Mushroom Safari

Day One: Arrival and opportunity to acquaint ourselves with the hotel, introduction to the hiking program

Day Two:
We will explore the mushroom theme path in Rohrmoos/Schladming. Thanks to the Sommercard, we will get to ride the gondola lifts for free up to the Hochwurzen. Once there, we will be able to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Dachstein and surrounding mountain world. During a short scenic walk on the Hochwurzen, we will keep our eyes peeled in search of our first mushrooms. After a brief refreshment break at the Hochwurzenhütte, the daredevils amongst us can hurtle back down the Hochwurzen on mountain go-karts.
Beginning at the valley station of the Hochwurzen gondola, the mushroom path meanders through the forest. Here, we are shown oversized depictions of native mushrooms, also providing us with invaluable insights into which mushrooms are edible and which are poisonous. The starting point for the hike is the car park next to the Hochwurzen summit lift. The path makes a loop through the forest, also leading past the “Mushroom Village”. After dinner, every participant receives printed materials detailing the most important places to hunt for mushrooms in our region. A brief theoretical summary of mushroom facts will likely fuel our dreams of a rich harvest to come.

Day Three:
We will ride the hiking taxi to the former "Kemeterhof" country inn, from where we will embark on our first excursion into the "Gföhl" (a side valley between the Hauser Kaibling and Planai). The very damp forest floor provides an ideal place for mushrooms to thrive. After about one hour, we will meet up again and compare the “fruits of the forest” we have managed to scavenge. Afterwards, we will make our way to the Sarteitner Teich. Around this small lake, we will discover a rich booty of mushrooms as well as blueberries.
Back at the hotel, together we will clean and identify our delectable discoveries.
If you still have time and energy, you might wish to ride the Tauernseilbahn to the top of the Hauser Kaibling:
Needless to say, a visit to our local mountain (Hauser Kaibling) is an absolute must during your stay at the Gürtl. The valley station is barely 100 meters from our hotel, followed by a comfortable 14 min ride up to an elevation of 2015 m (included for free with the Sommercard). From the mountain terminal, we will walk to the Kaiblingalm. The 750 sheep on the Hauser Kaibling will give us a friendly welcome and likely whet our appetites for those small “shepherd’s snacks” which await us at the mountain hut. 

Or simply pay a visit to our massage department!

Day Four: Mushroom Safari from Gumpental to Seewigtal

This day of hiking leads us to Gumpental and the former Maierlalm. Far removed from the well-trodden paths, we will explore the countryside on the shaded side of the Ennstal valley. In not-too-steep terrain amid the mossy forest floor, we are certain to find what we seek. By the time we reach the Steieirscher Bodensee car park, our search will be at an end. If you wish, you can take a stroll and circle this idyllic lake. Meanwhile, the hiking taxi will be ready to take us back home.

Day Five: Breathtaking views of Dachstein glacier
After a sumptuous breakfast, sadly it will already be time to leave for home. Nevertheless, you will still have time to pay a visit to the easternmost glacier in the Alps, the Dachstein glacier! (independently)

The ride up on the Dachstein Glacier Lift is an unforgettable experience in its own right: You will rise 1000 vertical meters, coming close to the precipitous rock faces. The new panorama gondola with sides made of glass also gives you the opportunity to enjoy this ride on the roof of the gondola!

2700 meters-tall Dachstein glacier has become one of the most popular excursion destinations in the Alps in recent years, with an array of highlights including the Dachstein Ice Palace and the Dachstein Skywalk. Since 2013, guests have also been greeted by a very special nature experience: courtesy of the highest suspension footbridge in Austria.
Breathtaking scenery guaranteed!
Subject to change due to weather conditions and where the mushrooms are currently most prevalent.