Steinberg am Rofan: Mountain Trails, Culture and Cross-Country Skiing

Steinberg am Rofan lies on a sunny, secluded high plateau above Lake Achensee and is surrounded by three distinct mountain ranges. Different highlights come together here when planning a trip: church art, circular hikes, a longer alpine stage and seasonal cross-country ski trails.

Church and Mountain History

The parish church of Steinberg am Rofan was first mentioned in historical records in 1188 and was rebuilt in the Late Gothic style between 1419 and 1434. Inside, above the Sorrowful Mother of God on the left side altar, is a depiction of the personified Trinity. Another cultural landmark is the Steinberg Stabat Mater cycle, with twelve numbered stations.

The village’s mountain history is also part of its character: since 2021, Steinberg am Rofan has been one of the Mountaineering Villages. In 1911, Hans Dülfer and Hans Fiechtl were the first to climb the Guffert’s south ridge. The church’s traditions and a specific first alpine ascent thus represent different aspects of the village’s history.

Hiking Trails and Notable Places

The Bärenwald Loop is an easy circular hike covering 4.9 kilometres with 170 metres of elevation gain. It starts and ends at the parish church. Also easy is the 2.9-kilometre circular hike to Steinberger Loch: it starts at the church, passes through Steinberger Loch and returns there. The Bärenwald Loop is therefore the longer of the two easy loops with specified distances. Its details may change depending on trail conditions. The Panoramic Loop Steinberg also starts and ends at the parish church.

A considerably longer route, rated difficult, is Adlerweg 07: it leads from Steinberg am Rofan through the Brandenberg Alps (Rofan) to Erfurter Hütte and is 18 kilometres long. Route details may vary depending on alpine conditions. Another local feature is the Gaismoos Tunnel, an unlit, natural tunnel hewn into the rock. The viewpoint was built by the Austrian Federal Forests from locally sourced larch wood and is accessible by bicycle.

Cross-Country Ski Trails, Ski Area and Getting There

The two cross-country ski trails have different profiles. The S2 Guffert Trail starts at the cross-country skiing centre at an elevation of around 1,000 metres and runs for 7 kilometres through varied terrain. It is intermediate and challenging, with some steeper sections and around 150 metres of elevation gain. The S1 Dorfloipe Steinberg has short climbs and descents and is recommended for experienced cross-country skiers. Both trails are seasonal routes: check grooming and snow conditions before your trip.

The Rofanlifte ski area offers manageable slopes for beginners. Facilities include a drag lift, a platter lift and a rope tow. This offering is also seasonal; check operating conditions before your trip.

Regional bus routes 4080 and 7801 run to Steinberg am Rofan. Get off at the Steinberg a. R. Kirche stop. Check the current timetable before travelling. Free parking is available at Steinberg am Rofan municipal office; check parking conditions on site.

When choosing your destination, you can weigh up the different highlights: short circular walks starting at the parish church, a challenging longer stage, historic church art or winter sports. If your plans depend on a cross-country ski trail or the ski area, take their seasonal conditions into account when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Schöneben, Burgstall, Wiesing, Laimach, Emberg, Eben Am Achensee, Terfens, Juns.

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