Epic Hikes of the World ( PDFDrive )

© Sarawut Intarobx | Getty
Nepalese villagers cross a footbridge spanning dramatic Himalayan terrain
HOCHSCHWAB, AUSTRIA
In the north of Austria’s Styria lies the Hochschwab, a huge limestone plateau,
where it’s possible to hike for days, staying at rustic (but civilised!) alpine hüttes.
From Bodenbauer, climb up through pine-fringed alpine meadows to the sobering
Das G’hackte, an almost vertical, chained ascent, before reaching the barren and
rocky Hochschwab at 7470ft (2277m). Sink ein radler (beer and lemon soda) while
you watch the sun set from the deck of the nearby Schiestlhaus and listen to the
après-dinner singing. The high route heads west across Hundsboden (dog’s floor)
past various tempting peaks like ZagelKogel (7398ft, 2255m, number two on the
plateau) before dropping down to skirt the Sackwiesensee en route to
Sonnschienhütte. Consider nailing omnipotent 6965ft (2123m) Ebenstein or
meander over to tiny Androthalm for lunch, before heading back to the bright lights