On May 3, 2025, I had the opportunity to accompany Günther Schwärzler for the first time during trail maintenance. The trail manager of the Alpine Club Mallnitz is an expert on the trails, nature, and history of Mallnitz – an interesting conversation partner.
The well-maintained hiking trails that we and our guests use are the result of continuous work. Without regular inspection, repair, and marking, many routes would quickly become overgrown, dangerous, or simply impassable.
The trail network in and around Mallnitz offers hikers and mountaineers around 150 km of hiking trails at three different altitude levels. This is why Mallnitz remains an interesting holiday destination for all skill levels over the years.
Start at 09:00 at the BIOS National Park Center Mallnitz
In high spirits and equipped with good footwear, snacks, and various tools, we meet at the BIOS National Park Center in Mallnitz and march towards the start of Trail 139 in the center of Mallnitz. Our work begins at the Margarethen Pavilion access point, and we plan to reach “Lempaleboden” today. Trail 139 is one of the paths that leads to Häusleralm, Lonzaköpfl, and many other tours:
The Alpine Club Trail 139 (Carinthia)
Along the way, there are countless impressions and quiet spots. In the trail database of Mallnitz, you can inform yourself about the condition of the trail
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Trail maintenance is a silent guarantee for safety, orientation, and quality in alpine areas. It not only protects hikers from accidents but also the sensitive nature – because clearly defined paths prevent visitors from unknowingly straying into sensitive areas or causing trampling damage.
Now a part of the Alpine Club trail is restored – I’m looking forward to being on the road with Günther next time.
What many don’t know: In regions like Mallnitz, this work is largely done voluntarily by the Austrian Alpine Club (ÖAV), the sections of the German Alpine Club (DAV), the Municipality of Mallnitz, and the Hohe Tauern National Park – an effort that happens in the background but is indispensable for the hiking experience.
Günther is always looking for helpers – contact him, it’s meaningful work and an experience at the same time.
Video tip - makes you want to go hiking
Peter Angermann, former managing director of OeAV Kärnten, describes the diverse trail network (~150 km) in and around the mountaineering village Mallnitz.
Perhaps we still have a holiday apartment available for you – make an inquiry right away.
