How could one spend Father’s Day in a better way than alone with one’s two sons? 😅 This morning, Zita heroically sacrificed herself and had to go running all alone – so that the three men could finally enjoy a peaceful Sunday together. 🙌🏻
Of course, the boys made sure everyone was up early – which meant Zita could start her run in good time. From Waldschlössl to Kaiserbrunn, it’s 8.5 km. The path from Hirschwang follows the shady Wiener Wasserleitungsweg, winding along the Schwarza River through the Höllental gorge. If there’s such a thing as a perfect summer trail for running or hiking, this is it: shade, babbling water, little bridges, fresh air – what more could you ask for?
Well, maybe a coffee. But for that, the mountain had to be conquered first. After Kaiserbrunn, the path gets steeper and climbs up toward the Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben, with stunning views of the Rax and Schneeberg. On the terrace, a well-earned, life-saving espresso was finally waiting for me. ☕💚
The return route led back along familiar paths through the Eng, and after about an hour I was back at the Waldschlössl. What followed was some well-deserved rest with the boys – or at least something that kind of qualifies as rest when you’re with two small children. 😅
⸻
📍 Route: Waldschlössl – Hirschwang – Wasserleitungsweg – Kaiserbrunn – Miesleitensteig – Knofeleben – Mitterberggraben – Eng – Mariensteig – Waldschlössl
📏 Distance: approx. 20 km
⛰️ Elevation gain: 920 m
🕒 Duration: approx. 3h 30min (let’s call it trail running – or at least speed hiking, including a coffee break)