This varied high-altitude hike starts in the center of Bad Mitterndorf and leads through shady forest passages with impressive viewpoints. It requires a good level of fitness for the ascents and descents. The Simonywarte, built in honor of the geographer and “Dachstein explorer” Friedrich Simony (1813-1896), offers a spectacular panoramic view over the Bad Mitterndorf hiking area as far as the imposing Dachstein massif. Simony, whose name is associated with numerous striking mountains, left a lasting mark with the famous “Hotel Simony”, a shelter on the Dachstein. Later, the famous Simonyhütte was built near this site, which is now a popular destination for mountaineers.
Opposite the church, a narrow path leads northwards between the NKD store and the Reisinger bakery. After about 250 meters, a road branches off to the right past the Alpenbad and into the shady forest. In the next bend to the right, the hiking trail to Simonywarte turns off to the left.
A steep climb of around one kilometer leads up to the Simonywarte viewpoint. Here you can take a well-earned rest while enjoying the breathtaking panorama from Bad Mitterndorf to the Dachstein.
The circular trail continues from the lookout point for about one kilometer to the northeast and then descends steeply to the south to Grasnerhalt. There you cross the Tauplitzalm Alpine road before continuing along a forest road. After around 1.5 kilometers, you reach the toll booth on the Tauplitzalm Alpine Road. Keep right here and follow the village road for another kilometer back to the starting point in Bad Mitterndorf.