Windischgarsten from Molln (Bodinggraben, Jaidhaus), riding tour

Description:

The riding tour starts at the Jaidhaus parking lot in Breitenau near Molln. Always accompanying the Krumme Steyrling, the riding route leads on gravel into the most beautiful valley end of the Kalkalpen National Park, the Bodinggraben. Here you can refresh yourself at the Jagahäusl. The ride continues initially still on a forest road towards Schaumbergalm/Steyrsteg. At the first hairpin bend, the riding route turns south towards the Windischgarsten valley. Across the Steyrsteg, a valley breakthrough between Sengsen- and Hintergebirge, true national park feeling becomes tangible. Please note the short lead section at Steyrsteg! Here be sure to dismount, the path is very narrow and the terrain slopes down to the stream. The area around the Steyrsteg bivouac site offers an ideal resting place for rider and horse. After a short break, it goes further uphill, over a pasture, past the alpine building of the Rumpelmayerreith to the Haslersgatter. Here the highest point of the tour is reached. On a farm road it initially goes on gravel - later on asphalt - downhill to Wurbauerkogel. Here Windischgarsten is already in sight. The riding path leads further down the Salzatal valley towards Windischgarsten, the endpoint of the tour.

The shortest way back to the Bodinggraben runs along the same route.

Alternatively, pick-up in Windischgarsten of rider and horse can be arranged at Mayrwinkl_1 parking lot or at Villa Sonnwend National Park Lodge parking lot.

Directions:
The route starts at the Jaidhaus in Breitenau near Molln. Following the Krumme Steyrling almost entirely along gravel roads, it leads into the Bodinggraben, the most beautiful valley end in the Kalkalpen National Park. Here the valley opens up and the view falls on the steep northern cliffs of the Sengsengebirge. In front is the picturesque ensemble of buildings of the former Counts Lamberg, with the managed Jagahäusl, the Adjunktenstöckl, the Rosalia Chapel, and the forest house Bodinggraben. Past the Jagahäusl you ride about 200 meters to the Schwarzgraben car park and here turn left onto the forest road leading uphill towards Schaumbergalm/Steyrsteg. At the first hairpin turn, leave the forest road, keep right towards Steyrsteg/Windischgarsten. The initially still wide path leads at Steyrsteg into a narrow trail, about 1 meter wide at the narrowest point. Here it is absolutely necessary to dismount and lead the horse! (Also expect oncoming mountain bikers and hikers). Only a short stretch remains to the Steyrsteg bivouac site, a welcome resting place for rider and horse. The path continues on a forest road, following the Rumpelmayerbach over a pasture (cows are accustomed to horses) to Haslersgatter. Here, at 1154 meters, the highest point of the riding tour is reached. From now on it goes downhill, initially on gravel, on a little-used farm road to Wurbauerkogel. At the road junction keep right and after a few meters again right following the signposts down the Salzatal valley towards Windischgarsten.Tip:

Please do not forget to save the route "offline" before setting off (top right), as mobile reception in the forest wilderness of the national park is not always available.

Safety guidelines:

Use of riding paths is at your own risk. Scenic elements (mountains, valleys, rocks, gorges…) are natural hazards and require reserves in time planning.

 

Riding rules:

- Riding in the national park is allowed from 15.04. to 31.10. - on other riding paths year-round - from two hours after sunrise until one hour before sunset.

- Only ride on marked routes! Riding is a special nature experience. Wild animals do not run away from the rider. They consider him a strange type of animal. However, horses are not always predictable when meeting animals, hikers and cyclists. Therefore, riding is only permitted in the national park on marked riding routes!

- Please reliably close all pasture gates again.

- Many riding routes are also designated as cycle paths. Always expect oncoming cyclists or motor vehicles.

- Some routes are long and terrain is partly steep. Please do not overestimate yourself and your horse and do not forget enough provisions.

- Please understand that compliance with the usage instructions as well as possession of a valid day or annual badge will be checked.

Equipment:

Riding badge

A day badge costs € 5.00 per day, a yearly badge € 30.00 per year.

The yearly and day badges are available at the Kalkalpen National Park visitor centers and at riding operations in the region.

More information:  https://www.pferdeland-nationalpark.at/

Additional information:

https://www.pferdeland-nationalpark.at/