Short trek to the Großer Pfaff

Easy ascent to the Großer Pfaff

Starting point

The Pfaffensattel road saddle, where the road from Steinhaus am Semmering leads. The entrance to the saddle from this side is free, as is parking in the saddle.

 

Description of the hike

This time we chose a really relaxing peak for our hike in the Alps. The ascent of the Großer Pfaff is made much easier by the Pfaffensattel road saddle. It has not yet reached its greatest glory (the hut in the saddle is abandoned), but it should soon be built and improved again.

We left the car in the natural parking area by the road and followed the sign towards the mountain. The climb is slightly steeper in places in the forest, but nothing major. The trail winds through the trees so we climbed the ridge without any problems. At about 1,500 metres, the forest thins out and views of the surrounding area open up, especially of the highest mountain in the range - Stuhleck. Shortly below the summit we leave the marked path and follow the beaten track up through the slash and burn forest to the summit.

The weather is perfect and so the summit offers us views of Stuhleck, Schneeberg, Raxalpe and more. After a rest we head back. Finally, we change the route a bit and descend to the saddle on an unmarked forest path. At the niche chapel we rejoin the marked trail and follow it back to the car.
 

Difficulty

A very simple and basically relaxing trip. The Pfaffensattel road saddle is about 1300 m above sea level, so the overall elevation gain is small. The whole time you walk on forest paths or roads. The route is ideal for families with children.
 

Water availability

There is no water source on the trail, so it is necessary to have your own. Definitely 1,5 liters per person is enough.
 

Mountain peaks

From the top of Großer Pfaff there are beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges - Schneealpe, Raxalpe and the Fischbacher Alps.
 

Danger

It is a very easy climb, mostly along paths in the forest. There are no exposed places. The top of the mountain is also safe.
 

Food

There is no hut on the route. It is a short trip, you just need to have some bars or a small snack.