High above Hof bei Salzburg rises the Lidaunberg. What secrets does this peak hold? The Lidaunberg stands at 1,237 meters. It is also known as Lidaun among hikers. The Lidaunberg is located in the southernmost part of Hof bei Salzburg. It belongs to the Osterhorn Group. This is part of the Salzkammergut Mountains.
The mountain is mainly covered in forest. Marked hiking trails make it easy to climb. You can start from Faistenau or Hof. The Lidaunberg offers a beautiful view toward the Wiestalstausee.
Several marked hiking trails lead to the top. One trail starts in Lidaun. This is a district south of Faistenau. No mountain huts are on the Lidaunberg.
The Lidaunberg is made of limestone. Once, smaller ski lifts operated on its eastern slopes. School classes enjoyed afternoon skiing here.
There was a plan to build a quarry on the Lidaunberg. Josef Eder, a gravel contractor, proposed the idea. Locals and conservationists raised concerns. The approval process began around 2011. It was still undecided in 2019.
The company wanted to extract limestone for 32 years. About 1.6 million cubic meters would be mined. This equals up to 120,000 tons per year. Six to twelve major blasts were planned each year. A 1.2-kilometer conveyor belt would transport the gravel. Trucks would then haul it away.
A hike to the Lidaunberg from Hof or Faistenau is pleasant. It mainly goes through the forest. At the summit, you get great views. You can see the Wiestalstausee and the Hintersee. The surrounding mountains add to the scenery.
The ascent to the Sattelalm takes about 45 minutes. It involves a 200-meter climb. Reaching the summit takes 1 hour 30 minutes. The total elevation gain is 500 meters.
You can drive to Hof bei Salzburg via the Wolfgangseebundesstraße B158. In Hof, turn toward the Nussbaumer Schilift at the Raiffeisenbank. Then, turn toward Lebach or Gäng at the next fork. Parking is limited at both starting points. It is better to park in the town center for a fee.
You can also take a bus from Salzburg Verkehr to Hof bei Salzburg. Get off at the Ortsmitte stop.
The trail starts on a wide gravel road. Then, it turns into a flat forest path. Only a few sections are steeper. It is suitable for children.
You can start the hike from Lebachsiedlung or Gäng. Both routes are similar. They both use wide gravel roads up to the Sattelalm. These roads are closed to traffic.
You can also start directly from the center of Hof. This makes sense because parking is limited at the other starting points. Walking to Lebachsiedlung adds about 15 minutes. Going to Gäng adds almost half an hour each way.
From Hof, follow the asphalt Lebachstraße. After 3-5 minutes, the road splits. Go left and follow Lebachstraße straight to the trail’s start. It is at the end of the settlement near the forest.
If you turn right at the fork, follow Gängstraße. After 10-15 minutes, you reach the forest edge. Soon after, turn left onto Sattelstraße.
Whether you start from Gäng or Lebachsiedlung, you will reach a clearing in about half an hour. There is a wooden house there. The route from Lebachsiedlung is better. It avoids the continuous gravel road by using forest paths.
Once, a detour to a viewpoint near Hof was worthwhile. However, trees have grown too tall. The town center is no longer visible. The path is also overgrown.
After another 5-10 minutes, you reach the Sattelalm at 939 meters. There is a hunting lodge and a wildlife feeding area.
Continue to the left on a forest road. Soon, you will reach a fork. Do not take the first turn. It leads to a dead end. Both paths at the second fork lead to the Lidaun summit. The left path is shorter.
If hiking in early spring, the right path is better. The snow melts earlier there. The shorter left path leads to a gravel road in about half an hour. Follow it left for a few meters. Then, turn sharply right.
You can follow the forest road uphill. Or, take the steeper direct route. Many trees were cut down in recent years due to storm damage. The area is slowly recovering.
After 20 more minutes, you reach the summit. Enjoy the view of the Wiestalstausee.
Near the summit is a bear cave. It is in a southeastern direction. Walk across the summit for about five minutes to reach it.
If you do not want to return the same way, take the Bärensteig for the descent. It requires sure footing, especially when wet. After 15-20 minutes, you will rejoin the ascent path.
This hike is also good in winter. Depending on the snow, snowshoes may be needed. As you stand on Lidaunberg’s peak, imagine the determination it took to preserve this place. Imagine the joy of those first skiers and the arguments about the quarry.