The Johnsbacher Almenrunde is a leisurely hike for the whole family. It leads along scenic paths to four managed alpine pastures. The route is also partially accessible for mountain bikes.
Brief information about the Almenrunde:
- What is the Johnsbacher Almenrunde? The Johnsbacher Almenrunde is a 10 km long hike in the national park GesäuseIt leads through the Johnsbacher Almen, which are among the most beautiful alpine pastures in Austria. The hike is suitable for all age groups.
- Where does it start? The hike begins at the Ebneralm car park (Arrival: Gesäuse federal road B 146 to the Johnsbach junction, then approx. 10 km to the Ebnerkreuzung car park)
- What can you experience there? the breathtaking view of the mountains of the Gesäuse, the opportunity to observe the alpine animals and visit the traditional alpine huts.
- How much time should you plan for? At least 3.5 hours to a whole day, depending on how much time you spend in the 4 huts.
- When are they managed? From June to September
- What is the Gesäuse? The Gesäuse is a region in Austria, more precisely a national park and a nature park. It is known for its impressive landscape and its diverse flora and fauna.
Tour dates:
- Start: Ebneralm car park, address: L127 89-87,8912, 8912 Johnsbach
- Route: Parking lot Ebneralm – Kölblalm – Huberalm – Ebneralm – Zeiringeralm – parking lot.
- Walking time: 3.5 hrs.
- Difficulty: light
- Total path length: approx. 10.2 km
- Altitude metres: Ascent 650 m, descent 650 m
- The highest point: 1400m
- Deepest point: 979m
- Season: recommended June to September
The Tour
Our tour starts early in the morning at 9:00 a.m. We have our 4-year-old son with us, so it will probably take a little longer than the stated 3.5 hours. The parking fee for a day pass in Gesäuse is 6€. As soon as we have validated our ticket, we are off. Right at the beginning we pass a waterfall and enter the Devil's Gorge, an impressive gorge that is well worth seeing. Incidentally, the Teufelsklamm can also be used as a toboggan run in winter. We pass a rock gate, cross a bridge and hike uphill along the stream.
After we have passed the gorge, there is a small turn-off into the forest on the left. However, you can also continue to follow the path on the forest road. We decide to take the forest path because it also offers some shade. It is a steady uphill walk, but the route is also easy for children to manage.
Half an hour after the start we reach the first alpine pasture, which Kölblalm.
The Kölblalm
The garden is the perfect place to spend a sunny day. Apparently, the Kölblalm has the oldest smoke kitchen in Styria. The food includes bacon bread, alpine snacks, Verhackerts, sheep's cheese, cakes, homemade sausages, cheese dumpling soup and more. For children, there is a small sandpit and a secure playground at the back, so you don't have to worry about the little ones. We spend a whole hour in the hut before we continue on, refreshed.
We follow the path towards Huberalm. It goes slightly uphill on a forest path, past a waterfall. After half an hour we even come across some snow at the end of May.
The path then becomes less varied for children, which is why I have to carry our 4-year-old a little. The last climb of the tour is the most difficult part of the hike. Fortunately, the landscape becomes a little more varied again with beautiful meadows and huts. 1.5 hours after the Kölblalm we finally reach the Huberalm.
The Huberalm
The Huberalm is actually still closed in May. Luckily, the friendly dairyman is there and gives us a few drinks after the hot climb. So that we don't complain about the heat, he also shows us photos from previous winters, when it was almost impossible to find the hut because of all the snow.
From now on it is almost exclusively downhill, through forests and meadows.
After another 45 minutes we reach our destination.
The Ebneralm
The Ebneralm belongs to the Ebner farm, where we started our tour. Here, too, we find beautiful places to sit with a view of the mountains. We treat ourselves to 3 farmer's doughnuts, which taste simply divine. Otherwise, the Ebneralm also serves various breads, different soups and pastries.
We stay here a little longer because our son is having a great time in the sandpit and with the countless vehicles in it. So we can enjoy a beer.
From the Ebneralm, the path leads directly to the final stage of our alpine tour - the Zeiringeralm. The dairymaid says that it is quicker to go through the forest, but we get lost. So we turn back to the hut after 10 minutes and take the clearly visible trail that leads slightly uphill from the Ebneralm towards the forest. From here, it goes downhill through the forest to the Zeiringeralm.
You can make yourself comfortable on the terrace of the Zeiringeralm and enjoy a hearty snack or a cup of coffee and cake. If you walk so much, you deserve something tasty. So we order a strawberry tiramisu. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water again.
The last part of the Johnsbacher Almenrunde is not particularly exciting. It first goes along a gravel path and then along the road for 15 minutes to the car park. In total, with all the stops, it took us a whole 7 hours. Of course, we rested a lot and had a 4-year-old with us, but definitely plan enough time for this beautiful and family-friendly hike. If you prefer something a little more leisurely, we recommend our article Gesäuse National Park - The most beautiful photo spots along the Enns.
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