L5 Ternberg Station - Herndleck Trail

With a length of just under 22 km and 1300 m of ascent, this circular route starting from the station in Ternberg can definitely be described as strenuous. There are places to stop or replenish supplies at the Grünburger Hut (10 km), the Schoberstein House (14 km), and also at Mitterhumer's Hofstadl Heurigen near the Beistein wall close to the climbing center in Trattenbach.

We start at the station in Ternberg and first run along the tracks to a bridge which we cross. At a wayside shrine we keep left; a signpost shows us the direction to the Herndleck and the Grünburger Hut. Along meadows we follow the Gschlösslweg until we meet the Herndleck road. We run along the road and then turn off again onto a hiking trail into the forest. The route is sufficiently well signposted.

At the Herndleck parking lot we keep right and walk along the forest road for a few kilometers. Beautiful views, on clear days you can see into the Mühlviertel, accompany us along the way. Past quietly located weekend houses, we arrive at the saddle of Herndleck, called Rehböden. At kilometer 7 we turn left and run down towards Gscheid. At this intersection we go straight ahead; a signpost shows us the direction to the Grünburger Hut.

After an ascent through the forest we reach Sulzboden. From here it is not far to the staffed Grünburger Hut, which is at 1101 m. The route continues; the signpost shows left towards the Schoberstein. We run slightly downhill on the forest road towards Pfaffenboden, then steeply uphill again over the Schinder, until at Mandlmais we turn left into the forest. It goes very steeply uphill; be careful, it can be very slippery when wet. At the top, we can briefly detour to the Gaisberg summit and the summit of the Lust. The short detour is worthwhile.

Not far now, and we arrive at the Schoberstein House. If you have time, a stop is worthwhile, the very good food here is worth a break. Then we visit the summit cross of the Schoberstein (1285 m). The panoramic view into the Alpine foothills is breathtaking. Then it is only downhill; the strenuous ascents are done. We follow the path to the Klausriegler inn (unfortunately already closed), pass by the parking lot, and go down a narrow path until we reach the paved Kienberg road. Here there is still the possibility to refill your water supplies at the Hofstadl. Beyond the Hofstadl it continues on a narrow meadow path, past a game enclosure, until we reach the road again at the Feitelmacher, which leads us out of the Trattenbach valley. At the intersection at the info center we now turn left and run about 3 kilometers along the road, past the paragliders' landing site until we arrive back at our starting point, the station in Ternberg.

A short detour to the summit cross on the Schoberstein is a must.

Equipment

The required equipment always depends on the specific route and the weather conditions. Regarding provisions: This is very individual, and it is advisable to have more rather than less with you in terms of equipment and provisions. A 5km route in the valley requires less than a demanding mountain route. 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.

Here is a general checklist 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 headgear (cap/headband/neck gaiter)
  * sunglasses + sunscreen + headgear for very warm days


• Trail running shoes


• Water bottles, soft flasks or a hydration bladder with enough liquid for the respective tour (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 tours.


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


• Emergency blanket


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


• Emergency whistle (often integrated into trail running 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

This trail was run for us by André Prinz