The most spectacular hike ever – the Alexander Enzinger Way

I set off early on the postbus to Kaprun Kitzsteinhornbahn (changing buses in Zell am See) and took the lifts to the Gipfelwelt at the top. There are various attractions on offer there including: skiing during part of the summer, snowtubing, glacier trail, an exhibition about the glacier, panorama platforms and a weekly guided tour to the peak itself.

 

It is not necessary to go all the way to the top on the cable-car as the hike itself starts at the Alpin-Centre (at the top of the second gondola) but I had never been up to the top station before and wanted to admire the view. From the Alpin Centre I headed down the rough tracks to the Krefelder Hütte. This part of the walk was rough going and ugly, over landscape scarred by ski runs and lifts. Just before the Krefelder Hütte, the path bears left over more dusty, wide paths before narrowing and turning towards the North. The first part of the route was a very gentle stroll on the level along the mountainside. From this point on, the scenery in all directions was absolutely spectacular. After about an hour and half the path started to edge upwards to an obvious ridge. The photo below shows the view from this point. The rest of the route passes right along or just below the top of this ridge.

There were spectacular views all around – back towards the Kitzsteinhorn as well as down towards the Zell am See basin. The walk along the ridge involved a lot of up and down. It is secured in places with a cable. The path is about 30 cm wide, with the ridge being about 75 cm wide. The picture below shows part of the path along the ridge. Much of the way was similar to this.

After about 3 hours of walking the path begins its descent. This is quite a steep descent and might be tricky for people who are not entirely vertigo free.

This hike is possibly the most spectacular hike I have ever done. It was fantastic from start to finish and the only difficulty it presents is in the negotiation of the ridge, which would be dangerous in anything but the best weather. It took 4 and a half hours including breaks. I enjoyed it so much I am going back this week with some friends to share the experience with them. I stopped for lunch at the Glocknerblick restaurant – the food was delicious and there was yet another amazing view.