Signpost on the way to the Brechhornhaus
| Start | Westendorf (Talkaser: 1766m) |
| Distance | 7km |
| Height gain | 148m |
| Height loss | 148m |
| Grade | 1 |
| Time | 2–2½hrs |
| Location | Southeast of Westendorf |
This high-level walk demands very little climbing – all the main height gain is achieved by taking the Alpenrosenbahn gondola as far as the Talkaser top station on the Nachsöllberg above Westendorf. For much of the walk, views are far-reaching and inspiring, and as the route makes a circuit of the Fleiding peak, those views are continually rearranged. There are three refreshment opportunities, all in scenic locations.
Note A longer and more demanding variation of this walk is described as Route 44.
Begin by riding the Alpenrosen gondola to the Talkaser top station, then turn right along a broad track which soon slopes down to the Höhningerscharte saddle at the foot of Fleiding. This saddle, or col, is gained in about 10mins. Remain on the track as it curves right and eases gently round the mountainside with views virtually all the way, and about 25–30mins from the start reach the Jausenstation Fleidingalm (refreshments).
Keep on the track until it forks, then take the upper branch, from which the Brechhornhaus is about 30mins walk away. Rising gently in a long curve, the track forks again just before the Windauberg Hochalm buildings. Stay with the upper track, and about 20mins from Fleidingalm, note a path cutting back to the left with a stream running alongside it. This will be taken later. But for now keep on the track and in another 10mins you will come to the tall, shingle-walled Brechhornhaus (1660m refreshments).
Berggasthaus Brechhornhaus has 30 beds and 20 dormitory places, and is open throughout the year, except between November and mid-December (tel 0664 3807011).
Return along the track to the footpath junction noted above, and turn right along it. The way is signed to the Gondelbahn Bergstation, Alpenrosehütte and Westendorf. Rising easily along the hillside it brings you to the Einködlscharte (1700m), a neat pass from which you can see down into the Brixenbachgraben valley to the north.
Continue on the path as it now makes a contour along the northeast face of the Fleiding mountain, and at the next col, the Höhningerscharte, bear right on the track which climbs back to Restaurant Talkaser (refreshments) and the top station of the Alpenrosen gondola.
Signpost on the way to the Brechhornhaus