BergeSeen Trail S3: Hochkogelhaus - Rinnerhütte

Description:
The third section of the alpine variant Schönberg gives you - similar to the variant over the Dachstein mountains - the experience of a lunar landscape. Only disheveled mountain pine tufts and small grass patches bring a little green into the predominant gray of the jagged limestone plates, which are layered on top of each other like petrified waves between the Schönberg and the Wildensee.

Directions:
From the Hochkogelhaus you go back on path no. 211 in the direction of "Schönberg". After the ascent under the Vorderen Rauhenkogel, however, branch off to the left onto trail no. 230. It leads between mountain pines into the wide cirque of the Feuertal, where a large ice cave, inscribed on a stone and easily accessible, is hidden under the northern precipices of the Schönberg (Wildenkogel).

An effect of the omnipresent corrosion, which has perforated the stony subsoil like an Emmental cheese, are also the numerous sinkholes that gape in the vicinity of the trail. Soon the path from Schönberg-Ostgrat joins (it forms a very demanding descent, but secured with steel ropes, through which this variant can be shortened by one day). There, follow the rock sign "Wildensee, Rinner" further east. While you descend below the Wehrkogel, the strange summit shape of the Hangenden Kogel (1,895 m) impresses on the left. Then you get between limestone slabs overgrown with mountain pines to a hill below the Großer Scheiblingkogel (1,920 m), which can be climbed on the left without any markings, but easily over a grassy slope. From its small summit cross you can enjoy an incredible panoramic view over the karst desert between the Schönberg and the Rinnerkogel to the distant Dachstein. 2:30 h From the hill, the marked path continues between the rocky eastern side of the mountain and the Kleiner Rinner (2,003 m). The route leads over flat limestone slabs eaten away by carts and past sinkholes - through a true lunar landscape. Then it's downhill until you reach the next junction on a flat meadow next to a huge sinkhole (1,803 m) in front of the Rinnerkogel.

Continue to the right after the sign "Rinnerhütte" and in ups and downs over rock steps and through karst alleys, before you hike down through the south-facing cart and mountain pine slopes under the mountain. After further short ascents and descents, the path moves over to the eastern side of the Rinnerkogel, where it reaches a final fork. On the right, a rocky path leads down to Wildensee (1,535 m) - choose this route if you want to continue hiking to Appelhaus or Loserhütte. On the left, however, the signpost indicates the destination of this stage, the Rinnerhütte (1,470 m). After a short traverse of the slope, you will meet the route of the 21st stage of the Salzkammergut BergeSeen Trail, which leads to the left through a small high valley to the accommodation of the Ebensee mountaineering association. 3:00 h

Tip:
Summit detour to the Rinnerkogel (2,012 m)

Safety guidelines:

• In alpine terrain, pay attention to the danger of falling rocks.


• Until early summer you can encounter steep snowfields or firn gullies - especially in icy conditions there is then an acute danger of falling and thus of death!


• Due to storm damage, forestry work or construction work, individual sections of the trail may be temporarily difficult or impossible to pass.


• Cows on the alp are often curious. Because they are mother cows, they develop a strong drive to protect their calves. Therefore, move quietly on cow pastures, keep at least 20 m distance to the animals and do not stroke calves under any circumstances! In case of threatening gestures (pawing, stamping) slowly move away backwards (do not turn your back). Dogs on a leash, they must not bark at cows or even chase them. In the event of an attack, it is essential to let them off the leash.

Equipment:
For all stages you will need hiking or mountain boots with a treaded rubber sole as well as wind- and rainproof clothing.

A change of clothes and a small first-aid kit should also be in your backpack. How much food you pack depends on the number of stops you make. In any case, you should take enough to drink. Telescopic poles are especially helpful when going downhill.

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

Further information at trail.salzkammergut.at