Krummbachstein

The Krummbachstein is a mountain in the Rax-Schneeberg range of Lower Austria, reaching 1 602 m above sea level. It stands on the Gahns ridge, separated from the Schneeberg only by the Krummbachsattel col. From its summit a broad view opens across the Schneeberg and down into the Höllental gorge. The mountain is worth the climb for the contrast between the two huts that serve walkers. The Alpenfreundehütte, built in 1909, sits 150 m east of the summit cross and offers simple meals at 1 568 m. The Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben on the southern flank can be reached in under an hour via the Schiblsteig marked in green, giving a quick route to the top. Visitors find a choice of ways up the final section. One route follows a gentle forest path to the Alpenfreundehütte, while the other branches off as a graded rock scramble (UIAA grade I-) to the summit cross. The mountain can also be approached from the Alpleck to the east on yellow markings or from the Krummbachsattel to the north, so several circuits are possible.