Schödertal

Großarl, Hüttschlag

Peaks and crossings
  • Spielkogel (2.144 m)
  • Keeskogel (2.663 m)
  • Zwölferspitz (2.773 m)
  • Arlhöhe (2.326 m)
  • Weinschnabel (2.754 m)
  • Schöderhorn (Großes Mureck, 2.475 m)
  • via Arlscharte (2.252 m) into the Maltatal
  • via Murtörl (2.260 m) to the Sticklerhütte
Valley of the mountain pastures

The Grossarltal is known as the valley of alpine pastures. They spread out widely above the forest belt. Around 40 managed alpine pastures and about 220 km of alpine paths criss-cross the Grossarl Valley. The valley is rich in wildlife; chamois, deer and roe deer can be regularly observed. In the sun-exposed rocky ravines around Hüttschlag you can find special plants such as the Sebenstrauch or animals such as the wallcreeper and sometimes Alpine swift.

Mysterious Lake
Schödersee | © Hohe Tauern Nationalpark
Mysterious Lake

In Schödertal the special feature is a periodic lake - called Schödersee or Schöderlacke. Huge boulders have closed off the rear valley giving rise to a basin. Mostly, the Schöderbach stream winds it way through wet alpine meadows, disappears underground only to reappear again several hundred metres further north. After heavy rainfall or snowmelt, however, the basin fills up forming Schödersee lake. The mountain pines on the west side indicate the high water mark. Legends abound about this natural wonder.

Historic copper mining

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Hüttschlag gained importance through copper mining. There were also sulphur furnaces, but they were not used in summer. Today, mining has ceased and agriculture, forestry and tourism are the most important economic factors in the valley.

Schödertal Nature Trail

The educational trail leads from the Talwirt (NP information point) past the Kreealm waterfall to the head of the valley and on into the Schödertal. Approximately 50 information boards present natural history, folk medicine and historical facts about the Grossarltal.

Walking time: approx. 2 hours to the Schödersee lake.

From the Großarltal to the Maltatal

A great crossing, from Stockham (1,040 m) ascent over the Schödersee, which changes its size considerably, to the Arlscharte (2,252 m). On hot days you can refresh yourself just before the Arlscharte in the small Pfringersee lake. Grandiose view from the Arlscharte to the peaks and glaciers of the Hochalmspitze and the Kölnbreinspeicher. Descent to the goods path on the north bank of the Kölnbreinspeicher and on the goods path to the Berghotel Malta (1,933 m) at the Kölnbreinsperre. Stop for refreshments at the Berghotel Malta or at the Kölnbreinstüberl in the east bay.

Walking time: approx. 4 ½ hours to the Arlscharte, approx. 1 hour to the Kölnbreinsperre.