Großer Stierberg

The Great Stierberg is a low, broad ridge rising to 675 metres in the Kobernaußerwald range in Upper Austria. It sits above the villages of Friedburg and Munderfing, forming part of the south-western crest that slopes down toward the Mattigtal. The ridge stretches for more than a kilometre without a sharp summit, its highest point marked by the St Wolfgang Marterl at 680 metres. To the south lies the smaller Little Stierberg, while to the north the ridge continues toward the Kote 671-metre knoll. Four valleys drain the slopes: the Weißbach, Siegerer, Erken and Teufel valleys, all feeding the Schwemmbach and then the Inn. A historic route, the Friedburg Steig, crosses the ridge from south to north. It once linked the Mattigtal borderlands with central Innviertel, passing through former ecclesiastical and ducal territories. Walkers can reach the summit from many directions: forest tracks and footpaths climb from Munderfing and Schneegattern, while the Hausruck-Kobernaußerwald long-distance trail offers a longer approach. One popular start is the Naturfreundehaus at Schneegattern, from which a steady climb leads up the Siegerertal to the ridge. The Friedburg Steig itself splits from the main crest about three kilometres north-east of the Stierberg. Visitors find a quiet, rounded summit with wide views across rolling forest and farmland. The ridge carries no dramatic rock formations, only gentle slopes covered in mixed woodland and meadow clearings. On clear days the snowy peaks of the Salzkammergut can be seen to the south. The St Wolfgang Marterl stands at the highest point, a small wayside shrine marking the true summit. From here the ridge continues north-west toward Helpfau-Uttendorf, offering long, easy walks through quiet countryside. The whole area is threaded with old forest tracks and newer hiking paths, making it a peaceful place for short or half-day excursions.