Front, Middle, Rear Gstemmerspitze, Planneralm

Route description:   See also detailed "Time-Route Diagram in the image gallery".

ASCENT: From the parking lot in front of the Tauernhaus (1588 m) to the lift line and to a visible signpost at about 1600 m. Here turn left onto the well-marked path (path 17), cross the stream and reach a haul road (1745 m). Cross this and go over a steep step (1805 m) through larch corridors to the wide south slope. Through blueberry bushes and finally through steep meadows to the ridge at 2045 m. Quickly left (path 16) to the Rear Gstemmerspitze 2090 m, the first peak. Down to the saddle at 2050 m, a small counter-ascent and now somewhat more alpine to the Middle Gstemmerspitze 2104 m. Here the route ends for hikers. The ridge descent to the Franzosenkreuz is very demanding grade I-II and only suitable on dry grass. After rain or during dew it is not recommended, as it becomes very dangerous and the difficulties increase sharply. Follow the path traces, passing a ridge tower on the right to the low point at about 1995 m. Then easier through partly narrow larch corridors to the Franzosenkreuz at about 2055 m. Slightly down and easy to a forepeak (~2085 m). Now steep and demanding again (I-II) to the notch at about 2060 m and partly steep and exposed to the Front Gstemmerspitze 2136 m. 750 m ascent and about 1 3/4 hours brisk walking, except at the steep sections, where always climb carefully.

DESCENT: Back to the Franzosenkreuz 2055 m and now follow the path traces on the broad ridge downwards to the right. At about 1920 m a steep step, continue straight on. (As of 2015, the track was lost but is now marked on more recent maps and can be used for orientation).

We reach a vegetated haul road, which we follow left to the Tauernhaus 1588 m and the parking lot. 65 m descent and about 1 1/4 hours descent time.

Total: 815 m ascent and almost 3 1/4 hours walking time.