Stage 06 From Glacier to Wine South Route Gollinghütte - Preintalerhütte

From the Gollinghütte (Tel. +43 676 5336288), this stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine begins with a sustained ascent. The trail climbs in numerous switchbacks over rocky steps and mountain slopes, passing a small mountain lake on the left before reaching the Greifenbergsattel. Depending on the time of year, the final metres below the saddle may still be covered with snow, as the slope often retains snowfields well into the hiking season.

After the long climb, hikers are rewarded with a breathtaking panorama that is likely to remain etched in memory for years to come. From the Greifenbergsattel, one of the finest viewpoints in the Schladminger Tauern, an extraordinary view opens across the Klafferkessel with its countless lakes and tarns.

Dominating the landscape are the dark-green, deeply sculpted slopes of the Waldhorn, which form a dramatic backdrop to the glacial basin. Below, the numerous lakes shimmer amidst carpets of moss and alpine vegetation, spread across different levels of the terrain. Further east rises the summit of the Hochwildstelle, while beneath it the striking green slopes of the Himmelreich create a beautiful contrast to the rugged mountain scenery.

The route then continues steeply downhill towards the Obere Klafferscharte. The descent follows an alpine path with a series of steep switchbacks, with the uppermost section secured by fixed ropes. Once in the basin of the Klafferkessel, the trail traverses a remarkable landscape of moss-covered ground, crystal-clear lakes, and glacial formations before reaching the Untere Klafferscharte.

Passing the Unterer Klaffersee, the route descends over a short section of scree and gravel into the alpine landscape of the Lämmerkar. After crossing the Waldhornbach stream, we continue on the Central Alpine Trail 02, following increasingly gentle meadow paths down towards the Preintalerhütte (Tel. +43 664 1448881) and the Waldhornalm (Tel. +43 3687 61475).

Tip: As this stage traverses high-alpine terrain, it is well worth asking the hut hosts for the latest weather forecast and trail conditions before setting out on the next stage towards the Putzentalalm.