NPHT: Wilderness Area Sulzbachtäler - Through pathless terrain

We will meet at 7:00 AM at the sports field in Neukirchen. We will take the national park bus together to the Untersulzbachtal until we reach the Abichlalm. This is where the tour begins. At first, we will hike along the marked trail through a sparse larch forest until we reach the Aschamalm. The Aschamalm was previously grazed. You can observe how the vegetation has changed since then. Here, the well-trodden path ends.

We will continue on an old path that is not always easy to find. The route leads through landslides, dwarf shrub heaths, and species-rich alpine meadows, past the "Saukopf," always accompanied by the roaring of the Untersulzbach. It is not uncommon to spot deer or chamois on the opposite side. The vegetation here is very interesting; particularly rare plant species such as chamois root, Turk's cap lily, or various types of orchids can be discovered. The further we go uphill, the more barren the landscape becomes.

At about 2,100 meters, we reach a plateau that was covered by glaciers three decades ago. The vegetation is gradually advancing here. We can find glacier buttercup and cushion plants like the stemless sticky herb. We will climb over a small rock step to reach the edge of the Untersulzbach glacier. The ground beneath us was covered by glacial ice for centuries. The effects of climate warming are impressively visible here.

At the foot of the glacier tongue, we will take a break and enjoy the view of the mighty, higher glacier crevasses and icefalls. The Kleinvenediger also appears particularly impressive from here. The descent will follow the same route. Difficulty: A long, endurance-testing tour on less frequented and challenging alpine paths and uneven terrain without marked trails. This tour covers many elevation meters, and very good fitness and sure-footedness are required.

Equipment: Ankle-high mountain boots (Category B or C) with a profiled sole, rain and sun protection, suitable clothing and a change of clothes, a backpack with drinks and snacks, hiking poles; participation in this tour is not possible without appropriate equipment!

Cost: 22 euros. Free with guest card or National Park Summer Card! Due to the duration and elevation gain, this tour is not suitable for children!

Dogs: Bringing dogs is not possible due to the alpine terrain.

Meeting point: every Wednesday (from July 9, 2025, to August 27, 2025) at 7:00 AM at the sports field in Neukirchen am Großvenediger; max. 8 participants.

Travel: by bus (line 670) to the stop "Neukirchen Ortsmitte," then a 5-minute walk; alternatively, by car to the parking lot at the sports field in Neukirchen. Coordinates: (N 47.25158, E 12.28245)

Duration: approx. 9 hours
Pure walking time: approx. 6 hours
Distance: approx. 12 kilometers
Elevation gain: approx. 900 meters
Refreshments: possible after the tour
Registration: by the day before at 3:00 PM at www.npht.at/touren