Nationalparktrail

Description:
 A magnificent, lonely and strenuous tour along paths, some of which are rarely travelled, right through the heart of the national park. A total of 33.3 kilometres and 1359 metres in altitude have to be covered.

Directions:
Start at the Schwarzgraben car park, at the Jagahäusl in the Bodinggraben.  From here, the route climbs gently for approx. 5 km past the Pribil cross to the Steyrsteg junction. Now a little steeper along the forest road up to the Weingartenalm at 1150 metres. We keep to the right and continue to a signpost, turn left and walk down the forest on paths. Tree trunks from windthrow line the path. After 9 kilometres we reach the Stöfflalm, the so-called heart of the Hintergebirge. The alp is beautifully situated in the middle of the national park. We continue on and soon reach the Sitzenbachklause, which was built over 100 years ago. Although it has now fallen into disrepair, you can still clearly recognise how large the hermitage once was. We continue downhill for a few kilometres through the Grasslalmgraben to the Hohe Stiege. From here, we pass through several tunnels to the catered large Klause hut. We have already covered 22.5 kilometres by this point. After passing the Große Klause hut, we soon turn left and walk up the forest road. After about 2 kilometres on the road, we turn right up a path that leads us to the Ebenforstalm. Just behind the alpine pasture, up a short hill, we follow the path down through the Bodinggraben until we reach the Jagahäusl again. From here it is only a few hundred metres to the starting point of the tour. 

Tip:
Refreshments available at the Große Klause-Hütte, near the Jagahäusl

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