Sandling round S420

The Sandling Tour is one of the most varied mountain bike tours in Ausseerland. With numerous alpine pastures, magnificent views, historical sites and challenging climbs, it offers everything that makes mountain biking in the Salzkammergut unforgettable. The route connects the Blaa Alm, Rettenbachalm, Grabenbachalm, Hütteneckalm, Halleralm and the archaeological site on the Michlhallbach with the return route via the Pflindsberg ruins.

The starting point is the Altaussee municipal office. From there, head towards Bad Aussee and immediately turn right at the first junction to the Loser Panoramastraße toll booth. The route leads along a well-maintained gravel road past the Altaussee high ropes course to the idyllically situated Blaa Alm.

Turn right there and then immediately left again. A steep section with coarse gravel leads down into the Rettenbachtal valley (a light source for the tunnel is recommended). The route continues downstream to the Rettenbachalm. About 2.3 kilometers later, turn sharp left, cross a bridge and ascend towards Grabenbachalm. Above the Grabenbach stream, the trail climbs steadily uphill past the Grabenbachhütte and on to the Hütteneckalm at 1,240 meters - the highest point of this loop.

The route then leads across the alpine pasture area to the Hütteneckalm. After a panoramic rest, a steep descent onto a forest road follows. The route continues without any junctions until it reaches an open area. An asphalt section begins there, at the edge of the forest turn left to the Halleralm.

Continue above the pasture until a forest road leads up from the valley. Continue straight on to the end of the road, then turn right onto a narrow path. This leads down to the Michlhallbach stream, which is crossed via a footbridge. Directly on the following forest road, there is an archaeological excavation site on the left with finds from Roman times.

The path continues straight ahead to the end of the forest road. An earth path leads down to the forest ditch (former Sarsteinblick inn). At the crossroads with the forest road, turn half left across a moorland area to the junction of the path to the Pflindsberg ruins, which offer an impressive view over the Ausseerland. The route then runs over the Rambühel and on asphalt back to Altaussee.

Turn left at the former Scheichlmühle inn, follow the shore of the lake and return to the starting point.

• Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB)
• www.busbahnbim.at