This challenging stage of the Eagle Walk starts in Steinberg am Rofan and covers approx. 1.600 elevation gain to the Erfurter Hütte. The route through the Rofan Range is scenically rewarding: on the one hand the route leads past steep rock faces on the other hand lush green meadows.
Surefootedness is a prerequisite on the Schafsteig!
Sturdy shoes, sufficient food and water, protective clothing
Starting at the Gasthof Waldhäusl Inn in Steinberg am Rofan for a short distance walk along the main road in a southeasterly direction and then turn left onto the village road. Shortly afterwards, turn right and follow the road leading to the Durra farm. Continue along the road down to the Mühlbach (stream) following its course and crossing it. The route now continues uphill past the Enter farm to the Durra farm. Walking Along a forest track follow the signs for Rofan and then for Lake Zirein and “Erfurter Hütte”. The route leads uphill through thinning forest and through meadows. The path divides at a hay barn, take the path leading uphill, don’t walk downhill. Soon the path narrows and after crossing the stream with a small waterfall merges into a road leading to the „Bayreuther Hütte“. At the next crossing turn left and walk alongside the stream. The trail merges into another road. Turn right and then left onto a narrow path. Once again, follow the stream through thinning woods towards Lake Zirein. Cross the stream (no bridge) and continue along the steep uphill path through beautiful Alpine pastures to the idyllic Schauertalalm. Take the track leading to the Schauertal saddle. Be careful on this steep uphill track with its exposed roots, rocks and dwarf pine trees. The trail leads to a hollow – continue towards the Erfurter Hütte walking past the southeast end of Lake Zirein. Follow the signs for „Marchalm“ and shortly after that for „Schafsteig“, Rofan (be careful, this path can be slippery and hazardous in wet conditions). The Schafsteig skirts the east face of the Rofanspitz, continues in a steep uphill before reaching the Schafsteig saddle to the Rofansptze’s northeast. To the saddles left, hike a short stretch downhill through meadows. Next, follow the signs for the „Erfurter Hütte“ and „Rofanseilbahn“ on a relatively even trail to the ridge. From here, it is a gentle downhill stroll into a lush green depression passing the Mauritzalm on route and eventually reaching the Erfurter Hütte next to the Rofanseilbahn top station. From this point either hike downhill (approx. 1 h 30 min) or take the Rofanseilbahn down to Maurach. Almost the entire segment of this Eagle Walk is shared with the Nordalpenweg Trail 01.
Gasthof Waldhäusl, Steinberg am Rofan
