Klafferkessel and 30 Alpine lakes - 14.-16.08.2026.

FIRST DAY

We depart from Zagreb at 7 a.m. and with one stop around noon we arrive at the parking lot next to the Almgasthaus Riesachfall Pension in the Untertal Valley. The trail first leads us through the pine forest, then across the alpine meadows to our first inn - Gollinghütte (1643m). Along the way, we will take a break and enjoy the reflection of the top of Hochgolling in the water of a small pond. Hochgolling (2862m) is the highest peak of the Low Tura mountain range (Niedere Tauern). After arriving at the inn, we take another break and go (who wants) to the place of the gods - Gollingwinkel. It is a natural amphitheater at the foot of the northern rock of the aforementioned Hochgolling. We need less than half an hour's walk from home to that place. We're going back to the house for dinner, and we're getting ready to go to bed.

The Second Day

Getting up and having breakfast. Today is the most difficult day of this trip, it is necessary to overcome almost 1000m of altitude difference. The road takes us to the Klafferkessel plateau – the core of the wild waters of Untertala. After breakfast, we start the ascent towards the top of Greifenberg (2618m), which is also the highest point of our excursion. We cross the river and head towards the saddle Greifenbergsattel (2450m) which we need about 2.5 hours walk. During the ascent, we open up the views of Gollinghutte, Gollingwinkel and Hochgolling. When we get to the saddle, the prize awaits us - a stunning view of Hochgolling, with a small lake Greifenbergsee in the foreground. After a short break, we continue towards the top from which we are separated by another half an hour walk. We take a longer break here (if the weather permits). The view of the Schladminger Tauern mountain range is beautiful, and below us lies the Klafferkessel lake plateau with about 30 mountain lakes. From the top of Greifenberg, the trail descends quite steeply towards the plateau. Passing by the smaller and larger mountain lakes, we walk through the landscape that with its special flora takes us back to the Ice Age. Over the ridge and several passes we leave the plateau and descend towards our next inn - Preintalerhutte (1656m). We take at least one more break on one of the passes and enjoy the view of the numerous lakes along the way. Upon arrival at the inn there is dinner, a little more socializing and going to sleep.

The Third Day

Getting up and having breakfast. After breakfast we head towards Lake Riesachsee. A nice forest trail will soon reach the Berallerhütte mountain hut on Kotalm. They produce cheese and milk in the house, so if someone wants, they can try or buy some of the products. A light downhill leads us further to the Kaltenbachalm mountain lodge on the east coast of Lake Riesachsee. The meadows along the coast are a nice place to relax and “put” your feet in the cold water of the lake, and the braver ones can also take a bath. On the way to the parking lot, we will pass the impressive Riesach waterfall - the largest in Styria. From the waterfall, a well-maintained trail leads down the valley with smaller waterfalls, all the way to the Almgasthauses Riesachfall Pension and the parking lot. Here we take the last break for refreshment and eventual lunch, and after that we head back. Return to Zagreb is scheduled in the evening.

• Nutcrackers
• Jacket, fleece, gloves
• Hat or scarf, sunglasses
• Mountain sticks (who wants)
• Hat or scarf, sunglasses
• Sandwiches (or something else), sweets, dried fruits, energy bars
• Water, 2 - 2.5 L
• Identity card or passport – OBLIGATIONAL