26th Schafberg Run

The Classic Schafberg Run

In 1983, during the 90th anniversary celebration of the Schafbergbahn, Franz Zimmermann came up with the idea of offering the run as a sporting event for all runners. Quickly, cardboard race numbers were crafted, and it was time to get started. The starting field was still very small at that time, the time was measured by hand, and the results list fit on an A4 sheet of paper.

Since then, the run has taken place annually in spring. Only once, due to a winter storm, could the run only go as far as the Schafbergalm. Since 2020, everything has changed. The Schafberg run planned for spring was postponed to autumn, then again to spring 2021, and ultimately canceled due to planning uncertainties. But it can't be done without it.

The Schafberg Trail

Runners know it well: you only give up on a letter. Thus, after three cancellations of the Schafberg run due to COVID-19, the chairman of the St. Wolfgang running community, Werner Haas, developed the idea to organize a run to the Schafberg in summer. A few like-minded individuals quickly became enthusiastic, and planning could begin. However, since the railway line cannot be used during the high season, the normal path to the Schafberg is available as an alternative. Only a short stretch of asphalt road needs to be tackled. Two-thirds of the way is on forest ground through a beautiful mixed forest, and the last third goes over the Schafbergalm to the summit, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Some runners even whisper that this route is actually more beautiful than the one along the railway...

Route Description

The route starts with the first 500 meters on asphalt and then transitions into a beautiful forest path through the mixed forest up to the Schafbergalm. From the Schafbergalm, a wonderful panorama of the picturesque Salzkammergut unfolds. The start is at the Schafbergbahnhof in St. Wolfgang, along the Schafbergstraße. Continuing up the Müllnerbühel and the forest road, constantly uphill. After about 1.3 kilometers, turn left onto hiking trail 24, briefly downhill over the Dittelbach. Again uphill, crossing the Schafbergbahn and passing the Aschinger snack station on the left. Immediately after the snack station, hiking trail 23 begins. This trail leads continuously to the Schafbergalm and continues over the overpass to the Schafberg. The finish line is at the Schafberg station.

The Schafbergbahn must be crossed twice along the route. Marshals will be present. Should there be an encounter, the Schafbergbahn has priority.

Leaving the marked hiking trails is strictly prohibited and will lead to immediate disqualification.

Particular care must be taken regarding grazing livestock in the alpine area (safety distance). Dogs are not allowed for safety reasons!

Route length: 7.2 kilometers, 1,188 meters of elevation gain

For more information, visit www.schafbergtrail.at