L5 National Park Trail

Magnificent, solitary and strenuous route, on partly rarely visited paths across the heart of the National Park. A total of 33.3 kilometers and 1359 altitude meters are to be covered.

The start is the Schwarzgraben car park, near the Jagahäusl in Bodinggraben. From here it goes gently uphill about 5 km past the Pribil Cross to the Steyrsteg junction. Now a little steeper along the forest road uphill to the Weingartenalm at 1150 meters. We keep right and continue until a signpost, turn left and run down the forest on paths. Fallen tree trunks line the path due to windthrow. After 9 kilometers walked we reach the Stöfflalm, the so-called heart of the rear mountains. The Alm is beautifully located in the middle of the national park. We continue and soon reach the Sitzenbachklause, which was built over 100 years ago. Now in ruins, it is still clearly visible how large the Klause once was. Through the Grasslalmgraben we go down a few kilometers to the Hohe Stiege. From here it goes through several tunnels to the managed Große Klause hut. By now we have already covered 22.5 km. Past the Große Klause, we soon turn left and climb the forest road. After about 2 kilometers on the road it goes right up a trail that leads us to the Ebenforstalm. Immediately behind the Alm, after a short climb, we follow the path down through the Bodinggraben until we return to the Jagahäusl. From here it is only a few hundred meters to the start point of the route.

Opportunity to stop at the Große Klause Hut, near the Jagahäusl

The required equipment always depends on the specific route and the weather conditions. Regarding food: this is very individual and it is advisable to carry more rather than less in terms of equipment and food. A 5 km 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 for you here:

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 headwear (hat/headband/buff) * sunglasses + sunscreen + headwear 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 small routes.

Drypack: to keep your valuables or change of clothes dry (optional a small garbage bag)

Emergency blanket

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

Emergency whistle (often integrated into the trail running backpack)

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