10 miles ascent: 2526′ descent: 3722′
Breakfast was served on the patio overlooking Hintersteinersee which was a very pleasant way to start the day. As we loaded up to begin the day’s walk, we took a last glance at the lake, ducked behind the pension and commenced to climb uphill. There was not a chance of missing the trail as it was clearly marked.
The route was, for the most part, a steady ascent mainly on a gravel track with the occasional wide open view.
Just about the time that we were wishing for a rest stop, we arrived at Stöfflalm and the welcoming, very busy Stöfflhütte. This attractive hut appeared to be a popular destination for mountain bikers, hikers and runners to have a tasty breakfast. We enjoyed a refreshing beverage and commenced with our ever ascending trail.
We left the gravel track behind and began to climb up the trail through the woods, some of which looked like a lush rainforest. As we gained altitude, far-reaching views revealed the Birkkarspitze, the highest point on the Adlerweg. However, we hiked an alternative route as I had ascended the Birkkarspitz several years before on the Traumpfad trek.
Completing the ascent, the path emerged from the trees to Hochegg Joch, a wide open knob overlooking the small village of Steinbergalm.
The western tip of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range was in clear view across the meadow.
The trail descended and wound its way down to Steinbergalm, consisting for the most part of a barn, a church and Kaindlhütte.
We were happy take off our packs and enjoy lunch and a cool beverage at Kaindlhütte.
Refreshed, we continued down to cross a river and trudge up a gravel track. By this time it was quite warm and humid, so we were most happy to see the Brentenjochalm, the location of the Kaiserlift chairlift. The chairlift was a single person chair with a hook for one’s pack. It was a very pleasant, two station trip down the mountain. It was restful and enjoyable to take in the view on the way to Kufstein.
Once in Kufstein we bid good-by to Hans and took a short train ride to Kiefersfelden, Germany to our hotel, Hotel Zur Post.
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