Lavanttal High Trail: Stage 7 from the Wolfsberger Hut to Griffner Berg

Just below the Wolfsberger Hut, turn right through an entrance onto a pasture heading towards the Pöllinger Hut (signpost "Lavanttal High Trail Route No. 338"). Then it goes briefly steeply downhill until a stream is crossed. South of the Speikkogel, continue about 1.2 km to the Pöllinger Hut. Although the stage passes above this rustic hut, a short visit is worthwhile here. Continue slightly downhill following the trail markers until after about 2 km at Lamminger Halt a forest road is reached. Follow the signpost "Lavanttal High Trail/St. Leonhard/Griffner Berg - Route No. 338" southwards. To the mountain village St. Leonhard on the Saualpe it is about a half-hour walk, always slightly downhill and on beautiful forest paths.

At the former Schranzer inn, it goes down a steep meadow. In a long right-hand bend, the route crosses a wet hollow and leads to the oldest inn on the Saualpe. The Petutschnig Inn is over 900 years old. Afterwards, walk slightly uphill to a wayside shrine (about 800 m). Then the hiking trail gently curves downhill along the road to the Tormannkogel. From the junction to the scattered settlement Tschrietes, there is a wonderful view of the Karawanks. At the Tormannkogel, the hiking trail leaves the road again and goes right into a marked forest path.

The further route leads about 900 m downhill through a mixed forest. Two farmhouses are passed, and then a road continues downhill. After about 1 km, leave the road and a footpath leads the hiker towards Pustriz. After the last residential house, cross the farm driveway and a path leads south into a forest. After about 400 m via a hollow path, you reach an asphalt road. Follow this about 1.8 km downhill until the Bierbaumer inn at Griffner Berg and also the first checkpoint are reached.

From the Bierbaumer inn, walk about 200 m on the road towards Griffen to the junction to Haberberg (signpost Route No. 338 ÖAV). Passing some residential houses, slightly uphill wooded area is reached. After leaving the forest, it is about 400 m to the turnoff for the Töfferl breakfast pension. Turn left at a wayside shrine and follow the signpost Pension Töfferl. After about 350 m, the stage destination, the Pension Töfferl on the Griffner Berg, is reached. As a reward, there is the second checkpoint stamp.

Packing list - multi-day hike

Breathable hardshell jacket Fleece or softshell jacket Hiking pants, zip-off Hiking boots Backpack (approx. 35 liters) Functional T-shirts Functional underwear Pair of hiking socks Sun headgear Rain pants Thin hat and gloves Maps & tour description Water bottle or hydration bladder Hut sleeping bag/silk liner Trekking poles GPS device LED headlamp Mobile phone & alpine emergency number Sunglasses First aid kit Blister plasters Small pocket knife Sunscreen Hygiene items Travel towel Hiking provisions

10 recommendations from the Austrian Alpine Club

As a nature sport, mountain hiking offers great opportunities for health, community, and experience. The following recommendations from alpine clubs aim to make mountain hikes as safe and enjoyable as possible.

1. Healthy in the mountains

Mountain hiking is endurance sport. The positive stress for heart and circulation requires health and a realistic self-assessment. Avoid time pressure and choose a pace so that no one in the group runs out of breath.

2. Careful planning

Hiking maps, guidebooks, internet, and experts provide information about length, altitude difference, difficulty, and current conditions. Always coordinate routes to the group! Pay special attention to the weather forecast as rain, wind, and cold increase the risk of accidents.

3. Complete equipment

Adapt your equipment to your undertaking and pay attention to low backpack weight. Rain, cold, and sun protection always belong in the backpack as well as a first aid kit and mobile phone (European emergency number 112). Map or GPS supports orientation.

4. Suitable footwear

Good hiking boots protect and relieve the foot and improve surefootedness! Pay attention to perfect fit, slip-resistant soles, waterproofness, and low weight when choosing.

5. Surefootedness is the key

Falls, as a result of slipping or stumbling, are the most common cause of accidents! Note that too fast a pace or fatigue greatly impair your surefootedness and concentration. Beware of rockfall: By walking carefully, you avoid triggering rocks.

6. Stay on marked paths

In pathless terrain, the risk of losing orientation, falling, and rockfall increases. Avoid shortcuts and return to the last known point if you have once left the path. Often underestimated and very dangerous: steep old snowfields!

7. Regular breaks

Timely rest serves recovery, enjoyment of the landscape, and sociability. Eating and drinking are necessary to maintain performance and concentration. Isotonic drinks are ideal thirst quenchers. Muesli bars, dried fruit, and cookies satisfy hunger on the way.

8. Responsibility for children

Note that variety and playful discovery are priority for children! In sections with risk of falling, one adult can only supervise one child. Very exposed routes requiring long-lasting concentration are not suitable for children.

9. Small groups

Small groups ensure flexibility and enable mutual help. Inform trusted persons about destination, route, and return. Stay together as a group. Beware of solo hikers: Even small incidents can lead to serious emergencies.

10. Respect for nature and environment

To protect mountain nature: Do not leave any waste, avoid noise, stay on paths, do not disturb wild and grazing animals, leave plants untouched, and respect protected areas. Use public transport or form car pools for travel.

Checkpoints:

Bierbaumer Inn Töfferl Breakfast Pension

Accommodation options:

Töfferl Breakfast Pension

           Langegg 15, 9112 Griffen

           Tel.: 0664/6488 479

           Email: renateflecker@gmail.com

Kaltner Petra - Rooms

           Pustritz 30, 9104 Griffen

           Tel.: 0664/1273454

Regional information:

region-lavanttal

Tour information:

alpenverein sektion wolfsberg

The Highlander 

The alpine hiking event in southern Austria.

More info at Alpin Süd-Highlander