Pöllingerhüttentour

Starting from Diex, we begin by climbing a moderately difficult ascent up to the ridge. Then we descend to Grafenbach and cross several hills until reaching Greutschach. From there, we enter the Wölfnitzgraben (steep descent), turn left at the bridge over the brook towards Wölfnitz. The slope becomes increasingly steeper until just before Wölfnitz there is a really steep and challenging climb to conquer. Afterwards, the route continues comfortably to St. Leonhard on the Saualpe. Just after the church (hidden in the forest), we take the turnoff to the Pöllingerhütte. After a short downhill section, the road climbs steeply again. Then follows a flatter stretch leading us through two hairpin bends across an alpine meadow. From there, we enjoy a wonderful view into the Lavanttal valley and of the Saualm. Before reaching our destination, another steep climb awaits us. After a short break at the Pöllingerhütte (1625 m elevation), we return the same way back to Obergreutschach. There we turn onto a gravel road towards Wolfstratte. After this last tough climb, we continue comfortably over the alpine pasture to the ridge and then descend the mountain back to Diex. Thus, we have completed this very demanding and beautiful tour of 63 km with 1750 meters of elevation gain.