Active travel destination Pyhrn-Priel in Upper Austria
Active travel destination Pyhrn-Priel in Upper Austria
The southern region of Pyhrn-Priel in Upper Austria is characterised by its higher mountains, making it an attractive destination both in winter and summer. We visited in spring and found that after rain, sunshine follows. It’s a challenging environment!
Pronouncing ‘Pyhrn-Priel’ can be tricky. The nearby Kalkalpen (Limestone Alps) are perhaps more well-known and roll off the tongue a bit easier. This part of Upper Austria is particularly well-suited for outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and skiing. However, skiing is no longer possible by the end of May when we are there, so we limit ourselves to cycling and walking.
Windischgarsten as a tourist centre in Pyhrn-Priel
We experience Windischgarsten as a charming centre, especially when the sun shines on the maypole placed in the town square. How tall could it be? We estimate it to be around 25 metres. It’s a tradition here for the surrounding municipalities to try to steal the maypole, so it must be guarded by the village. It’s no easy task to sneak away with such a large pole, but that’s part of the challenge.
We hop on our (electric) bikes and enjoy a pleasant ride along the railway towards Spital. The electric assistance isn’t really necessary on this stretch. Upon arriving in Spital, we take the road to Rossleithen. On this part of the route, the assistance is more than welcome. It’s a steep climb that we can manage with the help of the electric motor. Once at the top, we find the Gleinkersee, a beautiful lake with mountains in the background. The atmosphere here is relaxed. We take a break from the climb and have a drink to replenish our fluids. It’s a stunning spot that is well worth the effort.
Back at our hotel in Windischgarsten, a delicious dinner is served. In fact, we didn’t expect such a good kitchen in this no-nonsense place. This central village in the region proves to be an excellent place to stay.
The mountains in Pyhrn-Priel near Hinterstoder
We visit Hinterstoder, where a new gondola takes you directly to an altitude of 1400 metres. Want to go even higher? Take the next lift and you’ll reach 1900 metres. With 40 kilometres of pistes, this ski area isn’t among the largest, but it is very manageable and definitely worth a visit. Given the many spaces in the car park, this place attracts a reasonably large number of visitors.
Upon arrival at the top, we disembark at a mountain lake. Here, you can take various marked walks. There’s a relaxed loop around the lake for water lovers or a challenging climb for those seeking more adventure. Unfortunately, the clouds today limit visibility. It’s a shame, as the surroundings are stunning. Therefore, we opt for a short climb before walking back to the gondola station.
In a restaurant by the gondola, we enjoy lunch in a friendly atmosphere. The local residents also seem to relish the food here, with some even dressing up for the occasion. A local proudly poses for a photograph with his dog.
Exploring the Stodertal valley in Pyhrn-Priel
At the end of the Stodertal Valley is the source of the River Steyr. It’s a lovely opportunity to try out the camera and capture the babbling water in this green setting. The sound of the river springing forth is refreshing. The flowers growing here in full bloom complete the picture. It’s a beautiful spot to experience nature.
Recently, there has been enthusiastic work on the Bike & Hike trail in this region. You cycle to a charging point and then continue on foot. Throughout the region, we see charging points for electric bikes, including here. It’s clear that there is a desire to encourage exploration by (electric) bike.
In the car park at this valley, we discover another challenge: the Stoderer Dolomitensteig. It’s a nine-kilometre walk along a route where mountain bikes are not allowed, making it quite peaceful. Be sure to wear good shoes for this hike and expect about five hours of walking time with an elevation gain of nearly 700 metres. It’s a tough trek, so you should not suffer from a fear of heights.
FAQs about the Pyhrn-Priel region in Upper Austria
The federal state of Upper Austria is situated in the area between Salzburg and Vienna. The Pyhrn-Priel region lies to the south of Linz.
The Pyhrn-Priel region is a paradise for hikers and winter sports enthusiasts. Hiking can be enjoyed high in the mountains at Hinterstoder. Additionally, the Stoderer Dolomitensteig in the Stodertal is highly recommended. You can also enjoy beautiful cycling routes, for example, starting from Windischgarsten. Electric assistance is certainly a welcome addition.
The best locations to stay in the Pyhrn-Priel region can be found in Hinterstoder and Windischgarsten.
In Hinterstoder:
- Hotel & Restaurant Edelweiss Alpine Lodge: A pleasant hotel with free parking, located close to the ski lift.
- Other accommodation options in Hinterstoder.
In Windischgarsten:
- Hotel das Rössl: Here you will find spacious rooms with a good breakfast and dinner.
- Other accommodation options in Windischgarsten.
Generally, you can enjoy a good, tasty meal at your hotel. Prefer to eat in a restaurant?
- Good restaurants in Hinterstoder.
- Good restaurants in Windischgarsten: In this town, we also had a great meal at Gasthaus Zur Goldenen Sonne, which is located in a beautiful historic building.
- Good restaurants in Spital am Pyhrn.
More information about the Pyhrn-Priel region can be found at www.urlaubsregion-pyhrn-priel.at/en/. For information about Upper Austria, visit www.upperaustria.com/en.
