L3 Hirschwaldstein-Trail - Micheldorf

Circular route over the southern local mountains of Micheldorf with a length of 15.1 km and 716 m elevation gain. The beautiful trail circles the Ochsenkogel on the Prälatenweg and leads over the Eustachius Cross up to the Hirschwaldstein. Down past Altpernstein Castle and a nice ravine to the town center of Micheldorf.

The tour starts at the train station in Micheldorf. The trail starts to the right and immediately left over the B138. After 100 m, the path runs past the Sensenschmiede Museum along the Krems river to a bridge by Cafe Schwarz. This is crossed and continues right on the old B138 until it goes left towards Georgiberg. After about 100 m, it goes parallel to the road on a forest trail up to the next crossroad. Further right up to the Georgiberg saddle. From here, the tour follows the hiking trail K92 to the Prälatenweg. The trail remains on this until the next forest road. Turning left, the Ochsenkogel is circled on the forest road.

After taking left turns at the first, second, and third intersections, the fourth intersection goes right to the next saddle. From here, it goes straight ahead until it ascends on the right side to the Eustachius Cross. The tour continues on hiking trail 23 to the summit of Hirschwaldstein. Down, we stay on K23, but towards Altpernstein Castle. Turning left here, after about 300 m at a left curve, immediately right onto hiking trail 21/K91. We follow it down across the street through houses towards the ravine. We stay here for about 1 km parallel to a creek until reaching another street. Going down left, the first side street is crossed straight, then at the next right, turning over the bridge and then immediately left along the Gradnteich and the Micheldorf outdoor pool. Passing through a settlement, left on Burgstraße downhill towards the old B138. This is crossed and continues until the next intersection. Turning right here, after about 200m 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 recommended to have more rather than less equipment and food. A 5km round in the valley requires less than a demanding route in the mountains. The weather can change quickly, and if you are not constantly moving or need to take a break, warm 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. This includes, among other things:
  * a waterproof rain jacket
  * waterproof rain pants suitable for running
  * gloves and warm headgear (beanie/headband/tube scarf)
  * sunglasses + sunscreen + headgear for very warm days


• Trail running shoes


• Water bottles, soft flasks, or a hydration bladder with enough fluid 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 / a trail running backpack, or a waist belt for short routes.


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


• Emergency blanket


• Small first aid kit. An Israeli bandage is highly recommended in my opinion: it is a one-handed wound and pressure dressing. You can find details here.


• Emergency whistle (often integrated into trail backpacks)


• Mobile phone


• Maps (online and/or offline)


• E-card or insurance card


• Some cash


• Crampons/spikes: these can be a great advantage in winter and icy conditions.


• Folding poles for trail running


• Headlamp