Turn-by-turn directions
From Bottinghaus, take the road up to the right and in about 10 minutes you will reach a crossroads where the beautiful forest trail begins. At first, the trail leads leisurely through the old high forest with striking gnarled spruces, larches and Swiss stone pines, crosses some clearings and then soon reaches the edge of the forest. The path now becomes steeper through the battle zone of the forest, where only the occasional small larch tree between the extensive fields of alpine roses offers attractive motifs. After an one hour walk, you reach the Pleschnitzzinken hut, which is not staffed, and can enjoy the magnificent view of the Enns Valley, Stoderzinken and Dachstein. You then hike comfortably over the gently rising grassy ridge up to the summit cross. Continue in the same direction (or increasingly south-west) along the narrowing ridge to the summit of the Scheibleck (2117 m). The path to the Gamskarspitz (directly uphill to the south along the ridge) climbs another 400 meters, is rocky and more suitable for experienced hikers. However, the view from the summit of the Gamskarspitz (or Schober) is absolutely rewarding! Return to the Pleschnitzzinken along the same route. From there, descend along the other side of the ridge via the Galsterbergeralm, which also serves as a refreshment stop.
Getting there
From the village of Pruggern, the road leads along the Pruggererbergweg to the Galsterberg valley station. Please do not park here, but continue along the serpentines. The path soon turns into a forest path, where you follow the forest road up to the left, which is used as a toboggan run in winter. After approx. 10 minutes, you will reach the Bottinghaus parking lot and the starting point of the hike.
Unfortunately, there is no public transportation to Bottinghaus
Parking
Bottinghaus
Start
from Pruggern along a narrow road to the Bottinghaus
Destination
Pleschnitzzinken
Equipment
Weather changes, rapid drops in temperature, thunderstorms, wind, fog and snowfields are objective dangers and require the right behaviour on the road. Hutkeepers are experienced mountain experts who can give good tips on the weather and the route. Lack of equipment, overestimation of one's own abilities, carelessness, poor physical condition and a wrong assessment can lead to critical situations. During thunderstorms: Avoid peaks, ridges and rope belaying at all costs.
In an emergency, please dial the following emergency calls: No. 140 - Mountain Rescue No. 112 - Euro Emergency Call
For alpine routes, the basic equipment includes a hood, gloves, a good jacket and trousers. Good, waterproof shoes, sunglasses, sun protection and plenty of drinks are essential. Flashlight, maps, knives and a small first aid box should also be included.
Author’s recommendation
This hike is especially recommendable during the time of the alpine roses bloom.
Tips, hints and links
Safety information Safety on the mountainside: changes in the weather, sudden fall in temperature, thunder storms, wind, fog and snow fields are all objective dangers and require the correct behaviour whilst underway. The landlords of the huts are all very knowledgeable about the mountains and can give you good tips about the weather and the routes. Insufficient equipment, exaggerated opinion of ones capabilities, frivolousness, poor health condition and a false evaluation of the situation can lead to a critical situation. In thunder storms: summits, crest-sites and safety rope aids are to be avoided.
If something should happen call following emergency numbers:No. 140 - the number for all Alpine Emergencies in all of AustriaNo. 112 - European emergency call GSM emergency-call-service
