L2 Zedernbauernspitz / Ochsenkogel Trail

Circular route with many viewpoints in all directions over a length of 14km with 800m of elevation gain. The beautiful trail goes from Altpernstein Castle up to Zederbauernspitz. Along the ridge to Ochsenkogel and down over the Pröller again.

The start of the route is the train station in Micheldorf. You start to the left past the Cloeren company. After about 200m, before the last house on the right side, you go into a narrow path leading to the underpass of the B138. Then turn left and after the right curve, continue straight ahead along the old B138, the Burgstraße, to the Weissenhof riding estate. After the right curve, continue straight on the marked hiking path to the castle.

After the second crossing of a small creek, turn right into the forest up to a crossroad. From there, follow the hiking trail K19 to the Zederbauern chapel and further to the L1320. Turn left here and after 100m immediately right towards Altpernstein Castle. Upon reaching the castle saddle, the path leads left until, after about 200m, it turns left again onto a meadow path, then up the forest path to a forest road. Keep left here until, after about 50m, turn right again into the forest (no marking!).

Follow the next forest road to a junction. From here the path runs briefly to the right parallel to the forest road, then continues on it to the next junction. Continue straight and then immediately turn right onto the path towards Zederbauernspitz (small wooden signpost). First flat, then it goes steeply uphill for some altitude meters. From the summit (small cross made of branches) descend the ridge path to a fork. Turn right here and at the next fork left up in the direction of Ochsenkogel (the path is well worn and visible).

Continue downhill to a forest road. Turn right here to go back in the direction of the castle. The first junction is crossed straight ahead, and at the second, turn half right and use a forest path running parallel to the forest road. The path then leads further to the castle and briefly back along the same route as the outward journey (marking present). However, about 100m before the castle, at a hut, go left down to Altpernstein Street. Continue left here, then in the next curve immediately right onto hiking trail 21/K91. Follow this downhill crossing the street through the houses towards Graben.

Shortly after the path runs through the forest, sharply turn left along a creek uphill towards Pröller. This path ends at a turnaround spot. Here go half right over the highest point downhill to Pröller. Going straight on, you cross a forest road and also the Musiker Steig until a road leading to the Georgiberg saddle. Follow this down to the old B138. Here the path continues right towards the center of Micheldorf. Before Cafe Schwarz, turn left over the bridge and then immediately right along the Krems river to the Sensenschmiede Museum. 150m later turn left over the Pyhrnpass road back to Micheldorf train station.

The required equipment always depends on the respective route and weather conditions. Regarding food: this is very individual and it is advisable to have more equipment and food rather than less. A 5km round in the valley requires less than a challenging route in the mountains. The weather can change quickly, and if you are not constantly moving or need to take a break, warming clothing is very important, for example.

We have a general checklist here for you:

• Weather-appropriate running clothes for the respective season – weather forecast – region – altitude. These include, among others:
  * a waterproof rain jacket
  * waterproof rain pants suitable for running
  * gloves and warm headwear (cap/headband/scarf)
  * sunglasses + sunscreen + headwear for very warm days


• Trail running shoes


• Water bottles, soft flasks or a hydration bladder with enough liquid for the respective route (possibly also salt tablets/magnesium)


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


• Running backpack: ideally a trail running vest / trail running backpack or a waist belt for small routes.


• Dry pack: to keep your valuables or change of clothes dry (optionally a small trash bag)


• Emergency blanket


• Small first aid kit. In my opinion, an Israeli bandage is highly recommended: it is a one-handed wound and pressure bandage. Details can be found here.


• Emergency whistle (often integrated in trail backpacks)


• Mobile phone


• Map material (online and/or offline)


• E-Card or insurance card


• Some cash


• Crampons/spikes: these can be very advantageous in winter and icy conditions.


• Folding poles for trail running


• Headlamp