The Lugauer (2217 m / 7273 ft) is one of the most striking peaks in the Ennstal Alps, often nicknamed the "Styrian Matterhorn" for its distinctive, pyramid-like silhouette that dominates the skyline above the Radmer valley. Standing as the fifth-highest summit in the Ennstaler Alps, it is a beloved destination for mountaineers and scramblers alike, rising dramatically from the surrounding landscape of the Gesäuse National Park in the heart of Styria, Austria. The mountain actually has two summits: the main peak at 2217 m (7272 ft) and the slightly lower East Summit at 2206 m (7237 ft). The traverse between the two is the highlight of the route, a narrow, airy ridge with scrambling up to UIAA I that demands sure-footedness, a head for heights, and a taste for adventure.
The start and finish of the Lugauer crossing are not the same, but are about 4,5 km (2.8 mi) apart. Those who want to make the downhill return to the starting point easier after an already demanding tour can, for example, leave a bicycle at the small parking area by the Hinterradmer volunteer fire department and then park their car at the starting point of the tour, a small parking lot by the Radmer football field.
Especially on hot summer days, an early start is recommended, as large parts of the tour are quite exposed to the sun. From here, the route initially follows the road for a few meters to a junction where you follow the signs towards Lugauer onto a forest road. After about 870 m (0.5 mi), the red-white-red marked hiking trail 601 branches off to the right into the forest. Alternatively, you can continue along the forest road, which, given the rather overgrown path through the woods, is definitely worth considering, and was the option chosen on this tour. At the latest when the hiking trail crosses the forest road again, it's time to continue following it uphill through the forest. The forest thins out in sections, and the narrow path leads through sometimes lush vegetation. After about 40 minutes and 2,2 km (1.4 mi), the hiking trail rejoins the forest road. From here, the Lugauer is already clearly visible, rising imposingly into the sky. After a few minutes, the road makes a U-turn and immediately afterwards the path turns left again upwards. After approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, the saddle at an altitude of 1205 meters between the Stanglkogel to the east and the Lugauer to the west is reached. After another 45 minutes of hiking through a sparse forest, approximately 300 meters of elevation gain are achieved, and the terrain changes significantly. From here on, rocks and scree dominate. While the former pose no problems, the scree sections should be approached with caution. Wearing a helmet to protect against rockfall is highly recommended here, as the path leads along the steep rock faces of the Lugauer and chamois like to dislodge loose rocks.
After about half an hour's climb over scree, the path becomes more pleasant again. Reaching the saddle, a small sign marks the border of the Gesäuse National Park, and shortly afterward, a magnificent panorama of the Gesäuse Mountains opens up to the west. After a few more meters, you reach the "Schoderkreuz". At this junction, follow the signpost toward Lugauer and turn south. The path leads in a wide left-hand bend, initially through dense vegetation, before you have to overcome increasingly steep and rocky steps. As you ascend, the landscape becomes more barren and rocky. The trail now climbs noticeably steeper over so-called "Schrofen" – steep, rocky terrain interspersed with grass and scree.
After a total of about 4 hours (including short breaks), the east summit is reached at an altitude of 2206 m (7237 ft). The makeshift summit cross marks the highest point, from which there is a magnificent view of the Eisenerz Alps to the east, the Gesäuse mountains to the west, and the Niedere Tauern range to the south.
The view into the valley gives an idea of how steeply the rock faces of the Lugauer rise into the sky. Furthermore, the view of the western summit of the Lugauer is also impressive; its summit cross sits atop an imposing rock formation, and reaching it promises to be quite an adventure.
And so it is. First, a few meters must be descended from the east summit to return to the main path, which continues towards the west summit. The trail initially follows a ledge and then becomes increasingly exposed until finally a steep gully must be climbed. Here, a fixed rope begins, leading further to the south side of the ridge, from where the view back towards the sheer rock faces of the east summit is worthwhile.
The route is extremely exposed here. Surefootedness and a head for heights are essential. The terrain drops steeply to the left, and a gully leads steeply upwards behind the rock. Especially during the ascent, using the numerous footholds and handholds is potentially safer than leaving the somewhat loosely secured rope. At the end of the gully, you cross back to the north side of the ridge and then follow it directly towards the summit, which is reached just a few meters later.
The view back towards the east summit is impressive, and shortly afterwards the summit cross of the Lugauer at 2217 m (7273 ft) above sea level is within easy reach. After about 4.5 hours (including short breaks), the highest point is finally reached.
Unlike the eastern summit, the Lugauer's summit is marked by a beautiful summit cross.
Even more beautiful, however, is the breathtaking panorama. To the northeast, the silhouettes of the peaks of the Eisenerz Alps are visible in the morning light.
Looking west, the rugged mountains of the Gesäuse National Park lie practically at your feet. The Hochtorgruppe is clearly visible in the background (here in the picture). Looking further north, the Buchsteingruppe, with its highest peak, the Großer Buchstein (here on the right in the picture), is particularly well visible.
From the summit, after a short rest, the trail continues westward along the ridge. Surefootedness and a head for heights are still essential here. But the ridge walk is a true delight.
Finally, you reach the "Lugauerplan", a popular destination for ski tourers in winter. From here, the route descends relatively gently on a narrow, well-trodden path, sometimes in tight switchbacks, until it enters a beautiful, shady forest and leads directly down into the Haselkar cirque.
Once you reach the alpine pasture, follow the signpost towards Radmer an der Hasel, leave the Gesäuse National Park and begin the steep descent, which also includes a particularly spectacular section secured with steel cables.
The Lugauer crossing ends at the parking lot by the Hinterradmer volunteer fire department, from where you can return to the starting point either on foot, by bicycle (which you parked there earlier), or by public bus (check the timetable). Along the way, there are a few more great views of the Lugauer.
The Lugauer traverse is a mountain day that has it all. Starting from Radmer an der Stube, the route climbs steeply to the East Summit before crossing the exposed, airy ridge - with scrambling up to UIAA I - to the main West Peak. The views from the top are simply staggering: deep into the Gesäuse on one side, far across the Styrian Alps on the other. The descent via the Lugauerplan back down to Radmer an der Hasel is long and legs will know about it - but the smile on your face will last much longer than the ache in your quads. A truly unforgettable tour.
Tour Facts (Tracked with Bergfex Tours):
Distance: 12,7 km (~ 7.9 mi)
Duration: 06:15 h (without breaks)
Ascent altitude: 1578 m (5177 ft)
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