KAT Walk Winter stage 1: Magic of silence

From the historic market town of Hopfgarten on idyllic winter hiking trails to the sunny Westendorf plateau.
The romantic prelude to the long-distance winter hike allows time to take a deep breath: dreamy paths, picturesque town centers and contemplative idyll.
 

Note: Please note that refreshment stops are located in the last section of this route only. Make sure you bring enough to drink and, if necessary, something to eat.
 

From the starting point at the tourist information office in Hopfgarten, the hike begins on the left across the lift parking lot and leads down to the pedestrian underpass. Then turn left and walk a short distance along the street before crossing the Stegnerbrücke bridge (wooden bridge) on the right.
 

Then turn left to follow a short stretch of the main road towards Kelchsau. After approx. 300 m turn left again to cross the Elsbethen bridge. From there, follow the signs through the quiet Elsbethen hamlet, where you also pass the Elsbethen church. The late Gothic branch church enchants with its simple, rural style.
 

At the next junction, follow the signs to Gruberberg, Lend, Westendorf. After about 300 m, by the sawmill, continue along the road uphill towards Gruberberg, Lend, Westendorf. 
 

Walk along the course of the road for approx. 1.2 km to the first intersection where you will turn left.
 

By following the signs to Lend, you will come to the Oberau farm, past the Gruber farm.

Here, delicious alpine cheese and home-made schnapps are for sale from the farm.

At the junction above the farm, continue to hike uphill towards Lend.
 

After about a kilometer uphill, the path leads downhill again at the next intersection, following the signs for Lend.
 

The cleared road leads over 2 km into the valley, where a bridge has to be crossed. About 40 m out of the valley, at Gasthof Lendwirt, turn right onto the road towards Westendorf. It leads uphill through the snow-covered winter forest.
 

When you reach the Westendorf plateau, you will walk past the golf course to the Waldhäusl chapel.  From there, you can already see the Windau Lounge restaurant, where you can enjoy a break on the spacious sun terrace.
 

After the Waldhäusl chapel, turn right onto the winter hiking trail.

Always following the signs, after the driving range, you will reach the winter hiking trail next to the cross-country ski trail. It will lead you over a snow-covered field to Westendorf.
 

The path ends in the hamlet of Holzham onto Dorfstraße, where you will turn right and follow the road to the center of the village.
 

The destination, Westendorf tourist information office, awaits you about 50 m after the church on the right.

Tips and additional highlights:

Hopfgarten:

Take the mountain railway to the Hohe Salve (1829 m), where Austria's highest pilgrimage chapel is located
Free audio guide from the Hopfgarten tourist information office to explore the historic town center

On the way:

Elsbethenkirchlein - historical branch church of Hopfgarten, goes back its foundation in 1494
Windau Loop - large stone bridge in the Windautal Valley for train traffic and a popular motif for railway photographers

Westendorf:

local dairy with regional delicacies on sale
Carriage rides in the snow - register one day in advance at the tourist information office

 
 
Book the multi-day KAT Walk Winter with the “complete hassle-free package” including overnight stays, half board, luggage transfer, maps and much more: www.kat-walk.uk/winter