Große Gerlitzen Hiking Trail and Panoramic Loop

Grand Gerlitzen Hut and Panorama Loop: This hiking tour combines all the best features of the Gerlitzen as a hiking mountain, from sweeping views to excellent places to stop for refreshments. The Seppl Hut, located at the start of the Gerlitzen Alpine Road at 1,420 meters, is the ideal starting point. Not only is there a great place to stop for refreshments at the end of the hike, but the area near the Birkenhof Lift’s valley station also exudes peace and tranquility. From here, the hiking trail branches off to the left from the access road into the high forest; after a few minutes, follow the signpost to the left again toward the Pöllingerhütte, all the while enjoying fantastic views to the south of the Karawanken, the Julian Alps, and sweeping vistas down to the Carinthian lakes. It is, above all, these fascinating views that make one proud to live in Carinthia or to be a guest here. The rest of the trail is surprisingly varied, offering idyllic moments time and again. Particularly noteworthy are the romantic Treffner Alm, the well-run, rustic Steinwenderhütte, the enchanting Steinerne Tisch—a dreamlike resting spot—and the little spot near the Neugartenstüberl with the Almsee. However, don’t forget to gather your strength here—after all, there are still 400 meters of elevation gain to cover to reach the Gerlitzen summit, before descending with stunning views past the Almkreuz above the Hotel Feuerberg and the Schönfeld settlement. Much to the hikers’ delight, as the excellent cuisine and refreshing drinks at the Seppl Hut make the journey all the more worthwhile.