Traunstein

Description

Traunstein is a lofty, proud rock peak which is clearly visible from many points of the Upper Austrian Prealps, and sometimes also from the highway Linz - Salzburg.

A classical route is the so-called "Naturfreundesteig", a via ferrata which is not very difficult but diversified, with many original passages and leading through a difference in elevation of 1000m to the mountain hut Traunsteinh¸tte (3 hours). From there you can reach the summit in 1/2 hour easy walking. The peak has a huge cross and offers a wonderful view over the lake Traunsee, Gmunden, Ebensee and the Totes Gebirge.

As alternative you can use the Herndlersteig, another via ferrata of similar difficulty and length. You can easily descend via the Lainaugraben, a walking route leading you in less than 3 hours back to the foot of the mountain.

Thanks to Bernhard Noebauer for this description.