The Graukogel trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Bad Gastein area. It offers beautiful views and the hike is not too strenuous. If you want, you can also take the cable car up to the top. For those who want to climb on their own, we have information on the entire route.

The starting point is the lower station of the chairlift leading to Graukogel. Free parking is also available here. At the end of the car park, the route (number 525) starts, which first leads through the forest on serpentine paths. After about 15 minutes, you reach the junction with the path to the Hotel Grüner Baum. However, continue your ascent towards the middle station of the cable car - Mittelstation.

The path first runs along the ski slope and crosses it twice. This section of the path offers beautiful views of the Gastein valley. So don't hesitate to take frequent breaks and enjoy the views. After about an hour of climbing you will reach the cable car station. Here again you can take a break in the local refreshment area or continue straight on.

From the Mittelstation the path continues past the restaurant along the slope. After less than an hour you reach the ski lift route and from there it is not far to the mountain station. From the mountain station you have a beautiful view of the Hüttenkogel peaks and then to the right of the Graukogel. The next section of the trail goes above the mountain station, along the mountain hut and on towards the Hüttenkogel.

As you get to higher ground, the vegetation along the way diminishes and more and more views open up. After about twenty minutes of walking, you reach a point where the paths diverge. Straight ahead the path continues towards Hüttenkogel and turns right towards Graukogel. If you want to extend your journey a little further, you can continue towards Hüttenkogel. A little below the summit there is another turn-off which offers a second way to the Graukogel (the so-called Andreasweg). The Zirbenweg is a short walk through a pine grove (up to 400-year-old pines) with many places for a pleasant rest.

If you want to stick to the original route, turn right and continue straight on to the Graukogel. The path becomes progressively rockier and it is harder to make out the markings. The path goes uphill until you reach a small saddle from where you get your first views of the other side of Graukogel. You can enjoy views of the beautiful Reedsee lake or the Kötschachtal valley. From here the path is steeper and the surface more difficult. We definitely recommend walking the whole route in good shoes!

You are now almost at the top and some parts of the route are secured with ropes. The final part of the climb to the top is very rocky, but it's well worth it. There has been a cross on the top of the Graukogel since the 1960s.

Route length: 9.8 km

Approximate driving time: 6 hours

Altitude: 1 342 m

Difficulty: medium

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Note: Always inform yourself about current conditions and possible route changes and observe safety precautions for getting around in the mountains.