Haindlkarhütte via Gsengscharte – Gesäuse National Park

This tour in the Gesäuse National Park is a sporty hike with some steep climbs. You will be rewarded with a wonderful view of the many facets of the Gesäuse - good shoes are absolutely necessary!

At the Weidendom National Park Center, the tour begins flatly along the “Wilder John” themed trail into the Johnsbachtal to the Gsenggraben. You continue hiking along the gravelly Gsenggraben, which reveals a characteristic of the Gesäuse: avalanches and mudslides that are known for their destructive power. Many people don't know that they create exceptionally species-rich and diverse habitats: during a study in the national park, for example, over 700 species of butterflies were discovered in a single avalanche path!

The path now leads increasingly steeply towards the east up to the Gsengscharte with a beautiful view of the impressive wall of the Hochtorgruppe, especially towards Ödstein and the Reichenstein opposite. The last few meters to the gap are defused with step bars and rope insurance. It's worth taking a break here to marvel at the very alpine surroundings.

From here you can reach the catered Haindlkarhütte in just a few minutes. The terrace offers a wonderful view of Dachl and Hochtor as well as the Buchstein group. Shortly after the hut, at almost 1,100 meters, is the former Haindlkar hut, the first housing for climbers in this area, which is open today.

The descent through the Haindlkar is rocky in sections, but easy to walk. Shortly before Gesäusestraße you turn left and walk along Leierweg back to the starting point. Or, you go down to Gesäusestraße and take the bus back from there (stop Gesäuse Haindlkar).