Hike to the Predigstuhl

A varied day tour starting from the centre of Bad Goisern, via the high trail to the Ewige Wand, past the Blaschekwarte and up to the summit of the Predigstuhl. The challenging hike not only surprises with rocky scenery, it also offers breathtaking views of Lake Hallstatt and the Dachstein massif opposite.

The origins of the hiking trail

In the valley basin north of Lake Hallstatt, the Goiserer forefathers created the enchanting cultural landscape that drove the travel writer Benedikt Pillwein to hymn-like enthusiasm as early as 1828: "No region can be more beautiful and richer in varied scenery for the hiker ...". This landscape owes its special charm not least to the spectacular rock faces of the Ewige Wand and the breathtakingly smooth summit wall of the Predigstuhl (which the locals spell without a "t") in the north-east of the village.
 
In contrast, the route of the "Goiserer Höhenweg", which runs through the centre of the Ewige Wand, was not created by erosion, but by a blasting team from the Austrian Federal Forestry Office. The more recent developments are far less noticeable: 1990 the Goiserer mountain guide Heli Putz created a short but quite exposed practice ferrata in the Ewige Wand and 1996 he and Gerhard Gangl drilled the magnificent "Leadership via ferrata" through the rugged walls of the Predigstuhl.

The hike to the summit of the Predigstuhl

The ascent to the Predigstuhl requires surefootedness, a head for heights and good physical condition. The path is partly secured with steel cables and is only recommended with good footwear - not passable in wet conditions.
 
Starting from Bad Goisern train station, we walk through the town centre on the lower Marktstraße towards Hotel Lindwurm. Here we cross the main road and follow the footpath to the Kurhotel VIVEA. Passing the spa hotel, we reach the Posern district and follow the path up to the rustic Rathlucken Hütte.
 
Here it goes via the child-friendly legend trail on the high trail up to the rockfalls of the Eternal Wall. This is now traversed on the blasted high-level trail (two tunnels) - a true passage between heaven and earth. At the end of the second tunnel, a first breathtaking view of the Goiserer Valley and Lake Hallstatt awaits you. At the wooded upper edge, turn sharp right and follow the narrow path no. 245 above the Ewige Wand. Pass the Blaschekwarte, which is recommended for a short rest, and continue via the small rest bench above the Rathsteig's through the wooded high valley to the steep summit structure of the Predigstuhl.
 
The path leads to the right, following the turn-off to the summit of the Predigstuhl, over damp rock steps secured with short ladders and steel cables. Once you reach the summit, you can let your gaze wander over Lake Hallstatt and the Dachstein opposite. The descent also follows the rock steps and then continues along the original path to the right. Over a crevice and in serpentines, follow the path down the very steep and boulder-strewn eastern slope - past the turn-off to the "Leadership via ferrata".
 
On reaching the forest road, turn right and descend to the Lesehotel.
Below the Lesehotel turn left onto the Karrenweg and continue along the hairpin bends back to Posern.

Fancy more hikes?

The Dachstein Salzkammergut holiday region entices you with the most challenging and beautiful hikes. Another challenging hike with fantastic views awaits you, for example, on the path to Goisererhütte and Hoher Kalmberg.
 
You can find more recommendations in our Overview of all hiking trails in the Dachstein Salzkammergut holiday region.

In case of emergency: Mountain Rescue 140


Experience a 360° panoramic tour through Bad Goisern on Lake Hallstatt...