Hengstberg

The Hengstberg rises above the Salzach valley near Elsbethen, a forested foothill of the Osterhorngruppe that reaches 778 metres. It stands east of the village and south of the Glasenbachklamm gorge, separated from the main massif by the Mühlstein plateau. A paved road and several walking trails climb its slopes, linking the lower woods with the open high country above. The mountain is best known for its quiet paths and the view from the summit ridge towards Untersberg and the Hohe Tauern. The Erentrudisalm, a popular alpine inn on the Mühlstein plateau, lies within an hour’s walk of the top. Hikers often continue north-east along the ridge towards the Gfalls waterfall and the higher summits of the Osterhorngruppe. At the summit small clearings open between the spruce and beech trees, giving glimpses of the Salzach valley and Salzburg city in the distance. The Glasenbachklamm below can be heard rather than seen, its rushing waters marking the southern boundary of the wooded slopes. The contrast between the busy valley floor and the calm summit forest makes the Hengstberg a rewarding short climb.