This wonderful winter hike begins right in the cross-country stadium. For the first few meters, you walk flat on the blue-signposted winter hiking trail, always looking towards the Zahmer Kaiser. As you leave the stadium, immerse yourself in the glittering white world and hike down to the Loferauen and on to the Grenzsteg, a bridge over the Lofer.
Note: The entire tour runs on German territory, the name Grenzsteg is not meant literally. By crossing the Grenzsteg you have reached the southernmost point of the tour and hike in an easterly direction along the Lofer in the direction of Blindau. The forest thins out and you can enjoy the view of Reit im Winkl to the fullest.
At the level of the Benzeck lifts, the path continues up to a small hamlet with a small chapel. Between the houses of the small hamlet you also have a uniquely beautiful perspective of the summit of the Geigelstein. From this small settlement, the further path of the large valley circuit leads over to the Hindenburghütte hiking car park and on to Gut Steinbach, as well as the Reit im Winkl ski jumps. Take some time and watch the game in the game reserve as it makes its way through the snow in winter before you continue hiking.
At Gut Steinbach, the road goes downhill for a short while and continues to the right to a bridge that leads over the Schwarzlofer. Here you follow a flattened winter hiking trail straight ahead and get to the main road, which you cross to continue hiking to Entfelden. You hike up over a hilltop to Entfelden, where you can see the country inn Rosi Mittermaier and the tourist information with the maypole from afar. A magical place for hiking, especially in the evening when the sun sets behind the Kaiser Mountains. Always following the blue signs, the further path leads back to the cross-country stadium, where the circle of this wonderful tour closes.
Refreshment stops: Festsaal, Benzeck - Stüberl, Liftstüberl Blindau, Sonneck, Gut Steinbach, Gasthof Mittermaier
Learn more: check out our trip report at https://www.reitimwinkl.de/en/trip-report-winter-hiking-great-valley-loop
