm. From the forest road junction at Moar-(lower)alm, follow the forestry road 284(63) which now coincides with the Schwärzer circular trail R6 leading into the valley, heading southeast to Mühlbauern Kogel. Follow the marked trail 284(63) to the forest edge and then further to the post office Palfau or GH Stiegenwirt.