Very promising tour up to the scenic summit of Frauenmauer via the impressive Frauenmauerhöhle (pass-through cave)
This very exciting tour starts at the parking at Gsollkehre at the Präbichl and first follows the 833 hiking trail eastwards heading to the Gsollalm. There, the tour then turns left and follows the trail 834 upwards towards the already visible Frauenmauer. The trail becomes steeper and then turns right towards the western entrance of the Frauenmauerhöhle cave. Guided tours are normally done from west to east, the guide normally waits right there at the entrance. Although some websites claim that it is possible to pass through the cave without a guide, this is no longer allowed and also not advised!
After the interesting guided tour through the cave (approx. 60-90 min), the cave is left at its eastern entry. From there, the tour turns left and follows the small trail alongside the wall of Frauenmauer up to the Bärenlochsattel. At the saddle, the tour turns left and follows the small traces of a trail up to the top of Frauenmauer. The tour ascends fairly steep and through mountain pines, thus requiring a bit of attention. All efforts are rewarded with the stunning view from the top of Frauenmauer.
The tour then descends back to Bärenlochsattel on the same way. At the Bärenlochsattel, the tour turns left and follows the trail back to Gsollalm via the Bärenloch via ferrata (Cat. A). The ferrata itself is very easy and short, the crux is a iron ladder that needs to be descended. The tour then continues following the trail which becomes steep and requires special attention due to loose gravel. The trail automatically heads back to Gsollalm from where the same route is taken back to the parking as used for the ascent.
This tour can be also easily and comfortably reached using public transportation.
The following is a recommendation of means of public transportation (from Vienna):
- Intercity 756 from Wien Hauptbahnhof (06:24) Bruck/Mur Bahnhof (08:23)
- Interrail 588 from Bruck/Mur Bahnhof (08:28) Leoben Hauptbahnhof (08:37)
- RegioBus 820 from Leoben Hauptbahnhof (08:44) Gsollkehre Abzw Gsollhütte (09:28)
After the <7h tours, the following public transportation can be taken back to Vienna:
- RegioBus 820 from Gsollkehre Abzw Gsollhütte (16:26) Leoben Hauptbahnhof (17:30)
- Intercity 1132 from Leoben Hauptbahnhof (17:41) Wien Hauptbahnhof (19:54)
| 00:00 | Start at the parking / bus station Gsollkehre Abzw. Gsollhütte (GPS: 47.550144, 14.936041) and follow the marked hiking trail (forest road) 833 eastwards towards Gsollalm (see signposts). |
| 00:35 | At the Gsollhütte, turn left and follow the trail northwards towards Frauenmauerhöhle Westeingang. |
| 00:45 | At the end of the forest road, continue following the marked trail northwards. The trail now becomes steeper! |
| 00:55 | At the crossing, turn right and follow the trail towards Frauenmauerhöhle Westeingang (see signposts). |
| 01:00 | Climb up towards the entrance of the cave, following the easy via ferrata. Please be aware of potential rock fall in this area! |
| 01:05 | Meet with your tour guide and await the amazing tour through the cave to be started. The tour requires approx. 90 min. The guide hands out equipment (such as headlamps) if required but it is recommended to bring your own. |
| 01:30 | Start the tour through the cave following your tour guide. |
| 03:00 | Arrive at the eastern entrance of the cave which is also the end of the tour. Enjoy the view during a short break, saying thanks and good-bye to your tour guide. |
| 03:10 | At the cave’s portal, turn left and follow the small trail northwards. Keep left all the time and hike alongside the headwall of Frauenmauer. The trail is slightly exposed and requires a sure foot! |
| 03:15 | Keep left and ascend up to Bärenlochsattel. |
| 03:25 | At the Bärenlochsattel, leave the marked trail and turn left. Follow the traces of a trail which heads up southwards to the top of Frauenmauer. |
| 03:50 | Bypass the summit cross of Frauenmauer and continue following the trail a bit further westwards for a few meters. Now enjoy the amazing view from there, obviously best enjoyed with a self-brought refreshment (). |
| 04:00 | Head back and descend back again to Bärenlochsattelon the same way as used for the ascent. |
| 04:25 | At the Bärenlochsattel, turn left and follow the trail westwards down to Bärenlochsteig / Gsollalm. |
| 04:40 | Descend via the Bärenloch via ferrata. Then continue following the steep and sometimes slippery trail downwards. |
| 04:55 | At the crossing, keep straight and now follow the same way down as used for the ascent. |
| 05:10 | Well-deserved break () at Gsollhütte. |
| 06:10 | Follow the trail 833 back to the parking, the same way as used for the ascent. |
| 06:45 | Back at the parking / bus station, end of the tour. |
At a glance
| Level | moderate |
| Technique | |
| Shape / Fitness | |
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| Scenery | |
| Best time in the year | |
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General Tour Data
| Area: | Hochschwab, Styria, Austria | |
| Distance: | 13km | |
| Ascent: | 932m (2h 15min) | |
| Descent: | 893m (1h 55min) | |
| Highest Pt: | 1826m | |
| Lowest Pt: | 934m | |
| Duration: | 5h 45min (without breaks) 6h 45min (with breaks) |
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| Stop/Rest: | Gsollalm (1201m) | |
| Equipment: | Hiking shoes with good grip Headlamp + backup light Backpack with standard hiking equipment Snacks and plenty of water 1x Gipfelbier Sun & Weather protection Warmer cloths for the cave Camera |
| Download GPX | ||
| O | Tour at outdooractive.com |
Although in the past possible to pass through the cave without a guide, this is no longer allowed and strongly discouraged!
- On 20th July 1928, a teacher died in the cave after misinterpreting the cave’s description.
- In 1930, the most known tragedy happened as three students died due to a failure of their lights. They tried following a wall inside the cave which turned out to be a tower, thus circling around endlessly. Today, still three crosses remind on this tragedy at the tower where they died!
Caves are dangerous and rescue costs are excluded from any insurance, including mountaineering insurance!
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