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Zinödl-Panoramaweg

Accessible by public transport

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 4,8 km

Time 3:00 h

Uphill 497 hm

Downhill 497 hm

Highest point 2188 m

In just 1.5 hours, we reach the summit of Hochzinödl – one of the finest viewpoints in the Gesäuse. The return via the panoramic trail to the Hesshütte makes this a rewarding circular hike.

At 2,191 m, Hochzinödl is one of the top panoramic peaks in Gesäuse National Park. This circular route from the Hesshütte offers a perfect balance of effort and reward: the direct ascent via the Ennsecksattel leads through dwarf pines and rocky terrain to the summit, where an information panel explains the surrounding peaks. The hike is especially magical at sunrise or sunset, when the limestone walls glow in warm light.

The descent to the Gass reveals dramatic views into the valley and the Gesäuse gorge. From there, the panoramic trail begins – a gently undulating path along the mountainside with ever-changing vistas. The tour is not technically difficult but requires surefootedness and moderate fitness. In return, it offers a 360° alpine experience that will stay with you long after the hike ends.

Best season

January

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More information

A9 Phyrn motorway to Ardning/Admont exit and from there past Frauenberg, about 10 km after Admont. Via the B146 (Gesäuse Bundesstraße) coming from the west into the Gesäuse.

Or via Leoben, Vordernberg and Eisenerz to Hieflau and from there via B146 in western direction into the Gesaeuse.

A1 Westautobahn to exit Ybbs and from there in southern direction through Scheibbs, Lunz am See, Göstling an der Ybbs and Palfau to Hieflau. From there via B146 in western direction into the Gesäuse.

From the Hesshütte, we follow the marked trail over the Ennsecksattel. The path leads through dwarf pines and rocky sections directly to the summit of Hochzinödl. After about 1.5 hours, we reach the summit cross, where a panorama board identifies the surrounding peaks such as Hochtor, Buchstein, and Lugauer.

For the descent, we head toward the Gass – a striking terrain feature with deep views into the Enns Valley. Here begins the panoramic trail, which gently winds along the mountainside. New perspectives open up again and again, offering views of the Gesäuse peaks and the valley below. After about another hour, we return to the Hesshütte, where we can end the tour with a well-deserved break.

Shortest ascent to the Hesshütte is from Johnsbach.

Alternatively via the Wasserfallweg or the Hartelsgraben.

Spend a night at the Hesshütte!

A crossing of the NP Planen and with the Xeistaxi to the car Shutteln

From Hieflau or Admont take bus line 912 to the Gesäuse Kummerbrücke stop.

www.oebb.at

www.busbahnbim.at

With the Verbundlinie BusBahnBim app, finding timetable information has never been easier: all bus, train, and tram connections in Austria can be searched for by entering locations and/or addresses, stops, or important points. The app is available as a free app for smartphones (Android, iOS) on Google Play and in the App Store.

In the Gesäuse you are mobile in summer even without your own car. One call to t: +43 3613 2100099 is all it takes: During operating hours, the Gesäuse shared taxi will take you to any destination in the Gesäuse - without any timetable or stops. Www.gesaeuse.at/mobil

depending on the ascent to the Hesshütte

Gesäuse Tourism Association
Hauptstrasse 35, 8911 Admont, Austria
t: +43 3613 2116010
Email: info@gesaeuse.at
www.gesaeuse.at