Great Türkenstein circular route

In 1683, several hundred Laabentaler entrenched themselves in a Schöpflgraben ditch from the attacking Turks - through cunning and courage, the population successfully defended themselves. We make our way through alder, oak, maple, spruce, beech and mixed woodland of all kinds, lovely high meadows spoil us with enchanting views in all directions, before finally stopping for a moment of prayer in the dark gorge at the Türkenstein, which commemorates the events of 1683.

The Türkenstein is the most significant historical monument in the Laabental and the one most deeply ingrained in the local consciousness – Interviews with locals about the events of that time should be part of the tour – the booklets by Maria Stadlmann and Ingeborg Rinner from Brand also provide vivid accounts of that era (see Bibliography). It is not until toward the end of the hike that we will pause next to the rock memorial on this rugged terrain; before that, we will take in the typical geology of the Vienna Woods, as well as the charming cultural landscape shaped by forest farmers.

In addition to the historical highlight, there are plenty of natural beauties and points of interest to discover. For example, just before the “black cross” in the stately spruce plantation, we can spot old pear trees, a mighty sweet chestnut, and a stone spring—all remnants of the Hirschbach Farm that once stood here. Further attractions include the authentic inns serving excellent home-style cooking (the Glashütte Inn is currently closed for dining) and the exemplary eco-friendly mountain hut on the Gföhlberg, which serve as rest stops.

Directions:

After stocking up on provisions at Susi’s Kaufladen, the small general store, head uphill along the paved road between the Gasthof zur Glashütte and the outdoor dining area. After 150 m, we turn left onto an unmarked path and hike uphill along a typical Vienna Woods ditch. Before reaching a spruce plantation, the path turns slightly to the left; soon the picturesque estates of Kleinleiten and Großleiten come into view. We pass these, staying on the cart path, past a reservoir, and up to the “Rotes Kreuz.” Following the white/green/white trail markers westward, the path leads toward Stollberg (signpost); we cross a forest road and emerge through a dark spruce plantation onto the Hirschbachwiese, where the “Schwarze Kreuz” awaits us between two larch trees. Continue along the scenic ridge, past a beautiful solitary oak tree, until the dirt road turns left just before the Stollberger hill; here, we turn right and head down to the Kreuzwirt Inn.
From there, take the road toward Laaben; after Stollberg Castle, turn right onto Gföhlbergweg. Immediately at the large, signposting linden tree, turn right again toward Hainfeld/Bernau. The trail markers for Route 404 lead us up to the ridge—a magnificent view from the high meadow near the Sonnleiten estate (with its chapel) by the hunting blind. Heading east, following the white/blue/white trail markers, the route continues to the Gföhlberg Saddle—a particularly scenic section! Ascend to the Gföhlberg Hut via a well-marked trail. Again, following well-marked trails, we descend to Klammhöhe—from here, we must walk about 2 km along the road toward Kaumberg before turning left onto the plateau toward Schöpfl. Passing the imposing cross—"Trigon der Fruchtbarkeit"—and later walking straight past the HellsKlamm event grounds, we hike along a well-maintained forest trail until the Stützenreit alp appears on the right. Before we descend at this point—following the signpost “Glashütte über Türkenstein”—to the left into the dark gorge, we take a moment to enjoy the light and the high altitude once more. Passing through dark fir trees, we soon arrive at a hut straight out of a fairy tale: the high and secluded Klamm 24. The forest quickly gives way to a picture-perfect beech forest. At the intersection with a well-maintained forest road, a steep, rocky footpath winds its way down to the Türkenstein. From there, continuing downhill to the nearby forest road, the trail now leads us along the Klammbach stream to the state highway. The final 400 m along this road take us back to the starting point at Glashütte.

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Great Türkenstein circular route

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