Lavanttal Höhenweg: stage 1 from Lavamünd to Stiftshütte

From the Gasthof Hüttenwirt (junction of four long-distance hiking trails: Southern Alpine Trail 03, Mariazell Trail 06, Carinthian Border Trail, and Lavanttal Höhenweg) head approximately 100 m along the B69 uphill. Follow the signposts "Lavanttal Höhenweg/Southern Alpine Trail 03". The path continues along the Multererbache stream.

After a settlement, the stream is crossed and a path leads in switchbacks up to a narrow plateau. Continue along the mountainside to an asphalt road. A few meters further, the hike goes up a steep ascent into a hollow path. Continue through the forest and over meadows past two farmsteads until the road is reached. After crossing the asphalt road, a forest track leads into the woods. Shortly afterward, turn left onto a path. After a few minutes' walk, the signposts just above Hornigkreuz are reached.
Follow the signposts "St. Lorenzen/Hühnerkogel" or "Koglereck/Soboth" to the Jamnig farmstead. From here, continue to the Multerer stream, which is crossed by the remains of an old mill. In switchbacks, continue uphill through forest and meadows. Just below St. Lorenzen, the hiking trail joins an asphalt road that leads to the checkpoint at the former Strohmaier inn above the church. After leaving the checkpoint, the path turns sharply right uphill over a pasture. Passing a water basin, the path leads over a fence stile to an asphalt road. After two farmsteads, the road joins a forest track and later turns left into the woods.
Through mixed forest, it goes steeply uphill to the so-called "Jankitz-Trögli". From here, the trail flattens somewhat, and after about 20 minutes, the junction of the "Weintrattl" checkpoint is reached (the checkpoint is indicated on a signpost). Initially, paths 506 and 594 lead together around the Jankitzkogel. From here, the stage follows path No. 594 along the ridge of the Jankitzkogel up to the Koglereck (approx. 3 km).

After crossing the Soboth federal road, the path leads right into the woods. Concrete remains of a former cable car installation on the "Brettereck" and a wayside cross at the crossing of a forest road on the "Goßeck" are further waypoints on the first stage. At the end of the tour, you hike over lush alpine pastures, which offer a view of the "Kleinalpl". The destination, the Stiftshütte, is located on the right side of the hiking trail. Take your time and enjoy the magnificent view from the Berensteinerofen.

Packing list - multi-day hike

Breathable hardshell jacket, fleece or softshell jacket Convertible hiking pants 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 articles Travel towel Tour provisions

10 recommendations of the Alpine Club

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

1. Healthy into the mountains

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

2. Careful planning

Hiking maps, guide literature, internet and experts provide information about length, altitude difference, difficulty, and current conditions. Always adapt tours to the group! Pay special attention to the weather report, as rain, wind, and cold increase the risk of accidents.

3. Complete equipment

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

4. Suitable footwear

Good hiking boots protect and relieve the foot and improve surefootedness! When choosing, watch perfect fit, non-slip sole, waterproofness, and low weight.

5. Surefootedness is key

Falls, due to slipping or tripping, are the most common cause of accidents! Note that too high speed or tiredness strongly impair your surefootedness and concentration. Warning rockfall: Careful walking avoids loosening stones.

6. Stay on marked paths

In pathless terrain, the risk of loss of orientation, falls, and rockfall increases. Avoid shortcuts and return to the last known point if you have strayed off 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 the focus for children! In sections with risk of falling an 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 allow mutual help. Inform trusted persons about destination, route, and return. Stay together as a group. Attention solo hikers: even small incidents can lead to serious emergencies.

10. Respect 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 arrival.

Arrival possible by Postbus - info at ÖBB - Postbus

Checkpoints:

former Gasthof Strohmaier Weintrattl Stiftshütte

Accommodation options:

Gasthof Hüttenwirt

Information about the region: 

region-lavanttal

Information about the tour:

Alpine Club section Wolfsberg

Climbing garden and via ferrata "Dreifaltigkeit" in Lavamünd.
Info at Kletterzentrum - Alpenverein Wolfsberg. Bathing lake Lavamünd
Info at Bathing lake Lavamünd.