Week 92: Hike to Hochsteinalm and the Lärlkogel

To close out our second July in Austria, we summited the Lärlkogel, an easy hike off the bend of the Traunsee.

Looking out at the Traunsee from the Lärlkogel

It sounds lame to say “summited” when the tallest part only sits at 3,159ft and we think back to our weekend at the Grossglockner at 8,435ft. Nonetheless, we did it and we were happy to experience another hike with our dogs.

Eric and Charlie

After walking 45 minutes through a forest trail, we found ourselves walking towards the Hochsteinalm. We did not know until today, but the Hochsteinalm is one of the most popular destinations on Lake Traunsee and it is easy to see why.

Views from the Hochsteinalm

Every 100 feet or so we were greeted by a new animal. Miniature horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, yaks, and alpacas to name a few. Hiking through this alpine pasture and passing all of the animals living here is a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

A few sheep at the Hochsteinalm

Goats at the start of the trail

At the end of the path is the inn/restaurant where we took a short break before continuing on to the Lärlkogel.

A quick 20 minutes from the beautiful alpine pasture is the rocky, panoramic peak with a mountain cross and another book to sign. We enjoyed seeing Gmunden and the Traunsee from a new perspective.

Family photo at the top

Next week we head to Spain, so the next recap will come a few days after the 7th.