L4 Pfannstein-Trail

Directions:
The starting point of the tour is Micheldorf railway station. The path leads to the right and then immediately to the left across the B138. After 100 metres turn right, past the scythe smith museum along the Krems to the bridge at Cafe Schwarz. Turn right here and take the next left. Go straight on for approx. 1 km, then through the subway to the other side of the B138. After 50m turn right again over the railway tracks and straight ahead through the small settlement. At the next junction, turn right and follow the K93 hiking trail to the Gradnalm. This leads along the Krems to its source. Shortly before this, turn right onto a forest path, continue to climb steadily and take an unmarked path up to the forest road before the Sattelhald. Continue left and at the end of the forest road is the Gradnalm. After the Gradnalm, turn right after approx. 500 metres up to the Pfannstein. At the summit you have a marvellous view of the Kremsmauer and the Mittagstein.

The way back leads along the same path on the left up to the Herrentisch and then approx. 800 metres through the forest on an unmarked hunter's trail down to a forest road. Turn right here and immediately left again to the Sattelhald hunting lodge. Continue straight ahead, back into the forest, uphill towards Schabenreitnerstein. After approx. 300 metres, continue left to the summit. Return the same way and at the point where you ascend to the right, continue straight ahead along the ridge downhill to the junction with a forest road. Cross this and continue half-right on a forest path in the direction of Thurnhamberg. Shortly afterwards, somewhat hidden, turn left and continue steadily downhill. After crossing a forest road for the second time, the trail climbs briefly and soon descends again. Continue left along the next forest road until after approx. 500 metres you turn left uphill again and take another loop to the 3S bench. Turn round here and continue along the forest road to the next crossroads. Turn left downhill towards Micheldorf airport. This is reached after approx. 1.2 km. After the RIKA company, continue left to the village of Heiligenkreuz.

Tip:
A beautiful trail tour with great views. Partly on unmarked, but well-trodden and easy-to-find paths.

Equipment:
The required equipment always depends on the particular tour and the weather conditions. Regarding the food: This is very individual and it is recommended to have rather too much than too little with equipment and food. For a 5km round in the valley you need less than for a demanding tour in the mountains. The weather can change quickly and if you are not constantly on the move or need to take a break, for example, warming clothing is of great importance.

We have a general checklist for you here:

• Weather-appropriate running gear for the season - weather forecast - region - elevation. This includes:
  * a waterproof rain jacket
  * a waterproof rain trousers suitable for running
  * Gloves and warm headgear (hood/headband/towel).
  * sunglasses + sunscreen + headgear for very warm days


• Trail running shoes


• Drinking bottles, softflasks or a hydration bladder with enough liquid for the respective tour (if necessary also salt tablets/magnesium)


• Snacks for the energy boost in between: Energy bars, gels, chocolate, trail mix,


• Running backpack: ideally a trail running vest / a trail running backpack or a belly belt for small tours.


• Drypack: to keep your valuables or change of clothes dry (optionally a small garbage bag).


• Emergency blanket


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


• Emergency whistle (often integrated in trail backpacks)


• Cell phone


• Maps (online and/or offline)


• E-card or insurance card


• Some cash


• Grödeln/Spikes: these can be a great advantage in winter and icy conditions.


• Folding poles for trail running


• Headlamp

Additional information:
Marcel and Harald Kaller ran this trail for us