We set our alarm for an early start, and by 7:00 we were at breakfast — a simple spread of cereal, bread, and cheese. We packed up sandwiches for lunch, shouldered our packs, and set off at 7:50.

The trail began with a gentle downhill before turning steadily uphill. We were grateful for the route tips shared by Heather and Dermot the night before, but after an hour we started to worry we might have missed a turn. AllTrails reassured us we were still on track, and sure enough, a little while later Heather and Dermot caught up to us. No wrong turns — just a longer approach than expected.

The climb brought us up to a ridge with views of the sparkling Hintersteinersee in the distance. Strangely, no matter how far we walked, the lake seemed to stay the same distance away.

Then came the most nerve-wracking section: a set of metal ladders leading to a rocky crossing with a rope and a few footholds. My nerves got the better of me, and I tried twice before stepping back. Finally, I took off my rucksack, and with Ric coaching me across — and even carrying my pack — I managed it. Relief washed over me as the trail turned downhill.

The sun was blazing by now, and again we found ourselves running low on water. Salvation came in the form of a small farm offering potable water. We sat there for our lunch, refilled our bottles, and gathered the energy to face the final descent.

At last, the bright blue of Hintersteinersee appeared before us, more beautiful than it had looked from afar. From the lake we caught a bus into Scheffau, our stop for the night. By 5:45 we were seated at the guesthouse table, enjoying a hearty supper before calling it a day.

It had been a tough stage, filled with challenges, but also moments of pure alpine beauty. With tired legs and grateful hearts, we were more than ready for rest.

  • Route: Gaudeamushütte → ridge crossing → Hintersteinersee → Scheffau (by bus)
  • Distance: ~14.83 km hiking
  • Ascent: ~660m
  • Highlights: Rope and ladder crossing (with a little teamwork), picnic lunch at a farm, bright blue Hintersteinersee.

By : Karan