Rauhenberg, Greifenberg, Schladminger Tauern

See also detailed "time-altitude diagram in the image gallery".       

ASCENT: From the barrier parking lot at 1065 m quickly to the INFO point at the GH Riesachfall (1079 m) and slightly rising on the forest road past the Untere Steinwendalm (1218 m). Next comes a bridge (1265 m) slightly down and up to a closed, high gate secured with a chain and carabiner. Close it again and uphill to the end of the forest road (1455 m) under the material cable car. Turn left and follow the good hiking trail to the nearby, already closed Golling hut at 1641 m. 575 m elevation gain and a brisk good 1 1/2 hours walking time.

Down left on path 702 over two stream bridges and the west slope (alder bushes and some larches) ascending in a northeast direction. From about 1910 m to 1930 m there are rungs and rope protections. The path then turns southeast, now always with Hochgolling in view. After a flatter traverse comes a long left curve, at around 2170 m there are more rungs, then many places with snow on the trail. We reach a high point and descend some elevation meters to the Greifenberg saddle. Now off-trail up to the right to a subpeak of Pöllerhöhe (Schottwiegenhöhe 2523 m). The summit itself is too dangerous due to an extremely steep descent into a notch and the north-facing ascent because of snow patches. Still, it's a worthwhile viewpoint, especially good for seeing the further ascent to Greifenberg. Back to the saddle and then easily on the south slope to the cross of Greifenberg (2618 m). 1640 m elevation gain and 4 hours ascent time from the valley, fairly brisk.

TRANSFER and DESCENT: On the ascent path at about 2555 m, go straight ahead and then left below the Rauhenberg ridge to a small notch. Now continue directly on the sharp ridge and before the last ridge summit (~2570 m) bypass it on the left (you would have to rappel if going directly). Into the notch at about 2555 m (II) and up to the Rauhenberg (2585 m) with summit pole. Back to the notch with the crux, return along the ascent path with easy climbing and finally down the marked path 702 to the Golling saddle (2450 m). Descend on the now familiar path to the Golling hut (1641 m) and to the material cable car. Then on the forest road via path 778 into the valley to the start point, about 5.8 km. 80 m elevation loss and 3 1/4 hours walking time.

Total: 1720 m elevation gain and 7 1/4 hours walking time (brisk) over approx. 20.6 km route length.