Located only about 2 1/2 hours southwest of Vienna, the Nationalpark Gesäuse is a pure treasure for hikers, climbers and nature lovers. We started our adventure with a night hike organised by the “Nationalpark Erlebniszentrum Weidendom”. From 9 pm to midnight, the ranger walked with us along the Enns River and explained sounds of animals and the basic structure underlying the forest in the area. The sound of the river Enns gives the area the name – Gesäuse, meaning murmuring and roaring river.
On the first day, we hiked up to the Mödlinger Hütte (1503 m) where we stayed overnight. In the evening sun, we enjoyed our company and the cool beer.
In gorgeous weather, we hike the next day to the Oberst Klinke Hütte. We followed the recommendation of the “Hüttenwirt” (cabin owner) to hike a more beautiful way and soon got lost without any signs to follow. Our intuition brought us to a wonderful old cabin on the Wagenbänkalm.
Wild strawberries….delicious!
An abundance of blueberries – it was hard to stop picking them.
In the cabin of the Wagenbänkalm, we had lunch prepared by Hanni (women on the right with the blue shirt). We also met a guy from the “Bergrettung” (mountain rescue service) with his wife and had wonderful conversations. We stayed for three hours.
The bread covered with a black bread spread is a typical cheese of the area, tasting like blue cheese.
The bread spread on the bottom left and right corners is called “Gehacktes”, a meaty spread. The bacon is homemade.
Hanni invited us to have home made apple Schnaps.
I loved the laundry in the back of the cabin, it looked so fresh and clean.
It was easy to find the way to the Oberst Klinke Hütte. However, we did not stay overnight in this cabin. A taxi brought us back to Johnsbach, where we parked our car. In the Gasthaus Köblwirt we spent the night. In the early morning, we started our hike to the Heßhütte (1699m), again a gorgeous alpine path with spectacular views.
The hike was a birthday present from my sisters, Christi and Ilse. I feel blessed to have such wonderful sisters!
My heart sang as I scrolled through your post. I miss hiking in the Alps so much. What a wonderful way to spend time with sisters. Much love, Erica
Yes, dear Erica, the Alps are really a paradise for hiking and being in nature. Hiking is also a good way to spend time with each other. I know you love the Alps. Would be great to spend time together with you! Love, Traude
Wie schön! “Die Schwestern!”
Johnsbach, der Kölblwirt und die Gegend sind mir gut bekannt. Ich freue mich, dass ihr euch dort wohlgefühlt habt.
LG. Eva
So schön von dir zu hören, liebe Eva! Die Gegend um Johnsbach ist wirklich großartig! Liebe Grüße, Traude