The Stubnerkogel is the most scenic mountain imaginable. A 140-meters-long suspension bridge promises nerve-tingling excitement and weak knees. Standing on the lookout platform, on a clear day you can even make out the highest mountain in Austria, the Grossglockner. Our walk continues to the summit of the Zittrauer Tisch. Sure-footedness and a head for heights are a must. As a slightly easier alternate route, the Otto-Reichert- Weg runs just below the ridgeline, meeting back up with the summit path about a half-hour later at the Ortbergscharte. The summit of the Zittrauer Tisch is breathtaking â a 360° panoramic view to look out over the Gastein Valley. The views of the Erzwies, a former mining area, and the Erzwies-See are imposing. Our path continues to the Miesbichlscharte and the shores of the Bockhartseen. The Upper Bockhartsee is hidden away in a high basin, while the Lower Bockhartsee is the bigger of the two and serves as a reservoir. The deep-blue color of the water shimmers divinely in the sunshine. From the Bockhartseehütte (staffed), you can see the valley bottom of Sportgastein with all of its huts especially well. An old mining lane leads deeper into the valley. Along the way, you can catch sight of glacial residue and seam of quartz, both indicators of the presence of gold. Standing not far away are old minersâ huts, a mine tunnel and a generator plant. From Sportgastein, we can ride the bus back into town.
