BergeSeen Trail F2: Ebenau - Faistenau

The second section of this regional path leads high above the wild Strub Gorge, namely on the Metzgersteig. This name is said to go back to when cattle from Hintersee and Faistenau were once driven on this airy path to their culinary destiny – but there is also the creepy legend of a butcher who here – of all places on the pilgrimage to St. Wolfgang – pushed his pregnant lover down into the depths.

In Ebenau you should first take a look at the small gorge of the Schwarzaubach next to the Fürstenstöckl – a gorge in the middle of the village, which is unique; there is also a historic water adit there (guided tours). Then leave Ebenau taking Messingstraße south, stay left at the junction with the Wiestal state road and hike along the Wiestalpromenade (no. 804, Arnoweg) to Haslau. There turn left and then immediately right again on the forest edge hiking trail up to a cross street. Turn left uphill here, and after 1 km – before the Felbertal boarding school (650 m) – branch right onto a forest road. Following the sign "Start Strub Gorge, dam Vordersee (Metzgersteig)" you reach after about 15 minutes the bridge over the Schwarzaubach (570 m). Before it turn left onto the hiking trail that leads to a nearby metal footbridge over the Almbach at the mouth of the wild Strub Gorge. Beyond it steeply up to a meadow, left toward Heiligenstein and again left on the paved road to the Rossbach farm (651 m), which is bypassed on the left below the power line. Then you hike on the Metzgersteig through the forest slopes above the Strub Gorge uphill. At its highest point (770 m) the narrow path runs directly along the edge of the gorge walls – caution!

Descending you reach a forest road that leads to a dam built in 1909 (680 m). However, the Vordersee behind loses a lot of water into underground chasms. Cross to the left and shortly up to Almbachstraße, where you turn right to the guesthouse Zur Strubklamm "Seewirt". Continue downstream and then left on Stegleitenstraße uphill to Faistenau (786 m).

• 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.

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.

Courtesy of the text provided by the KOMPASS publisher and Wolfgang Heitzmann.

More info at trail.salzkammergut.at