The Wilder Kaiser At It’s Best Stage 2 of the Koasa Trail starts in pristine Kaiserbachtal valley. Along the way you will come across the Alpine Outdoor Gallery, which presents famous mountaineers like Peter Habeler from Zillertal. Once you get deeper into the valley you will be surrounded by the rugged peaks off the Wilder Kaiser. The rolling pastures at the foot of the Kaiser Mountains almost look like waves breaking against rock walls. The next attraction is the mountain rescuers’ chapel near a small brook. Brass plaques commemorate those who lost their lives in the Wilder Kaiser Massif. Once you have passed Griesner Alm, the trail climbs rather steeply to Stripsenjochhaus – at this point it becomes clear that stage 2 is not just a “walk in the woods”. The mountain inn is a great place to refuel and soak up the views of the surrounding peaks. After a relaxing break, we recommend you hike up to Tavonaro Cross just above the inn. Set against rugged peaks, the summit cross makes for a great photo opportunity. No Pavilion Without Sweat If are you fit, have previous mountain experience and feel like a little extra challenge you can take the black trail up to Stripsenkopf, which adds about 45 minutes to your hiking time. At the top there is a small pavilion that affords amazing 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. Whether or not you hiked up Stripsenkopf, your next stop is Feldberg at 1813 meters above sea level. Walking along the mountain ridge, you will see the Kaiser’s jagged northern peaks rising amid a sea of gray mountains and green pastures. Box: Good To Know Kaiserbachtal is part of a nature reserve, which is home to a great variety of animals and rare plants. The area is managed sustainably, and biodiversity is protected, valued and restored. Please be respectful of Nature by staying on trails when hiking. Descent via Ranggenalm On your way down, you will pass Ranggenalm. Since you will have been walking some 4.5 hours at this point, chances are that you will be a little hungry and tired. If Michael, the man in charge of the farm and its animals, is not too busy working there’s a good chance he will treat you to hearty food and cold beverages. Enjoy! Your last stretch of the day takes you along a narrow trail down to Fischbachalm, whose garden beckons with benches, loungers and a seesaw. The views of the Wilder Kaiser are once more spectacular: the massif rises like a fortress surrounded by an ocean of green. Many people have likened the views to those of the Dolomites in South Tirol. The loop ends with a pleasant walk along Kaiserbach river to the hamlet of Griesenau. You have reached the end of Stage 2! Box: Photo opportunities along the way
Alpine Outdoor Gallery
Mountain Rescuers’ Chapel
Stripsenjochhaus
Tavonaro Cross
Stripsenkopf Pavilion (1807)
Feldberg Ridge (1813)
Vordere Ranggenalm (1226)
Fischbachalm (856m)
Stage 2 - Alternate Route Option 2 is about 5K and 2.5 hours shorter than Option 1. You basically do the hike in reverse, with Fischbachalm as your first stop. A narrow trail leads to Vordere Ranggenalm (beverages only) and on to Hintere Ranggenalm. A beautiful forest trail takes you to your last stop, the Griesner Alm. As in Option 1, follow Kaiserbach River back to the hamlet of Griesenau. Box: Photo opportunities along the way
Fischbachalm (856)
Vordere Ranggenalm (1226)
Hintere Ranggenalm (1284)
Griesner Alm (1024)
