Hochlantsch Loop: Via the Bärenschützklamm to the Teichalm and back
This impressive circular hike is one of the most varied tours in Styria. It starts in Mixnitz and leads through the spectacular BärenschützklammOver the 1,716-meter-high Hochlantsch summit to the Teichalm, and along the Mixnitzbach stream back to the starting point. Waterfalls, gorges, power spots, summit views, and idyllic alpine landscapes await you over 22.5 kilometers.
Short info:
- Where does the hike start? In Mixnitz, at the hiking car park (Göberlmoar 4, 8131 Traföß) or train station
- How long is the route? 22.5 km
- Duration? 6:03 h in motion, total approx. 8.5 h
- Altitude? 1,414 m ascent and descent
- Highest point? 1,716 m (Hochlantsch)
- Lowest point? 492 m (Mixnitz)
- Difficulty? Medium to challenging, good fitness required
- Gorge open? Yes, open again since 2024, only accessible uphill
- Refreshment options? To the Good Shepherd, Styrian Jokl, Teichalm, ev. Grasslhütte on the way back
- Best time of year? May to October, with stable weather
From Mixnitz through the Bärenschützklamm
We start our hike in Mixnitz (top parking lot to the Bärenschützklamm) and follow the increasingly steep forest path towards BärenschützklammThe approach takes about 30 minutes. The adventure begins at the entrance to the gorge (admission fee required): the path leads through the narrow, wildly romantic gorge with over 100 ladders and walkways.
The water rushes, the rocks are damp and covered in moss, and in many places the path runs spectacularly directly above the stream. Those with a fear of heights should be careful here – surefootedness is a must.
First rest at the “Good Shepherd”
At the upper end of the gorge we reach the first hut: Inn “The Good Shepherd” at about 1,200 meters above sea level. This is a great place to rest and recharge your batteries—the steep sections aren't over yet.
Schüssellbrunn power place and ascent to the summit
After the guesthouse we follow a beautiful path uphill through the forest, then a short stretch on the forest road and soon we reach the Inn “Styrian Jokl”, where we take another short break on the terrace with a magnificent view. Those who wish can descend just behind the terrace via almost 100 steps to the Schüssellbrunn, a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, built directly beneath an overhanging rock. It is considered a place of pilgrimage and a place of power. The view is impressive and unique – a perfect place for a short breather before heading back up to the Styrian Jokl.
The further ascent leads us along steep paths through the forest to a sub-summit, from which we can reach the Hochlantsch summit to 1,716 meters. The last few meters to the summit cross are high alpine and require surefootedness. The view from the summit extends far over the Almenland, and on a clear day, as far as the Hochschwab and even the Dachstein. The wide meadows all around invite you to rest – we take our longest break here.
From the summit, the path leads along a forest path and across the wide alpine pastures down to the Teichalm, one of the largest contiguous alpine pastures in Austria. The small lake, the grazing cows, and the view make this place particularly charming. There are places to stop for refreshments right next to the Teichalmsee – for example, the Latschenhütte or that Hotel Teichwirt with a restaurant. Many hikers stop here.
Return along the Mixnitzbach
After the Teichalm, a quieter but longer return journey follows. We walk along the Mixnitzbach past the Hans-Kerl-Hütte (not open), then through the shady valley along a forest road, always comfortably downhill.
At a fork in the road we keep right and after a short climb the path leads through lush meadows where horses graze, before we reach the Inn “The Good Shepherd” From there, follow the well-signposted Beating path steeply downhill until we hear the soft rippling of the Mixnitzbach again and see the lower entrance of the Bärenschützklamm For the last section, we walk along the familiar forest path back to the starting point of our tour.
