5.2 miles ascent 2964′ descent 166′
We were up and early to breakfast so that we could catch the “K” bus to the Hauptbahnhof. From this station we enjoyed a short ride on the “S6” train to the lonely, little station of Hochzirl and began the unrelenting, upward trail to our hut for the evening, Solsteinhaus. During a brief respite from the ascent at Thomasegg Overbach, we watched a trucker load his groceries on to a “goods lift,” a wooden box attached to a cable which carried these goods to the hut further up on the mountain. Our path then continued on, zigzagging through the trees as we headed up the mountain to Solsteinhaus.
Farther up the mountainside and behind us we could view the distant valley where we had begun the morning’s climb.
It was a gorgeous morning so a pause for a rest allowed us to enjoy our surroundings.
We were delighted to get a glimpse of our B&B for the night, thinking (incorrectly) that our destination at Solsteinhaus was not far ahead.
The hut was definitely farther than it had appeared, but beautiful views below were a delight to enjoy as we carried on.
The spring run-offs had created huge gravel washouts where we had to pick our way across the loose rocks.
The limestone cliffs above us were in the direction of our route the next day; it would be a challenge.
We were finally on the last push to the hut.
We were warmly greeted by Robert, our host, at Solsteinhaus. A cold drink on the porch was the perfect way to enjoy our arrival.
Robert and his staff prepared a delicious dinner as we sat with a group of young day-hikers who assumed we were only hiking for the weekend. They were stunned to find out that we had been on the Adlerweg for over two weeks and would continue our trek for another.
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