And his personality.
1. How challenging is the Luchs Trail?
Moderate. Technically speaking, the Luchs Trails are of moderate difficulty. There are no sections secured by ropes or exposed passages that require a complete lack of fear of heights. However, sure-footedness and mountaineering experience are absolutely essential for the steep and rocky sections. Detours from the main route, such as summit ascents in the Gesäuse, can also be difficult.
2. What level of fitness do I need to complete the Luchs Trail?
In terms of physical fitness, the Luchs Trail is certainly considered challenging. Apart from a very few shorter stages, you must be able to cope with the following daily demands – depending on the hiking tour you choose:
So a bit of preparation can’t do any harm!
3. Can I also walk the Luchs Trail in the opposite direction, from Hike from the Ötscher base via the Gesäuse to Reichraming?
Of course! However, the trail is only signposted in the standard direction.
4. Can I cycle the Luchs Trail on a mountain bike?
Unfortunately, no! Most of the sections of the Luchs Trail are footpaths only, on which mountain biking is also prohibited by law.
But be careful: the „Trans National Park“offers 240 km of mountain bike trails in the same area.”.
5. How do I find suitable accommodation along the Luchs Trail?
There are two possibilities:
You can find accommodation on the Luchs Trail website under the „Accommodation“or you can book via the Luchs Trail” Information & Booking Centre, which takes care of the booking process for your chosen walking holiday (see also question 10).
Please note: during the high season (July, August), some stop-off points may experience capacity constraints!
6. How can I find places to stop for refreshments along the Luchs Trail?
The places to stop for refreshments (huts, inns, etc.) along the trail are listed in the detailed Stage descriptions as described on the Luchs Trail website. If you’re travelling with a group, we recommend booking in advance.
7. Is camping permitted along the Luchs Trail?
Unfortunately, no! Tenting and camping are only permitted at campsites. It is not possible to hike the entire Luchs Trail whilst camping, as there are campsites at only a few of the stage locations.
8. Can I go hiking on the Luchs Trail with my dog?
In principle, yes, but bear in mind that this reduces the likelihood of seeing a lynx to virtually zero. When hiking with dogs, you should bear the following in mind:
1) Dogs must be kept on a lead along the entire length of the Luchs Trail! Please bear this in mind!
2) Not all accommodation providers accept dogs. Before booking, let them know that you’ll be bringing your faithful companion with you.
3) Dog food: the luggage transport service offered by the Luchs Trail Info & Booking Centre is certainly a great help here! Otherwise, your rucksack can get quite heavy.
4) Stage 4: On the descent from the Scheiblegger Hochalm towards Kaiserau, there is a short ladder leading over a steep section which most dogs are unable to negotiate.
9. Can I also travel to the starting point of my walking holiday by public transport?
The following stations are available: Reichraming station, Waidhofen an der Ybbs station (continue by bus route MO1 to Lunz), Scheibbs station (continue by bus route MO2 to Lunz), Liezen or Ardning station (continue by bus to Admont). Admont railway station: limited train services through the Gesäuse on weekends; Wienerbruck-Josefsberg railway station (continue by the Mariazeller Bahn, 40-minute walk to the Ötscherbasis).
By plane: The following international airports are recommended for those travelling by plane – Vienna, Linz, Salzburg and Graz.
The Luchs Trail Information & Booking Centre will be happy to organise a shuttle service to the starting point and, at the end of the tour, back to a railway station or airport.
10. What are the benefits of booking through the booking centre?
The Booking Centre offers an award-winning service for individual guests:
You can start your walking holiday on any day at any stage of the route and book it for the duration of your choice. The service includes the following package with a best-price guarantee:
However, the Luchs Trail Information & Booking Centre does not offer individual services – such as luggage transport or shuttle services alone – without a booking for accommodation. We thank you for your understanding!
11. And finally, perhaps the most important question: will I be able to see the lynx?
If you’re particularly lucky, perhaps – after all, you’re out and about in one of the few habitats where lynx are found. If you wander carefully through the Pinselohr’s territory, you’ll find Perhaps tracks left by the shy cat. Lynxes apply generally known as not very shy, but they are Thanks to the excellent camouflage provided by their coat colouring, they are practically „invisible“ to us. It is therefore far more likely that the lynx is watching you (well camouflaged). Incidentally, Peter Matthiesen wrote a famous book about his search for the snow leopard in Tibet and said that it was wonderful not to have seen it!
12. What should I do if I come across a lynx?
Lynxes pose absolutely no danger to humans and never attack. Do not approach the animal any further; instead, stand still or sit down, and you’ll have the chance to observe it for longer. The lynx will probably do the same and watch you. Especially when it is perched high up on a rock or on a steep slope above you, it is often surprisingly unafraid. The animal isn’t quite sure what to make of you. Try taking a photo! Because of the individual coat markings, photos are particularly valuable for our lynx monitoring programme, so please send them to us by email.
