We start in Altenberg an der Rax at the Altenbergerhof (overnight stay available, www.altenbergerhof.at, wild game meat specialties) and initially hike eastward across meadows and through forests on wide paths until we reach the beautifully located Alpengasthof Moassa (overnight stay available, www.moassa.at, regional specialties).
The trail continues almost level below the Rax cliffs (Raxenmäuer, climbing area) to the unserviced Reißthaler Hut (private) and then to the Waxriegelhaus (overnight stay available, www.facebook.com/waxriegelhaus.at, excellent wine list). This hut can also be reached by a simple hike from Preiner Gscheid.
Our route then turns north and becomes more alpine. We ascend the sometimes steep "Schlangenweg" (Snake Path) to the Karl Ludwig House on the Rax plateau (bio-certified establishment, overnight stay available, www.karlludwighaus.at).
From here, our tour shifts westward and crosses the Heukuppe, the highest point of our hike at 2,007 meters. The Heukuppe, like the entire Rax plateau, is very exposed to the wind, so warm clothing is recommended! Snow can still be present here until early summer!
From the Heukuppe, we descend to the Gamseck summit (small summit cross, beautiful close-up view of the Schneealm) and continue downhill via a partially secured path ("Zahmes Gamseck") to the upper Nasskamm (overview panel). Passing the private Gamsecker Hut (the bivouac hut Zimmermannhütte no longer exists), we continue on wide paths, descending to the lower Nasskamm (overview panel).
Here, our trail begins to ascend again toward Schneealm, Lurgbauerhütte, and Amaisbühel. We hike steeply up to the high plateau of Schneealm via Amaisbühel. Soon, we reach the Lurgbauerhütte (bio cheese dairy, overnight stay available, www.lurgikas.at). From here, we “stroll” almost level (partly forest roads) across the high plateau towards Windberg, the summit of the Schneealm massif at 1,903 meters. A mighty summit cross adorns this wonderful panoramic peak, and after a mere 20-minute descent, we reach the rustic Michlbauer Hut (overnight stay available, 4 family rooms, bio beef from Michlbauer, and of course the sweet temptation: the Windberg).
Already in sight to the east is our next culinary and scenic destination, the Schneealpenhaus (overnight stay available, hearty regional alpine specialties, www.schneealpenhaus.com). The house is easily accessible from the Michlbauer Hut via the beautiful alpine high plateau; when grazing is taking place, please follow the behavioral rules on alpine pastures!
From the Schneealpenhaus, we conclude our hike with a steep descent via a relatively alpine trail (surefootedness required), before reaching the Lurgbauer farm and returning to Altenberg an der Rax. Just a few more minutes downstream, and we arrive back at our starting point, the Altenbergerhof.