L2 Molln - Steinköpfl Trail

Description:
 

This short circuit with its 6.3km and 244m elevation gain is ideal for beginners. It leads you on forest paths to the "Steinköpfl" mountain, which is an absolute insider tip and is located in the middle of the national park region. From this mountain you will be rewarded with an impressive view of the municipality of Molln and its surroundings. Further it goes over meadows and flowing varied forest trails back down into the valley. Again and again, benches invite you to linger and offer idyllic views of the surroundings.

Directions:
 

The tour starts from the “Molln Ortsmitte” bus stop, which is located directly in front of the National Park Visitor Center. Parking spaces are available in front of the municipality, which is exactly opposite. From here, follow the sidewalks out of town, past the savings bank and then turn left, past the fire brigade building and Nah und Frisch. Then follow the sidewalks until you see a sign saying “Denkenstraße” on the opposite side. From here it's the first meters in altitude in the direction of the forest. Immediately after the first curve, there are several entry points into the trail, all of which lead steeply uphill to a clearly visible path, which you then turn right into. Now it is important to keep to the left at all times. The forest path is easy to walk on here and offers a good start into the route. At the only fork in the road, keep left until you come to a forest road, where you keep right until you come to the entrance to the Steinköpfl on the left. (Marked by a yellow board) From here the path climbs steadily in serpentines. However, at the end of the ascent, you have reached the first highlight of the trail. It offers a beautiful view of the Molln region and its surroundings. The path then leads up to the summit, which is marked with a small wooden cross. A short but steep stretch of forest leads to a meadow. In summer there are often sheep here, but you can walk around the pasture outside. Here, too, there is a wonderful view of the Reitberg, the Annasberg and the high trail. After following the meadow downhill to a farm, you now follow the well-developed road to the farm "Denk" immediately after the last building, turn left to the house and then immediately back onto a meadow path. However, this is poorly visible and the destination is not signposted. However, you can reach the forest path if you keep to the left. Now follow the forest path uphill, which leads over a small hill. At the end of the path, you climb right back into the opposite trail, which now leads downhill on well-trodden forest paths. Again, it is important to keep to the left as there are 2 forks in the road and the route is rarely signposted. Again and again, benches along the paths invite you to linger. The rest of the way runs on a forest path that brings us back to the road. You then follow this back to the town center and the bus stop.

Tip:
The view from the Steinköpfl offers a beautiful view of the sunset. In addition, the route is easy to walk on in both winter and summer.

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