L2 Windhager-Trail

Description:
This very special circuit with 8.7km and 433Hm is a real insider tip and for trail runners and the perfect introduction, because the climbs are to be mastered in stages to calm the heart rate again something. It is a real circuit with only a few hundred meters to run on asphalt. For the most part, the surface on this tour is very varied and leads over beautifully laid out and marked forest trails and some forest roads to the passionately maintained Großternberg-Alm (not farmed), where pigs and horses enjoy the great outdoors. In good weather, you are rewarded with an excellent distant view all the way to the Mühlviertel. Then begins the technically slightly challenging short downhill.

Directions:
The tour starts directly in Ternberg at the train station. From there, you first go through the village, past the church and the cemetery, across the main road. Now you must briefly follow the sidewalk and bike path parallel to the main road in the direction of Ennstal. From the old soccer field you reach a settlement.

After about 1.5km through the Ternberg local area begins the actual trail, which starts with a dirt road. Shortly thereafter you arrive already at the beginning on the grade of the hill range, where at the same time a round stone table can be seen and the first forest trail section begins. After about 2km you have already made the first climb. After a short path, at the signpost on the right, you take a narrow forest path back to the level of the ridge. Then you get back on a forest road and the second climb is done. In between, there are two short and signposted forest path sections that run along the grade and along a rock. If, on the other hand, you choose the forest road that runs parallel, you will find resting benches where you have a beautiful view of the Schieferstein. After a short, descending section on the dirt road, follow the signpost to the left, through a charming wooded area with mossy soil, snaking up onto the asphalt road. After about a hundred meters, at kilometer 4.7 you arrive at the Raschlhöhe (570 m), which is a popular starting point around the Windhagberg.

From the Raschlhöhe past the timber yard, on the left a wide forest path with a pleasant slope, leads up to the Großternberg-Alm, which is maintained with great passion. Right at the beginning of the path (left) a wooden bench, which offers an unobstructed view, can be used for a break. Arrived at the alp, you have reached the highlight of the tour at kilometer 5.5 and an altitude of 670 Hm. On the left, past the free-range, grunting, but fenced pigs, you are rewarded with a fantastic view from the Ennstal valley to Steyr, Linz and in good weather even to the Mühlviertel. From now on the downhill begins. Initially on asphalt until the first bend, you turn right onto a gravel road until the road is closed off with a metal fence. From here you can turn left into the forest and run down the snaking trails around the trees until the somewhat mostly slippery forest path begins. Then it's back down over a somewhat stony and often leaf-filled trail at the grade until you arrive at the viewpoint "Fahne", where you can enjoy the view of Ternberg or towards Schoberstein on a bench. Finally, follow the forest trail down once at the signage turn right until you finally get back to the main road.** From here it's back past the church to the station Ternberg.

Tip:

• The sections at the beginning are partly not marked on any map known to me and therefore a real insider tip! Signposts are nevertheless present.   


• The evening atmosphere at the Großternberg-Alm is breathtakingly beautiful due to the western orientation!   


• To train the strength endurance, the trail can also be run backwards, as the climb to the flag is somewhat steeper.   


• The tour can also be extended to Gasthaus Koglerhof, which would lead around the Windhagberg.  


•   Up to the Austria flag there are some STRAVA segments.   


• The round trip can of course also be run twice ;)

Safety guidelines:
From the Großternberg-Alm down to the Austria flag, it can be slippery in places. In addition, there is currently construction work just before the main road (kebab stand), which could possibly change the route slightly. The Großternberg-Alm is no longer managed!

Equipment:
The required equipment always depends on the particular tour and the weather conditions. Regarding the food: This is very individual and it is recommended to have rather too much than too little with equipment and food. For a 5km round in the valley you need less than for a demanding tour in the mountains. The weather can change quickly and if you are not constantly on the move or need to take a break, for example, warming clothing is of great importance.

 We have a general checklist for you here:   

• Weather-appropriate running gear for the season - weather forecast - region - elevation. This includes:   

* a waterproof rain jacket   

* a waterproof rain trousers suitable for running   

* Gloves and warm headgear (hood/headband/towel).   

* sunglasses + sunscreen + headgear for very warm days   

• Trail running shoes   


• Drinking bottles, softflasks or a hydration bladder with enough liquid for the respective tour (if necessary also salt tablets/magnesium)   


• Snacks for the energy boost in between: Energy bars, gels, chocolate, trail mix,


• Running backpack: ideally a trail running vest / a trail running backpack or a belly belt for small tours.


• Drypack: to keep your valuables or change of clothes dry (optionally a small garbage bag).Emergency blanket


• Small first aid kit. An Israeli bandage is highly recommended: this is a one-handed wound and pressure bandage. Details can be found here.


• Emergency whistle (often integrated in trail backpacks)


• Cell phone


• Maps (online and/or offline)


• E-card or insurance card


• Some cash


• Grödeln/Spikes: these can be a great advantage in winter and icy conditions.


• Folding poles for trail running


• Headlamp

Additional information:
The tour was run for us by Daniel Aspalter