Mountain bike tour over 3 alpine pastures (S536 )

Summary

Riding the "From alpine pasture to alpine pasture" (German: "Hallstatt 3-Almen Tour") by mountain bike offers a combination of breathtaking nature, sporting challenge and cultural insights. The route leads over three managed alpine pastures (Grubenalm, Rossalm, Sattelalm) and offers impressive views of Lake Hallstatt and the surrounding mountains. The tour leads through varied landscapes, from dense forests to open alpine meadows, with impressive views of Lake Hallstatt and the Dachstein region. The route is challenging with steep forest roads that require good riding technique and endurance. The managed alpine pastures offer the opportunity to rest and fortify yourself with regional specialities. The S536 Hallstatt 3-Almen Tour takes us via the Grubenalm to the Rossalm and finally to the Sattelalm. 52.1 km / 1900 hm is crisp, refreshment stops only at the Rossalm. And now more about this unusual mountain bike tour in the Salzkammergut...

From alpine pasture to alpine pasture
S536 Hallstatt 3-Almen-Tour – E-MTB experience between lake, mountain and alpine pastures

This challenging e-mountain bike tour starts and ends in the idyllic village of Obertraun, directly on Lake Hallstatt. With over 1,900 metres of altitude difference over around 52 kilometres, the round not only requires stamina, but also good planning - and is rewarded with spectacular views, quiet alpine pastures and an unforgettable nature experience.

The S536 "3-Almen-Tour" leads - as the name suggests - to three high-altitude alpine pastures above Hallstatt: Grubenalm, Rossalm and Sattelalm. The route is technically easy to ride, but steep throughout, and contains no single trails or pushing passages. It is especially ideal for e-mountain bikers if the battery is well charged, the altitude profile is taken seriously and the food is well thought out.

The first section is already a real highlight: The route of the old railway line leads towards Hallstatt and then into the Echerntal. The asphalt Malerweg climbs steeply here – past old inns and a waterfall that plunges dramatically down the rock face. Here it is worth stopping for the first photo before continuing uphill on a forest road towards the Grubenalm.

The Grubenalm itself is somewhat secluded at an altitude of around 1,200 metres and is not managed. If you want to rest here, bring your own snack - ideally you can enjoy it a little above on a bench with a fantastic view of Lake Hallstatt. It is not uncommon to meet deer or curious cows here. The tranquility of this square makes it one of the most magical moments of the tour.

After returning to the main crossroads, the tour continues to the Rossalm - the culinary highlight of the round. The ascent there is challenging, but easy to ride, and the forest road winds through beautiful forest passages to the highest point of the tour: the Strähnhag crossing at 1,502 m. From there, a short descent leads directly to the Rossalm, where hungry bikers are spoiled with regional home cooking. However, there is no electricity here - so battery change or charging break? Nothing.

Freshly strengthened, the path goes back down into the valley. At a striking crossroads, the last major variant is a good option: If you still have strength, battery charge and desire, turn left here to the Sattelalm. This section also requires a lot of altitude - past old salt tunnels, historical cultural sites and a small hut with a beautiful view of the lake.

The Sattelalm itself is quiet and lonely. It is not managed – but is visited from time to time by curious marmots. If you park your bike up here, dangle your legs and treat yourself to a cool drink from your backpack, you will quickly understand why this round is an unforgettable experience despite all the effort.

The return journey will be on the same route. The long descent requires concentration – it is important to be ready to brake and drive in a controlled manner, especially with possible oncoming traffic on the forest roads. Back in the Echerntal, there is another opportunity to stop at the waterfall or at one of the viewpoints on Lake Hallstatt before the last few kilometres lead relaxed along the lakeshore back to the starting point.

Interesting facts on the go

The entire tour is clearly and continuously signposted with the number S536. There is an individual location number at all waypoints, which can be helpful in an emergency when contacting the tourist office. The route is mostly on forest roads - hikers and grazing animals (especially cattle and horses) can be found again and again. A trail bell ensures a quiet and safe encounter here.

The entire round is only recommended with enough battery, water and provisions. If you feel overwhelmed, you can break off the tour after each of the three alpine pastures and ride directly back into the valley. The weather should also be carefully checked in advance - the terrain is alpine and can quickly become uncomfortable if the weather changes.

Conclusion on the
Hallstätter 3-Almen Tour (S536 )

The S536 is not a tour for beginners, but is aimed at athletically ambitious e-mountain bikers who are not afraid of altitude and enjoy the solitude of the mountains as well as the effort to get there. Three alpine pastures, each with its own character - combined with spectacular views, cultural witnesses and a dream scenery around Hallstatt - make this tour a real royal stage in the Salzkammergut.

If you still haven't had enough after five hours in the saddle, you can end the day with a dip in the lake at the Obertraun lido - or simply end the day with a cool drink on the shore.

More offerson this mountainbike tour

Mountain biking & cycling in the Salzkammergut

You want to bike at the most beautiful places? Well, then you have no other alternative than the Salzkammergut – no matter in what shape you are, how fast you want to go, how old you are! The tracks around the fascinating Dachstein promise no stress, breathless fun, healthy exhaustion and a mental incitation.

A unique natural jewel: the "Echern Valley" in Hallstatt

Magnificent waterfalls, rushing glacier streams, a stone garden, endless photo motifs - the Echern Valley (in German "Echerntal") invites all nature lovers to discover. And this is only a few minutes' walk from the centre of Hallstatt.