BergeSeen Trail 07: Fuschl - Faistenau

Description:
Today, for the first time, we are crossing a “real”, albeit partially forested, peak from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of Lake Fuschl, and the Schafberg and Dachstein Mountains. However, before the ascent you first walk along the southern shore of Lake Fuschl until you reach the famous Fuschl Castle. After the descent from the Filbling, you arrive via forest paths at the popular holiday village of Faistenau.

Directions:
First walk along Dorfstraße out of the centre of Fuschl am See – past the swimming area – towards the bypass street. Before reaching the street, follow the signs for the Fuschlseerundweg path, which follows the southern shore of Lake Fuschl. After the Brunnwirt (opposite Red Bull’s headquarters), follow Austraße to the right. After a few steps, turn right and walk past the Wesenauer swimming area. To the left, you can see the forested Filbling Mountain with its distinctive summit meadow (later in the tour, you will cross this mountain ridge – however, there is also a direct ascent which heads left up to the main road, climbs steeply to the small Filbling Lake with the trail to the summit above and to the right.

The Seerundweg path leads through forested slopes to the Stöllinger swimming area (kiosk). Walk up the fishermen’s path to the left for a short distance and then continue right on the Seerundweg to the bridge over the Hallbach Stream, which flows into the lake. The route continues on the beautiful Seerundweg path until just before the Fuschl Castle in Hof bei Salzburg. Then it turns left on the access street to reach the main highway (bus stop), which is crossed to reach the Höfner houses. 1:30 h

 

Continue to ascend along the farm lane for 200 metres, then turn right onto a meadow path which leads to a chapel. Via a forest road, you reach the 2.5-kliometre-long northwest ridge of the mountain, over which you climb fairly straight up to the summit. However, the trees have spread their roots over the path, so it can be very slippery here, especially after rain or when there is snow. The summit meadow at the top of the Filbling (1307 m) rewards all the effort with a view of Lake Fuschl and the Schober, Dachstein and Schafberg Mountains. A bench beneath the summit cross invites hikers to linger and rest. 2:00 h.

 

Descend along the wooded and equally “rooty”, but steeper southeastern ridge (continuing on trail no. 40). Soon the route joins the direct trail up from Fuschl (if you follow it downhill, you will reach the small Filbling Lake, completely surrounded by forest, in 10 minutes). The descent in the direction of Faistenau leads straight ahead for a short distance over the ridge (view of the Untersberg Mountain and the Osterhorn Group), makes a sharp right turn and continues down the slope along a wide track. Caution! After about 250 metres, turn left – there is no trail marker – onto a narrow, inconspicuous, dirt path, which winds down through steep forest to the large meadow of the Sattelalm (990 m). Go left past the Almhaus to a trail marker, which you follow to the right into the forest in the direction of “Faistenau”. There you turn right towards “Faistenau” (trail no. 40/804). Now continue along a trail and soon a forest road through the forested slopes below the Schmiedhorn into a ravine, where you turn left and head to Kühbergstraße. Follow this street to the right for 500 metres until you turn left onto Krämerbichlweg. This will take you to Hinterseestraße, which you follow to the left for 50 metres. Then turn right and walk next to the access street past the fire department into the village centre of Faistenau.

Tip:
Note: Bus connection (Line 150) from Fuschl to the turnoff at Fuschl Castle. Or take the “Fuschlerin”, an electric wooden boat, across the lake to the castle fishery at Fuschl Castle. The first trip from Fuschl is at 10:30.

Safety guidelines:

•  In alpine terrain, be aware of the danger of falling rocks.


• Through early summer, you may encounter steep snowfields or firn gullies – especially during icy conditions, there is an acute risk of falling and thus fatal injury!


• Due to storm damage, forestry work or construction work, individual trail sections may be difficult or impassable at times.


• Cows in the alpine meadows are often curious. Because they are nursing mothers, they develop a strong tendency to protect their calves. Therefore, move through cow pastures quietly, keep at least 20 metres of distance to the animals and never pet calves! In the case of threatening behaviour (pawing, stamping) slowly back away (do not turn your back). Keep dogs on a leash. They must not bark at or chase cows. In the case of an attack, the dog must be released from the leash.

Equipment:

For all stages, you will need hiking or mountain boots with treaded rubber soles as well as wind- and rainproof clothing. A change of clothes and a small first-aid kit should also be included in your backpack. The amount of provisions you should pack depends on the number of available rest stops. In any case, you should always take along plenty to drink. Telescopic poles are helpful, especially when walking downhill.

Additional information:

Text kindly provided by the publisher KOMPASS-Verlag and Wolfgang Heitzmann.

Further information at trail.salzkammergut.at