Let's go

St. Magdalena power place high above Gschnitz

(Bild: Christian Felder)

The former hermitage above Gschnitz is an ideal place to recharge your batteries. The young innkeepers are very committed to running the inn. It's well worth a visit!

The little church of St. Magdalena has stood on a meadow ledge in the rock faces on the sloping terrain above Gschnitz since the 14th century. Together with the outbuilding, it served as a hermitage. Roman Gander and Anne Brugger have been running the small St. Magdalena snack station since 2020.

Anne and Roman are the hard-working innkeepers,(Bild: Christian Felder)

Dumplings as a highlight
"We live regionality," emphasizes the landlord, "most of the ingredients for the dishes come from farmers in the valley." The dumplings are a highlight - such as spruce top mushroom dumplings, chard dumplings or raw bean dumplings. "The current offer depends on what the farmers deliver seasonally."

The guests are satisfied.(Bild: Peter Freiberger)

A visit to the church and a stop for refreshments are a must
The circular tour begins by crossing the bridge, then you hike out of the valley on a path in the forest, the route then leads into the wild and romantic Martairtal valley. The Martairbach stream is crossed and on the other side, the trail winds quickly upwards - the character of the trail now becomes a little more touristy. Finally, the little church and snack station stand in a meadow as if on a platter. A visit to the church and a stop for refreshments are a must!

Facts and figures

• Valley town: Gschnitz (1242 m)
• Starting point: Bridge over the Gschnitzbach (1242 m) opposite the municipal office or Gschnitz fire station; free parking opposite the municipal office
• Route: (rustic) trail, road
• Equipment: sturdy shoes, poles
• Requirements: basic level of fitness and a head for heights, sure-footedness
• Children : from baby age
• Mountain buggy: no
• Refreshments: St. Magdalena snack station (1661 m), 0676/6181655, closed on Monday and Tuesday
• Alternative:From the "Braunhof" (approx. 1320 m) on an initially steep (cart) path or trail (no. 3) in the forest to the Prantneralm (approx. 1 1/2 hours)
• Arrival by public transport: Bus from Steinach ÖBB station to Gschnitz
• Difference in altitude: around 420 meters
• Length : around 6.5 kilometers (entire loop)
• Walking time: around 1 1/4 hours each way there and back

We initially take the same route back, but at the fork in the path a few meters above the Martairbach, we orientate ourselves to "Gschnitz-Ortsbeginn". Later, turn left downhill ("Trins-Gschnitz") and then follow the road inwards. At the houses, follow the sign "Zum Dammweg" and continue along the Gschnitzbach stream. Cross a wooden footbridge, then follow the same route to the starting point.