Klafferkessel - Hiking Among Glacial Treasures

This adventure left a lasting impression on me. There are several reasons for this. Among others, it was my first night camping in the mountains, I experienced a thunderstorm at night at an altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level. And I had never seen so many mountain lakes in such a short time. But let me start from the beginning…

Today we'll be hiking in the Schladminger Tauern range, which is a brilliant hiking region. A huge number of mountain lakes, complemented by an extensive network of trails and mountain huts, is highly enticing. It's no coincidence that the multi-day "Schladminger Tauern Höhenweg" route is considered one of the most beautiful in the entire Alps. Of course, today's adventure hero, Klafferkessel, is also part of it. What's more, it's considered the "royal stage" of the Schladminger Tauern Höhenweg! 

No wonder. Because this natural wonder is stunning. Massive glaciers from a past era left behind 30 lakes at an altitude of approximately 2,300 - 2,500 meters above sea level. The number is impressive, but it's nothing compared to the impressions during a personal visit.

Today's adventure is a moderately technical but physically demanding loop. You can do it in one day (over 10 hours of pure hiking), but I don't recommend that option. Why? Well, if you want to do this route in one day, you have to hurry, and along the way we pass such wonders that it's a shame not to stop for a longer moment!

The hike begins in a beautiful valley near Schladming. We leave the car at the parking lot by the Riesachfall waterfall, which, by the way, is also worth seeing. Here we can choose - either we start from the Preintalerhütte hut side, or from Gollinghütte.

 The most commonly chosen option is from the Gollinghütte side, and that's the way I went too.

From the beginning of the route, we're accompanied by views of the highest peak of the Schladminger Tauern, the majestic Hochgolling (2,862 m above sea level). After 2 hours of pleasant hiking, I reached the hut, where I replenished my fluids. Time to head out to conquer Greifenberg (2,618 m above sea level). It's what separates us from the main course of our feast, Klafferkessel.

Now it gets steeper, but without major technical difficulties. However, you shouldn't underestimate the physical challenge - after all, we have 1,600 meters of elevation gain to overcome! 

Honestly, we miscalculated. As I mentioned earlier - this was my first night in the mountains spent in a tent. We had 25 kilograms on our backs, which we felt very strongly. 

Fortunately, the planned overnight spot was located right after descending to the plateau beyond the summit.

I must immodestly admit that I found the perfect spot for the tent. In a gully, on a gentle flat area, next to a stream flowing between two lakes. 

While setting up the tent, I heard the first thunder, announcing a distant storm. I wasn't laughing - a vision of a flooded tent and a freezing night far from any civilization appeared before my eyes. Fortunately, fear has big eyes - the storm passed by, giving us only light rain. Either way, the spectacle was incredible; for the first time in my life, I could admire lightning forming in clouds at the same altitude as me. I'll never forget it! 

Morning greeted us with beautiful weather, so spirits were high at breakfast. We quickly packed up camp and set off to explore Klafferkessel. I probably don't need to mention that we were the first hikers on the trail? 

The lakes up close made an even bigger impression than seen from above. Like a small child, I joyfully jumped between them with my phone and took pictures. You can see the results yourself, but of course they don't compare to the views in person. 

Even though we spent a long time there, it was still too short. In such a place, it's always too short. We had to move on, towards the Preintalerhütte hut. It took us just over an hour to reach it. After a quick meal, we faced the final stage. We reached the car physically tired, but mentally recharged to the fullest.

We felt we hadn't had enough of mountain lakes (you can never have too many!), so for lunch we decided to enjoy alpine trout at a restaurant by Lake Steirischer Bodensee. It was at least as exquisite as the views accompanying it. I highly recommend it!

To sum up - I definitely encourage you to discover Klafferkessel. It's a unique place that you certainly won't forget. I'll definitely return here again, memories of these views call to me every season. 

And when are you planning to discover Klafferkessel?