4.8
(108)
891
hikers
38
hikes
Mountaineering routes around St. Johann im Walde are situated in the high alpine terrain of Osttirol, characterized by rugged peaks, deep valleys, and prominent summits. The region is part of the Schober group, offering challenging ascents and panoramic views of the surrounding Austrian Alps. Elevations frequently exceed 3,000 meters, providing a true high-mountain experience.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
5.0
(1)
49
hikers
9.38km
06:44
1,100m
1,100m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.5
(4)
28
hikers
11.5km
07:11
1,190m
1,190m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5.0
(2)
36
hikers
14.5km
08:09
1,330m
1,330m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
3.7
(3)
35
hikers
13.7km
07:49
1,330m
1,330m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.5
(2)
15
hikers
12.6km
07:39
1,200m
1,190m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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It is NOT recommended to ascend or descend the Hochschober from the eastern route, as the terrain here poses a life-threatening danger due to various mudflows and rockfall (even for experienced mountaineers). Although it is said to be passable, it should urgently not be done. Via the western route up to the summit, there are some challenging climbing sections, which are however manageable.
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Very nice hut without showers, but you can bathe well in the stream. The food is amazing, I've rarely eaten anything so delicious, absolutely top-notch.
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scenically beautiful valley, the Debanttal
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magnificent view, but a strenuous, stony path
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Beautiful, exposed via ferrata of category B.
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At the end of the forest path is this old, rustic bridge that leads to the Hochschober Hut.
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very beautiful valley along mountain stream
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Very nice hut with delicious home-made cakes. The perfect starting point for long mountain hikes. Picturesquely located in the Hohe Tauern National Park.
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There are over 40 mountaineering routes in the St. Johann im Walde area. These routes are primarily challenging, with 34 rated as difficult and 7 as moderate, offering a true high-mountain experience in the Schober group.
The mountaineering routes around St. Johann im Walde are predominantly challenging, with no routes specifically categorized as easy. There are 7 moderate routes available, but most are rated as difficult, making the area best suited for experienced mountaineers.
The duration of mountaineering routes in St. Johann im Walde varies significantly depending on the specific trail and your pace. For example, the Lienzer Hütte – Glödis Summit (3,206 m) loop typically takes around 6 hours 45 minutes, while the Leibnitzalm – Hochschoberhütte loop can take about 7 hours 50 minutes. Most difficult routes require a full day.
Yes, several popular mountaineering routes in St. Johann im Walde are circular. Notable examples include the Lienzer Hütte – Glödis Summit (3,206 m) loop, the Hochschober Summit – Hochschoberhütte loop, and the Leibnitzalm – Hochschoberhütte loop. These loops offer varied terrain and return you to your starting point.
The region around St. Johann im Walde is rich in natural beauty. You can discover stunning alpine lakes such as Neualpl Lakes and Kreuzsee and Wangenitzsee. Additionally, there are impressive gorges like the Dabaklamm Gorge and the scenic Debanttal, often featuring suspension bridges like the Ködnitzbach Suspension Bridge.
Yes, several mountaineering routes in the St. Johann im Walde area pass by or connect to mountain huts. For instance, the Hochschober Summit – Hochschoberhütte loop includes the Hochschoberhütte. Other notable huts in the vicinity include the Wangenitzsee Hut and the Adolf Nossberger Hut, providing opportunities for rest or overnight stays.
The mountaineering routes in St. Johann im Walde are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 100 reviews. Reviewers frequently praise the challenging ascents, the panoramic views from prominent summits like Glödis, and the true high-mountain experience offered by the Schober group.
Generally, no specific permits are required for mountaineering on the established routes in the St. Johann im Walde area. However, it's always advisable to check local regulations, especially if you plan to venture into protected areas or engage in activities beyond standard hiking.
Absolutely. The mountaineering routes around St. Johann im Walde are known for their substantial elevation gains. For example, the Lesach-Riegel-Hütte – Sagbrücke Over Lesachbach loop features over 1,400 meters of ascent, while the Lienzer Hütte – Hochschober Summit loop involves nearly 1,200 meters of climbing, providing excellent challenges for experienced mountaineers.
Many mountaineering routes in St. Johann im Walde start from accessible points that often include parking facilities. For instance, the Leibnitzalm – Hochschoberhütte loop begins from Parkplatz Hochschoberhütte, indicating a designated parking area. Other routes may start from mountain huts or valley access points within the Schober group.
Given the challenging nature of the routes and the presence of mountain huts like the Wangenitzsee Hut and Adolf Nossberger Hut, the St. Johann im Walde area is well-suited for multi-day mountaineering trips. You can plan routes that connect these huts, allowing for extended exploration of the high alpine terrain.


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