Starting at the parking lot at the Baumgartnerhof, we follow the signpost "ehem. Annahütte" (marked as "603") eastwards slightly downhill to the Rotschitzabach, cross it over a wooden bridge, briefly steeply uphill and then continue along the same contour line until we reach a road. Here the original route of the Panorama Trail Southern Alps branches off to the right (south), which we follow on trail no. 682 along the Kropiunabach stream past the former customs hut (1,101 m) to the source of the stream. Shortly afterwards we reach a forest road, which we cross several times on the further ascent to the dilapidated Annahütte (1,700 m).
From the Annahütte, the Grenzsteig trail leads below the ridge - south of the Kleiner Mittagskogel - in a south-easterly direction. In addition to short, easier climbing sections, we are accompanied by views of the impressive western flank of the Mittagskogel and the northern faces of the eastern Julian Alps, which are close enough to touch. The path lined with mountain pines leads to another climbing section just before the western flank. Here you have to make a very narrow, steep ascent on both sides, which immediately turns into a short rock climb and requires appropriate surefootedness, a head for heights and climbing skills.
The further, steeper ascent over the western flank requires concentration and sure-footedness on loose gravel in places (ATTENTION, it is difficult to find the path in poor visibility!) The trail joins the normal route at the wider, partly grassy summit ridge. This leads to the summit of the Mittagskogel (2,145 m) in just a few minutes.
The descent to the Bertahütte takes place via numerous gravelly hairpin bends on the normal trail (marked as "680"), on which short and rocky steep steps or gravelly crossings of gullies have to be mastered again and again in the area of the mountain pine fields. However, the path is well developed with steps that make the descent somewhat easier.
The trail leads to a forest road junction at the Ferlacher Sattel. We reach the Bertahütte (1,567 m) in a few minutes on foot along a slightly ascending forest road.
Alternative route description:
Starting at the parking lot at the Baumgartnerhof, follow the signpost "ehem. Annahütte" eastwards slightly downhill to the Rotschitzabach, cross it over a wooden bridge, briefly steeply uphill and then continue along the same contour line until you reach a road. Here the original route of the Panorama Trail Southern Alps leads to the right (south) - but we turn left here and soon reach an asphalt road. We follow this road (also marked as "603") to the right until we reach the Martinihof inn.
Here we turn right onto a forest road and hike up it for a while until a marked hiking trail leads up at the second bend to the right. Via this path - finally along the Worounitzabach stream - we reach the access road to the Bertahütte, which is closed to car traffic. We follow the road (marked as "603" and Kärntner Grenzweg) uphill to the Bertahütte, mostly following marked shortcuts parallel to the road, especially in the upper part of the ascent.
If we still don't feel exhausted after this short stage, we can climb the Mittagskogel from the Bertahütte via the normal route. This section of the walk is also the last section of the original route of the Southern Alps Panorama Trail (additional time required there and back approx. 3 hours 30 minutes).
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In the section between the Baumgartnerhöhe and the Jepzaalm - Annahütte (derelict) no technical difficulties on well-marked paths and climbs. From the Annahütte on a narrow, steep path towards the west flank of the Mittagskogel. Shortly before the western flank, there is a short secured passage that requires surefootedness and a head for heights. The ascent via the west flank to the summit of the Mittagskogel is again narrow and steep and requires good technique on gravel paths. Take care in poor visibility due to fog! This makes orientation considerably more difficult. The descent via the normal route leads to the Bertahütte on a gravel path, partly over stepped terrain.
ALL ASCENTS TO THE MITTAGSKOGEL ARE ALPINE HIKES WITH CORRESPONDING DANGERS (THUNDERSTORMS, FOG, ICING, DANGER OF FALLING, ETC.)! APPROPRIATE TOUR PLANNING IS OBLIGATORY!
The much easier variant via Outschena and Untergreuth to the Bertahütte is also possible in bad weather.
10 recommendations from the ÖAV
As an outdoor sport, mountain hiking offers great opportunities for health, community and adventure. The following recommendations from the alpine associations are designed to make mountain hikes as safe and enjoyable as possible.
1. healthy in the mountains
Mountain hiking is an endurance sport. The positive stress stimuli for the heart and circulation require good health and a realistic self-assessment. Avoid time pressure and choose a pace that ensures no one in the group gets out of breath.
2. careful planning
Hiking maps, guide books, the Internet and experts provide information about the length, altitude difference, difficulty and current conditions. Always adapt tours to the group! Pay particular attention to the weather forecast, as rain, wind and cold increase the risk of accidents.
3. complete equipment
Adapt your equipment to your tour and make sure your rucksack is light. Rain, cold and sun protection should always be in your backpack, as well as a first aid kit and cell phone (Euro emergency number 112). A map or GPS will help you find your way.
4. suitable footwear
Good hiking boots protect and relieve your feet and improve your sure-footedness! When making your choice, look for a perfect fit, non-slip tread sole, waterproofness and low weight.
5. sure-footedness is the key
Falls as a result of slipping or tripping are the most common cause of accidents! Be aware that too much speed or tiredness can severely impair your surefootedness and concentration. Watch out for falling rocks: by walking carefully, you can avoid falling rocks.
6. stay on marked trails
In pathless terrain, the risk of losing your bearings, falling and falling rocks increases. Avoid shortcuts and return to the last known point if you lose your way. Often underestimated and very dangerous: steep old snowfields!
7. take regular breaks
Taking a break at the right time helps you to relax, enjoy the scenery and socialize. Eating and drinking are necessary to maintain performance and concentration. Isotonic drinks are ideal thirst quenchers. Muesli bars, dried fruit and cookies satisfy hunger on the way.
8. responsibility for children
Make sure that variety and playful discovery are at the forefront for children! In passages where there is a risk of falling, one adult can only supervise one child. Very exposed tours that require prolonged concentration are not suitable for children.
9. small groups
Small groups ensure flexibility and allow for mutual help. Inform familiar people about the destination, route and return. Stay together in the group. Beware of lone hikers: even minor incidents can lead to serious emergencies.
10 Respect for nature and the environment
To protect mountain nature: do not leave any waste behind, avoid noise, stay on the paths, do not disturb wild and grazing animals, leave plants untouched and respect protected areas. Use public transport or form car pools to get there.
Packing list - multi-day hike
Compass No. 062 - Villach Faaker See (M 1:25000)
Compass No. 218 - Panorama Trail Southern Alps
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