KoasaTrail E1

First, you hike to the district of Hinterkaiser in St. Johann in Tirol, past mighty Unterinntal farms with constant views of the Wilder Kaiser and Niederkaiser ridge. Once you arrive at the Landcafé Hinterkaiser (closed on Monday and Tuesday), the hike leads you to the hermitage Maria Blut (about 45 minutes) – this wonderful place has been inhabited by hermits for more than 300 years. Along a narrow path, you ascend to the Gmail chapel (about 1 hour 15 minutes) – a high baroque chapel built into the rock face above St. Johann in Tirol.

The hike then continues up to the Niederkaiser ridge. Along the ridge, you walk through a beautiful mixed forest that repeatedly offers impressive views of the Leukental valley. The first stage guides you down a narrow path to Gasteig, passing the Metzger and Bacheralm huts (about 3 hours 30 minutes). When the dairymaid of the Bacheralm is not out in nature searching for the best herbs for her tinctures and juices, she takes care of the well-being of her guests. After a short descent, you arrive in the valley at the edge of the hamlet of Gasteig. At the grill area near the Hotel Gut Kramerhof, you walk into a narrow side valley. A forest road with a short steep climb leads you into an enchanted forest (about 5 hours 30 minutes). First, follow the signpost "Federboden Rundweg - Griesenau," at the next fork keep right towards "Griesenau." Far from hustle and bustle and the sounds of civilization, a magical landscape reveals itself. Through a trail crossing the forest, you reach an alpine pasture area with a direct view of the Wilder Kaiser. From there, you hike about half an hour to the district of Griesenau – the destination of the first stage.

TIP: On the Niederkaiser ridge, before descending to Gasteig, a detour to the Ursulakreuz is worthwhile, about 20 minutes additional walking time.