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Wanderpass Challenge: Peter Wiechenthaler Hut
Five years ago I would not have hiked this route to the Peter Wiechenthaler Hut so confidently. With the 900 meters of altitude to overcome, I had a lot of respect for this hike. Probably because I didn't have much mountain experience. This has changed in the meantime and so the hut has become a fixed point of every hiking autumn for me. It's a great thing that you can also find a stamp for the Wanderpass Challenge there.
High above Saalfelden
At 1,752 m, the Peter Wiechenthaler Hütte towers over Saalfelden on the Kienalkopf. You can already see it from the valley and you already know then that the view from the top will be simply wonderful. The hike is marked with a walking time of about two and a half hours, which you should also plan as a normal hiker. There are of course - as always here - many hiking trails that lead to the hut. I walked the one we recommend, which starts at the parking lot in Bachwinkl. In summer it is advisable to start early in the morning, because the second part of the hike is already above the timberline and there it can be very hot when you get into the midday heat. In autumn you can start a little later.
The start of the hike
I arrived at the starting point of my hike at 8:30 am on this beautiful Saturday in late September. The hike constantly leads uphill. The first half of the trail runs through the forest. Sometimes you can already see Saalfelden through the trees and the Hohe Tauern in the background. The sun winks through the branches and leaves and it promises to be a brilliant hiking day.
The second part
After about an hour you reach the Way of the Cross. Here the various hiking trails come together and split up again. From here you can either continue via the classic path or via the shadow side or the more difficult "Jagasteig". For the ascent, I decide to take the classic path, as it simply offers the best views. From this point you soon leave the protective forest behind you and you can see Saalfelden, Lake Zell and Leogang beneath you.
I am here for the view...
This hike pays off especially on clear days, because I mention the wonderful view all the time, not without reason. Especially in autumn you have a crystal clear view. The view stretches from Saalfelden and the Schwalbenwand, over the Zeller lake, the Schmittenhöhe and the Kitzsteinhorn. If you look further west, you can see the Biberg, Leogang with the Asitz, the Spielberhorn and the Leoganger Steinberge.
... and because of the food!
The innkeeper Christiane and her team ensure that after the effort the physical well-being is taken care of. I rewarded myself with a portion of fried egg with bacon and as a dessert i enjoyed Buchteln with vanilla sauce. And what can I say: It simply tastes best on the mountain!
At the Peter Wiechenthaler hut you can also spend the night. So if you want to experience a breathtaking sunrise and sunset in the mountains, this is the right place!
And I almost forgot!
Before I' m off back down into the valley, I quickly get the stamp for my hiking passport. It already looks pretty good, what do you think? :-)
