Wildschönau High trail
The day's program begins...
Four peaks, 14.8 kilometers, and 6 hours 30 minutes of walking time: these are the facts about the Wildschönau High Trail.
The trail starts at the Markbachjoch mountain station (1500 m). The first summit of the mountain of the same name is only a stone's throw away. Next on the agenda are the Feldalphorn (1923 m), Schwaigberghorn (1990 m), and Breiteggern (1981 m). The elevation gain (760 m up - 1050 m down)
These facts demand respect before the hike, good basic fitness, and reliable planning. The Wildschönauer Höhenweg is an extended day hike that ends at the Schönangeralm.
Views along the high trail
Hiking at altitude on this high-altitude trail opens up your view and broadens your perspective. We'll show you which views, panoramas, peaks, and scenic features will reward you along the way and catch your attention, because there are quite a few:
The forest clearing
The first forest clearing after the start offers a view of your first summit, the Feldalphorn. Even before you get there, you can see this striking 1,923-meter peak and feel the anticipation of the summit experience.
The Holzalm
At the Holzalm, you can stock up on provisions for your hike, cool your face with the ice-cold mountain water from the trough in front of the house before continuing, and fill up your water bottle.
Horlerstiegl with chapel
And there they are, the views that make the Wildschönauer Höhenweg so unique. Hiking at altitude has something special to offer: here, at this point in front of the forest, the entire Brixental valley lies at your feet,
your gaze wanders over the Wilder Kaiser and you can see the Kitzbüheler Horn from here. The chapel was built in 1854 to enable the farmers of the surrounding alpine pastures to pray in silence –
a beautiful thought, so close to the clouds. Here, at this point in front of the forest, the entire Brixental valley lies at your feet, your gaze wanders over the Wilder Kaiser and you can see the Kitzbüheler Horn from here.
The moor ponds
Almost unnoticed, hidden and completely silent, the moor ponds lie in this forest. The dark waters glisten mysteriously in the sunlight, their depth difficult to estimate with the naked eye, but one thing is clear: this moorland is a very special habitat and vegetation area, a small universe of its own that we must cherish and protect.
The Eastern Alpine gentian grows here, which is quite a sensation. Important note: this Hungarian gentian is STRICTLY PROTECTED! Alpine newts also love these moor ponds and can be observed here! Let the tranquility of this place work its magic on you, enjoy this spot, and immerse yourself in this idyllic setting for a moment.
The Feldalphorn-view
At the turnoff to Feldalm, you will gradually get closer to the four peaks that await you along the high-altitude trail. Treat yourself to another short break with a view of the Feldalphorn. Now it gets tough, as the first peak is right in front of you. From here on, the mountain air will brush your face as you reach the summit.
Experiencing “come alive” moments in Wildschönau also means putting in the effort to reward yourself with genuine mountain moments. After the Vordere Feldalm, there is a steep half-hour climb, more like mountaineering than leisurely hiking, and then you are rewarded with the first summit. At the Feldalphorn, you stand on the border between Wildschönau and Brixental.
The Wildschönau High Trail is the perfect way to experience the Wildschönau in all its facets. The panoramic view of the surrounding valleys, the unobstructed view in all directions, of peaks near and far, remains fascinating. The three upcoming peaks lie like gentle giants in the landscape, grassy mountains covered with wide, safe ridges leading to the exposed places of the Schwaigberghorn, the Breiteggern, and the Breiteggspitze. Hiking at high altitudes creates very special moments and is certainly one of the unforgettable “I'm living in the moment” experiences of the Wildschönau.
