Hundstein

The Hundstein is a 2 117-metre mountain in the Salzburg Slate Alps, the highest point of the Dienten range. It stands east of Lake Zell and faces the end of the Fusch Valley and the Großglockner High Alpine Road. The summit forms the boundary between four municipalities: Maria Alm, Zell am See, Bruck and Taxenbach. Nearby peaks include Hochkasern at 2 017 metres, Schwalbenwand at 2 011 metres and Gschwandtnerberg at 1 612 metres. Together they fill the eastern half of the Dienten Mountains. The mountain and its 1 891-metre alpine lake, Hundsteinsee, draw hikers and mountain bikers in summer. In winter the slopes become a ski area. The summit offers wide views over surrounding ranges. The contrast between the bare summit and the green valleys below is striking. The route from the south follows the Dientner Sattel road before climbing to the top. Paths lead from the lake to the summit through alpine meadows dotted with gentians and edelweiss. On clear days the Großglockner and the Hohe Tauern are visible. The Hundsteinsee itself lies in a small cirque, its waters reflecting the peaks above. In autumn the larches turn gold and the crowds thin. The mountain keeps its own quiet rhythm through the seasons.