A Well & Former Health Resort The last stage of Koasa trail has a pretty unglamorous starting point: a bus stop at Eichenhof in Winkl/St. Johann. Walk towards St. Johann and turn left onto Tannweg. Follow the signs to Eifersbacher Wasserfall. A trail that leads through a grassy and fragrant slope full of flowers, butterflies and bees, takes you to a small farmhouse settlement. Here you enter a forest and soon after you get to a scenic clearing dotted with a few hay barns. After a total of 45 minutes you get to a chapel and Theresienbrunnen (Theresa Well) whose waters are said to have healing properties. Long ago there used to be a health resort in this place and people came to find relief from rheumatism and gout. Spectacular Waterfall After refreshing yourself with cool water from the well, continue your hike along the narrow forest road that runs besides Eifersbach river. At the entrance to the ravine, the trail starts to climb steeply towards Eifersbacher waterfall, the roaring waters surrounded by an oasis of emerald-green plants. A viewing platform allows you to enjoy close up views of the falls. On a hot summer day the cold spray coming off the waterfall will cool you down. Peak Views from a Reservoir To continue, take the stairs to your right that climb steeply through the forest. When you get to the forest road follow the signs to Kröpflalm and Harschbichl. Once you get to the reservoir you can already see Harschbichlalm with Kitzbüheler Horn in the backdrop. Thanks to the reservoir’s exposed location the views are fantastic. Box: Good To Know At the reservoir, don’t forget to look behind you to see the Wilder Kaiser range from a very different angle. Stop or Horn? The Decision is Yours! Just below Harschbichlalm you will have to make a decision. Is the mountain inn already calling your name, beckoning with cozy benches and great food? Or you are feeling ambitious enough to tack on Kitzbüheler Horn, which adds another 1.5 hours to your walking time? Kitzbühel’s famous landmark is definitely worth the effort! Box: Photo opportunities along the way
Eifersbacher Waterfall (799 m)
Eichenhof Reservoir with a view of Wilder Kaiser (930m)
Harschbichlalm (1704 m)
Kitzbüheler Horn (1996 m)
Stanglalm (1463 m)
A Last View of the “Koasa” If you were not hungry enough to stop at the last inn, you now have another chance to refuel at Stanglalm. And don’t forget to revel in the views of the Kaiser massif one more time before you reach the end of this 5-stage hike! The End of the Koasa Trail Follow the forest road and then the forest trail into the forest. At a junction take the narrow path to your right and walk down to Müllneralm. If you are still hungry, let’s hope it’s not Tuesday or Thursday, because this is when the inn is closed. The way down is well marked. There are some shortcuts available through the pastures and forest, but you have to keep your eyes open to find the beaten paths. After having walked for about 5.5 hours total you will reach the base terminal of Bauernalmbahn in Wiesenschwang/Oberndorf. Congratulations! You have completed the entire Koasa Trail!