Winter hike Chapel hike on Rangger Köpfl in winter

Description

This hike leads up Rangger Köpfl mountain. The route starts from the lift car park at Bergbahnen Oberperfuss, which is free of charge for anyone using the lift.
We recommend taking the 8-seater gondola up to Stiglreith. Alternatively, you can hike up on foot by following the Haggenweg trail but be warned: this route is also a toboggan run. The trail climbs gently uphill through the forest for about 1.5 hours to the car park at Stiglreith. It is very important to be aware of oncoming tobogganers and to proceed with caution. Please note: fees apply to park in the car park at Stiglreith and a driving ban prohibits anyone from driving there between 1 November and 30 April.

On the left-hand side of Stiglreith car park, you will find the Chapel of the Visitation, which was built by the Kofler Family to fulfil a promise. The chapel was consecrated in 1992. A mountain church service (Almsegen) accompanied by a small celebration takes place there every year on the Sunday after the Visitation (2 July). The site of the chapel was formerly home to a stone cross built to ask God for good weather. 
Follow the forest road gently uphill to Sulzstich. When you come to a turnoff, keep left towards Gfas. Gfas is the highest district of Oberperfuss at an altitude of 1,517 metres above sea level. It is home to two farmhouses and a Marienkapelle (St. Mary's Chapel) that was originally made of wood. In 1941, Franz Leitner replaced the wooden construction with a brick-built chapel, which was consecrated in 1987 following renovation work. The distinctive Rosskogel mountain towers up behind the chapel. 

From the district of Gfas, follow the road towards Sulzstich until you come to the idyllic reservoir. Just below the reservoir is the Sulzstich restaurant with its large sun terrace. This is wonderful place to take a break and enjoy a bite to eat.
From there, you can either take Gondola II or follow the road back down to Stiglreith before taking Gondola I back down into the valley.

Sources and literature: “Gemeindebuch Oberperfuss” (Oberperfuss Parish Chronicle) 
Places to stop for food and drink: Restaurant Sulzstich (only open when the lifts are running at Bergbahnen Oberperfuss) and Panoramarestaurant Stiglreith (open daily).