Starting Point: Eschachalm
The tour to the Kleinprechthütte and onward to the Rotmandlspitze begins at the final stop of the bus line at Eschachalm (Eschachhüttn). Already at the starting point, there is an opportunity to have a small meal before beginning the ascent—something that is particularly advisable for longer hikes.
From Eschachalm, the route initially heads towards Neualm. You follow a clearly visible hiking trail through the forest. It is important not to take the wide forest road but instead stick to the actual hiking path, which is far more pleasant and varied. The section to the Kleinprechthütte is about 5 km long and leads mostly through शांत, shaded woodland with a moderate incline.
Ascent to the Kleinprechthütte
The trail to the Kleinprechthütte is technically easy and well maintained. This part of the hike is ideal as a warm-up to adjust to both altitude and physical exertion. Along the way, shaded forest sections alternate with more open areas.
The Kleinprechthütte itself is situated in an idyllic setting and serves as an excellent base for further tours in the region. Staying overnight at the hut is highly recommended if you prefer a more relaxed itinerary or want to tackle the summit the following day.
From Kleinprechthütte to Rotmandlspitze
The main ascent to the Rotmandlspitze begins on the following day. The trail continues steadily uphill and becomes more demanding with increasing altitude. Initially, you are still on a typical hiking path, but this gradually transitions into rocky and partly loose terrain.
This section requires sure-footedness, although it is not technically difficult. As you gain elevation, impressive views of the surrounding alpine landscape open up repeatedly.
Once at the summit of the Rotmandlspitze, you are rewarded with a wide panoramic view. In good weather conditions, the visibility extends across large parts of the region, making the ascent well worthwhile.
Descent to Kleinprechthütte and Eschachalm
The return follows the same route and is significantly quicker, as it is mostly downhill. First, you descend back to the Kleinprechthütte.
From there, you have two options:
- Overnight stay at the hut and descent the next day
- Direct descent back to Eschachalm
The descent to Eschachalm again follows the familiar forest trail and is technically straightforward.
Difficulty and Conditions
This tour is a classic mountain hike with moderate demands:
- Fitness level: medium
- Technical difficulty: easy to moderate
- Terrain: forest trails, hiking paths, later rocky and scree sections
In dry conditions, the tour is very manageable. In the upper sections, attention should be paid to loose rocks. When wet, the terrain can become slippery.
Planning Tips
A key aspect of this tour is transportation:
- Bus connections to Eschachalm are limited (only about 3–4 services per day)
- Careful planning of arrival and departure times is essential
Additional recommendations:
- Allow sufficient time for the ascent
- Start early to avoid sudden weather changes
- Consider staying overnight at the Kleinprechthütte
Conclusion
The tour from the Kleinprechthütte to the Rotmandlspitze is a varied and scenically rewarding mountain hike. The combination of a gentle approach, the option of a hut stay, and a panoramic summit makes it particularly appealing.
If you are looking for a quiet tour with a classic alpine hut atmosphere and impressive views, this route is highly recommended.
Tour Data
- Total distance: 15.1 km
- Total duration: 1–2 days
- Region: Styria
- Mountain range: Schladminger Tauern
- Summit: Rotmandlspitze (2,453 m)
Public Transport
From Vienna Central Station:
- Train to Bruck an der Mur
- Continue to Schladming station
- Bus 973 towards Eschachalm to the final stop
(Note: The bus first goes to the cable car station and then continues towards Eschachalm.)
