Kragenalm and Kundler Klamm
Since the last hikes were quite strenuous, partly due to the humid and warm weather, we want to take it a bit easier today. Today’s destinations are the Kragenalm and the Kundler Klamm. But, as is often the case in the mountains, even a seemingly short distance can be more challenging than expected.
Comatose on the Reflection Trail
We start our tour at the parking lot below the Kundler Klamm. Crossing a wooden bridge, we reach the starting point. To the right is the entrance to the gorge, and to the left, our hiking trail to the Kragenalm begins. We will ascend via the so-called Reflection Trail. The path turns off at the “shooting range.” But wait, what is that? In the distance, I see two towers. It looks like a castle ruin. Does Kundl have a castle ruin? We’ll have to take a closer look later. For now, we shorten our ascent a little, passing by the ice cellar of the Kundl Brewery. It seems to be very popular, as the steel door has several dents, as if someone had shot at it. We scramble up a very steep and narrow path to reach the Reflection Trail. Sweat is pouring down, and the steep incline is taking its toll on our legs. Now we understand why there are pictures of Jesus’ Passion along the way. Eventually, we reach a beautiful meadow leading to a house. The only problem is that while we were in the Kundl Forest until now, we are now completely exposed to the sun. However, the view from up here makes up for everything. Once again, I am overwhelmed. The path continues, now on a moderate trail, towards the Kragenalm.
Achenfeld Lodge
And today, sauerkraut is being made here from scratch. But unfortunately, it won’t be served until 5 p.m. Sadly, we don’t have that much time. However, we do have enough time for a long drink break. The way back initially leads us past the calves of the alpine pasture. Then we see a sign that says “Dangerous Path.” Uh-oh, we weren’t expecting that. It gets really steep downhill here. Luckily, we’re a bit experienced by now, and it’s not slippery. Still, we are relieved when we reach the forest road that winds down to Kundl in many switchbacks. Along the way, we could take another shortcut. But since this path also looks very steep, we decide against it. Finally, we walk down the toboggan run from Kundl.
By chance, we arrive in Kundl just above the “castle.” The closer we get to the property, the more horrified we become. No, it has absolutely nothing to do with a historic castle ruin. On the contrary, the building looks like it was originally taken from Disneyland. Now, of course, we don’t know the background of the whole thing, but to us, the estate looks really odd. But as the saying goes, “To each their own.” For us, the route continues along the edge of the forest back to the starting point, and then straight on to the Kundler Klamm.
A Band No One Knows
Right next to the Gasthaus Kundler Klamm, the owner or the community, or whoever, seems to have played a joke. A plastic boy band has been set up, which plays when you insert a coin. However, the band itself is not the main attraction; it’s the decoration. My favorite quote is: “Soberly considered, it was better when drunk.” We leave the inn on our left and enter the gorge. I have to say, compared to the Kaiserklamm, we find this gorge quite boring. Although the massive rock walls also rise steeply here, it somehow lacks the adventurous character that the Kaiserklamm exudes.
For this reason, we do not pass through the entire gorge and turn back when the section with the rock walls ends at a bridge. In hindsight, we realize it was a good decision to come here in the afternoon. On the one hand, it’s no longer so hot, and on the other hand, it’s not as crowded. I think the gorge is very popular with families, partly because it is easy to walk through. At the end, we get a hiking stamp at the parking lot. Since the inn in the gorge was too crowded, we end this hiking day on the terrace of the Kaisermann inn in Kundl.
