Trip Sheet - Alpine
Club Vienna
Date: Saturday 8th March, 2008
Suggested by: Peter Levenitschnig (Idea by Evelyn Curtin)
Description of the
hike:
Michelbach, a little village, is situated about 20 kilometers southeast of St.
Pölten and surrounded by a ridge of mountains. We will go for a round trip
starting and ending in Michelbach. The route will lead us to the highest elevation
(Kukubauerhütte), then down to a saddle then up again before we descend
to Michelbach.
It is a nice area with views over long distances into the hilly surrounding.
So we will start during daytime to get an idea of the region and continue in
the dark after a break at the hut.
The route is along marked trails, partly following footpaths, partly small local
streets, partly through woods, but more often across big meadows. To find the
way is most of the time easy, but sometimes tricky. So we will use flashlights
in the dark wood to spot the markings, getting an additional aid by the use
of GPS. Thus it should be a little exercise in orientation in the dark as well
as in using GPS as an additional aid.
But don't forget the fun factor: There are long stretches in between where the
direction is clear and the ground is easy to walk on: Time to switch off all
lamps and just enjoy the bright starlight!
Route:
Michelbach (376m) - Kohlhof (farm house) - Wind wheel (first one erected
in Austria, 637m) - passing some farm houses (Berghof, Brennhof)
- Viewing point with benches (677m) - Kukubauerhütte (777m, highest elevation
of our trip, little break) - saddle (586m) - Gaishof (607m) - Second highest
elevation of the trip (670m), then passing Bischofshöhe (576m) down to
Michelbach.
Length of activity,
elevation, grade of difficulty:
Approx. 15 km, about 500 meters up and down, 4-5 hours walking: Intermediate
because of some parts in the wood at night, the rest is easy hiking.
Meeting point and
ending point:
Parking lot near the church, between "Gasthaus Taverne" and
"Cafe am Platzl".
Meeting time:
8th March, 16:30 p.m.
Ending time: Approx. 10:00 p.m.
Driving instructions:
Coming from the North, West or center of Vienna:
Wien - Westautobahn (A1) - exit Böheimkirchen (last exit before St.Pölten)
- then follow the street signs (Böheimkirchen to Michelbach Markt = 12km).
In the village before the bridge take the right junction, meeting point is very
close to the church. 63 km from Vienna/city, approx. 1 1/4 hours.
Coming from the South of Vienna:
Take the motorway connecting Südautobahn with Westautobahn (A21), then
continue as above.
Car sharing:
In case you need or can offer car sharing please contact Peter (levenit@aon.at,
0680 2104624). Please state from which region of Vienna you come. If you leave
a message to an answering machine PLEASE tell your mobile number slowly, clearly
and repeat it. Thanks!
Equipment needed:
Usual hiking gear in winter time, including weatherproof boots and
clothes, cap, gloves and trekking poles. In case of much new snow also gaiters.
Pack an extra pullover or fleece jacket, since temperature will drop several
degrees after dark! Headlamp or flash-light, GPS (optional). Hot drink, little
snacks (we'll have a short brake at the hut, and after the hike some small dishes
are available at Gasthaus Taverne).
Additional remarks
(GPS):
If you own a GPS device and/or
are interested in the route beforehand drop me a line (levenit@aon.at) and I'll
send you the route as an assembly of waypoints either as a garmin file or list
of waypoints.
If the weather forecast
is bad please give me a call on Friday 7 March, wether the trip will take place
(0680 2104624)!