Ridge hike via Kothütten lake to Karlspitz

moderate Hiking · Grimming-Donnersbachtal

Tour characteristics

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Tour-Infos

Distance: 6.24 km

Duration: 03:00 h

Ascent: 511 m

Descent: 511 m

Best time of year

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december

The tour

This multifaceted hike is one of the Classics in Styria's highest mountain village Planneralm and is ideal for pleasure-seeking hikers and families.

The approx. three hours, medium difficult tour leads over meadows, forest and steep paths from the parking lot at Planneralm (1600 m) up to the summit of the Karlspitz (2097 m). Along the way you will have a wonderful mountain lake view - Kothütten lake, Karl lakes, Goldbach lake and lake Michelirling. When you have reached the summit cross, you can enjoy your snack and the magnificent view of the gentle mountain world of the Wölzer Tauern with the Schoberspitz and Schreinl in the background.

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Turn-by-turn directions

Your hiking tour starts from the large parking area, continues past the Berg & Tal information portal and then on to Alpengasthof Grimmingblick. After some meters you turn right and walk a short while over meadows and forest until you reach the first stony ascent. The path leads you further over a beautiful cirque to the next uphill section (the Kothütten lake is located down to the left) and then to the ridge. Along the ridge, with a view of the Karl lakes as well as the Goldbach lake, the path leads directly to the summit cross at Karlspitz.

From here you walk back downhill, uphill towards the Goldbachscharte, from where you turn left downhill back to the mountain village.

Getting there

Coming from the B320, at the crossing Trautenfels follow the signs to Irdning. Then head towards Donnersbach. In the village, turn left towards Planneralm and follow the 12 km long toll-free mountain road.

Unfortunately there is no public transport to the Planneralm in summer. Public transport is available until Donnersbach. You can find more information at www.verbundlinie.at.

Parking

Large, free parking area directly at the Planneralm.

Start

parking area Planneralm

Destination

parking area Planneralm

Equipment

Plan your tour in advance, taking into account walking time, route length, altitude difference, dangerous spots and weather forecast.
The Alpenverein will provide you with detailed information on "safe mountain hiking". At www.alpenverein.at you can find detailed information about it.
Together many things are more pleasurable and in the mountains safer at the same time. Don't do hikes alone, if possible, and adapt the tour to the individual fitness of your group.
Let people know where you are going and by when you intend to be back. Also make sure to write your name in hut or summit books.
If the weather gets worse, you should turn back in time. If you get caught in a thunderstorm, do not stay on the summit or ridge and keep away from single trees. Wait, if possible in a crouching position, to be safe during the thunderstorm.
Stay on the clearly marked paths and remember to close pasture fences when you pass them on your way.
The way up is only half the way. Stay attentive, especially when going downhill, to safely get back down to the valley.
In case of an emergency, keep calm and call the mountain rescue service under 140. If you have no cell phone signal, take out your sim card and dial 112.
If you meet cows: Walk above the herd at least 50 meters away. Stay calm, don't make hectic movements and don't run away. Do not imitate cow sounds and try not to stroke the animals. With a stick and loud calls, the animals can often be turned around in an emergency.
If you are a dog owner: Clarify already before the hike whether you have to cross grazing areas. Keep your dog on a leash and make sure that he keeps calm. Let the dog off the leash immediately in case of a cow attack. Never pick him up to defend him.

What to put in your weatherproof backpack: Protection against sun and rain, as well as warm, windproof clothing, drinks and food, a small first aid kit, a hiking map and a fully charged mobile phone. Proper shoes are are essential of course.

Author’s recommendation

The Karlspitz is rarely "taken" on its own! During your snack, you are already thinking about whether the Schreinl or the Schoberspitz will be your next course.

Tips, hints and links

Tourist information: www.grimming-donnersbachtal.at
Tourism blog: www.derbergdastal.at
Other interesting links: www.planneralm.at, www.bogenschiessen.at, www.latschenbrennerei.at,
The mountain and the valley cannot smell rubbish that was thrown away. Therefore, please take your rubbish with you and dispose of it correctly. Thank you!
Agriculture and forestry are important partners in Grimming-Donnersbachtal. They allow you to walk and drive on many of their paths. Be aware that only a good cooperation guarantees your leisure time pleasure in the future.

Hiking map Grimming-Donnersbachtal (1:31.000). Available free of charge at the Tourist Office Grimming-Donnersbachtal.