Schrattenbach - Schrattenstein ruin and Hexen gate

From the parking lot at the old castle pond, we continue along the road to the Lenzhof. Here, the red and blue marked hiking trail branches off. The path passes the red deer enclosure and turns into a hollow path. We hike uphill on the hollow path and reach the rocks that form a short gorge. Below the castle rock, the path continues uphill; at the junction with a turnoff to the ruin, we stay on the red marking and hike a little further. At the next junction, we keep left, continuing on the red marking. The wide hiking trail turns into a narrow path that runs through light beech forest. We reach a small saddle; our designated path leads downhill to the left towards the ruin.
To reach the Hexen gate and Witch Tower, we continue straight ahead at the saddle and descend a short steep section. The Witch Tower with the Hexen gate is right on the path. To get to the ruin, simply hike back uphill to the turnoff.
The path to the ruin continues through beech forest and reaches the entrance to the ruin where we keep right. We come to a rest area and an information board. Across a bridge, you ascend to the castle gate.
The ruin is freely accessible and the individual areas are marked. Walking around the site is quite interesting. Watch the children; the paths are steep within the site.
For the return, go back through the castle gate onto the access path and always keep right until you meet the red marked hiking trail you came on.
There is an info point Natura 2000 about the flora-fauna habitat Schneeberg - Hohe Wand - Rax at the parking lot by the castle pond.

Alternatively, visit the ruin first and then pass by the Witch Tower and Hexen gate on the way back to Schrattenbach - we do not have photos for this as it was not done.