Spectacular rocks and alpine meadows – hiking the Koralm Kristall Trail

The Kristall Trail connects the Stubalm and Koralm mountain ranges. Here, in southern Styria, the term alpine doesn’t just refer to mountains, but to colourful meadows too. So don't be surprised if you read about the Stubalpe or the Koralpe. The area has fascinating geology, wildlife and plants. You will pass marble, quartz and special rock formations called ovens. You might want to bring along a botanical book or download an app on your phone to identify the plants en route. With a bit of luck, you will find pretty mountain anemones, alpine avens and auricula. There are also two plants endemic to this region, which was largely unaffected by the last Ice Age: doronicum cataractarum and a unique kind of erigeron.

You will hike between 1,100 and 2,140 metres (3,600 and 7,020 feet) as you follow the trail. The paths are generally gentle, but some parts are a bit more demanding and rocky. If you are speedy, you can complete the 75-km (45-mile) route in four days. However, feel free to adjust the itinerary to suit you – there are plenty of huts along the way to spend the night. The stages are all fairly long, so you can always split them up.

The trail is open from June to September. Make sure you check the opening hours of the huts along the way. This also determines the days that you have to bring your own lunch. You should also book your overnight stays in advance as some of the cabins have limited places.

Although there’s parking at the start in Gaberl, I wouldn’t recommend driving to the hike. The hike finishes in Soboth, which is a 24-hour mission to get back to Gaberl with public transport. Instead, take the bus line 733 to Gaberl. It leaves from Köflach in the morning on Sundays and public holidays. Then you return home directly from Soboth after the hike.