We begin our tour on the southern outskirts of the village of Krimml. The route first leads us along the panoramic track that follows the Krimml Waterfalls all the way up to the topmost waterfall. This is where the Krimml Achental valley begins, one of the most beautiful high valleys in the Hohe Tauern National Park. At the heart of the valley is the Krimml Tauernhaus where we enjoy a well-earned break before continuing in a northerly direction (Weg. Nr. 511) past the chapel, up to the Rainbachtal valley and, a few bends further, to Schlagegg. Just after Schlagegg we turn right down the steep track and then uphill again in zigzags to the Rainbachsee lake (2,404 m) and left along the lakeside via the rope-secured track to the Rainbachscharte col (2,724 m). From here a track descends, past the Obere Wildgerlossee lake, down in serpentines to the Untere Wildgerlossee lake and along its banks to the Zittauer Hütte mountain hut. The hut enjoys a unique, idyllic lakeside location at the foot of the Reichenspitz mountain. Here, at an altitude of 2,329 m, is where we spend our first night.

The second day begins with a gentle descent. After 10 minutes we turn off to the left across the moraine and climb down approximately 100 metres to the glacial stream. After crossing the stream the path initially leads over grassy inclines, later over scree slopes, and takes us to the col in approximately 2 hours. Just short of the Keeskarscharte col a rock ledge (secured with wire ropes) leads to the pass. Steep steps lead downwards towards a rock protrusion offering a stunning view of the Schönachkees glacier with the Zillerkopf summit. A track, well secured with wire ropes, leads downwards past lush green meadows to the Pasteinalm and further on to the Issalm. After passing the Lackenalm (where walkers can enjoy a bite to eat) we leave the Schönachtal valley and arrive in the village of Gerlos.

The third day begins with a leisurely walk alongside the Gerlosbach stream and then along the banks of the Gmünder reservoir to the Kühle Rast tavern. From there an agricultural track leads through the Schwarzachtal valley past the Schwarzachalm mountain hut to the Untere Schwarzachalm and then up to the Obere Schwarzachalm. From there a hiking trail leads through the bottom of the valley taking us in around 2 hours to Brandbergjoch at an elevation of 2,307 m. A gentle 20-minute descent takes us down towards the Kolmhaus mountain hut. Beforehand, however, we turn left to the Brandberger Kolm, a striking peak at an altitude of 2,700 m offering an unforgettably breathtaking panoramic view. The ascent to and descent from the Brandberger Kolm summit should take us around 2 hours. With a sense of satisfaction and a smile to match, we’ll then spend the night in the Kolmhaus mountain hut at an elevation of 1,845 m.

Fortified and well rested we begin the last stage of our mountain tour. From the Kolmhaus we follow the upper trail through a wonderful mountain forest to the pastures of the Labergalm and on to the Kotahorn Alm mountain hut. We follow the agricultural track (a toboggan run in winter) down to the demonstration cheese dairy and past the Maria-Rast Chapel. After four days’ walking and over 3,000 vertical metres we reach our final destination of Zell am Ziller.