Hut hike Knappensteig – Following in the Footsteps of the Miners

The Knappensteig trail in Reith bei Seefeld follows in the footsteps of the miners through the forest up to the rustic mountain hut. Along the way, nature and exercise are combined with fascinating insights into the history of mining and the Ichthyol plant on Tyrol’s high plateau.

Description

The Knappensteig trail allows visitors to follow in the footsteps of the miners who once worked at the renowned Ichthyol plant. This short but fascinating hike leads from P6 car park near Maxhütte to the Reither Jochalm. The approximately one-hour tour is especially suitable for families with children. The trail is not only manageable in length but also offers plenty of variety with roots and rocks along the way, ensuring that it never gets boring. Three information boards along the route provide insights into the history of mining on Tyrol’s high plateau and the origins of the Austrian Ichthyol company. If you look closely, you can spot the plant – also known as Maxhütte – again and again between the trees below on the right. Depending on the wind direction, its distinctive sulphur-like smell may even reach your nose.

The trail starts at P6 car park. From here, follow the road towards Maxhütte. After crossing the Mühlbach stream, turn onto hiking trail no. 84 towards the Reither Jochalm, which now climbs steeply uphill through the forest. After around 40 minutes and approximately 250 metres of elevation gain, the trail splits at a small clearing. Turning left leads to the Reither Jochalm, whose rustic mountain hut can already be seen from here. Turning right continues towards the challenging route to Nördlinger Hütte.

At the top, children are welcomed by a playground, while adults can enjoy traditional local dishes at the hut. The return journey follows either the same route back or the forest road through Hermannstal valley to the valley station of the Rosshütte cable cars. Further alternatives can be found here.

Those who would like to explore the region’s mining history in more depth after returning to the valley can visit the exhibition “The Stone That Burns and Heals. Oil Shale Mining in the Karwendel” at the Geigenbaumuseum Mittenwald until January 2027.