Dead mountains, living adventure: The Hochtausing crossing

In terms of area, the Tote Gebirge (dead mountains) is the largest limestone karst region in Central Europe. Water drains away primarily underground, which is why the range is quite sparse in vegetation across vast stretches. Along its southern edge, the 1.822 m (5,977 ft) high Hochtausing - part of the Warscheneck Group - rises into the sky in relative isolation. This striking mountain, with its steeply dropping faces to the south and north, is visible from afar. Three separate routes lead to this rewarding summit, which is most frequently ascended via the secured Eastern Ascent (A/B, I+) or the Toni Via Ferrata (B/C).

Those who wish to shorten the approach slightly can drive from Wörschach in the Enns Valley up to the Schönmoos 2 parking lot and start the tour at an elevation of around 1.230 m (4,035 ft).

Initially, the trail leads up the mountainside along the paved village road. At the end of the road, after about 400 m (0.25 mi), a stony forest road branches off to the left and disappears into the forest after a right turn. After continuing straight uphill for a while, the trail bends to the right, and after another 400 m (0.25 mi), a somewhat narrower path branches off to the left through the forest. This path shortly after crosses the forest road again and con

From the parking lot, first follow the forest road until, after just 300 meters (984 ft), you reach a fork in the path. You can either choose the forest road to the right or—by following the signposts toward the Hochmölbling Hut—take a path that is somewhat difficult to discern, leading across the meadow toward the edge of the forest. For the ascent, I opted for the forest road, which winds its way up the mountain in a somewhat wider arc. After about 20 minutes—and having covered a total distance of just over 1.6 km (1 mi)—Hiking Trail 281 intersects the forest road. Following this trail, leave the forest road to the right and continue your ascent along a lovely forest path. The narrow trail first curves to the left; after another curve to the right, it merges back onto a forest road. You can either follow this road or take one of the well-worn shortcuts. After a total distance of around 2.4 km (1.5 mi), another forest road branches off to the right. Follow this road until you reach a signpost on the left-hand side, which marks the route to the starting point of the eastern ascent up the Hochtausing.