| Start | Westendorf (Talkaser: 1766m) |
| Distance | 8km |
| Height gain | 423m |
| Height loss | 423m |
| Grade | 3 |
| Time | 3–3½hrs |
| Location | Southeast of Westendorf |
This is a longer and more strenuous variation of Route 43, but given good conditions it will reward with outstanding views from the summit of the Gampenkogel. The path to this summit is very steep, as is the descent to the Einkögelscharte, and extra caution will be needed should snow be lying on it. Once again there’s plenty of opportunity for refreshment along the way.
Ride the Alpenrosen gondola from Westendorf to the top station, follow Route 43 as far as the Brechhornhaus (1hr, refreshments), then continue on the track as it winds above and beyond it to reach a grass-covered saddle and three small buildings on the Streischlagalm (1685m), about 10mins later.
The path strays left of the alm buildings and before long enters woodland. Just before emerging from the trees, take a path breaking left which immediately attacks the steep slope of the Gampenkogel. The slope is heavily vegetated with alpenrose, juniper and bilberry, and the path picked out with red-and-white waymarks on rocks jutting through.
The 1957m summit of the Gampenkogel is marked by a large wooden cross, and a splendid panoramic view unfolds from it – a vast collection of mountains and valleys of the Kitzbüheler Alps, with the Kaisergebirge seen to the north.
Descend the steep west flank of the mountain. Initially the way is on grass, but then a more dense vegetation covers the slope, and 20–30mins from the summit you arrive at the Einködlscharte (1700m) saddle and a path junction. A clear path, signed Gondelbahn, cuts across the face of the Fleiding mountain and leads to the track on the Höhningerscharte used at the start of the walk. Follow this up the slope to the Alpenrosenbahn lift station.