Challenging hike along a remote track to the summits of the Schrotthorn, the Leierspitz and the Pfannscharte mountains in the latter Schalderertal Valley.
To reach the start of the circular hike take the narrow road and forest track to the Steinwend parking area (1,466 m) at the head of the Schalderertal Valley.
From there, follow trail no. 4 to the sounds of the splashing waters of the Schalderer Bach torrent, on a steady climb initially to the west then south through a magnificent high-altitude forest. The track (no. 4) crosses several bends to reach the edge of the forest and runs through the pines to reach a wooden shrine on the side of the track en route to the Schalderer Scharte ridge (2,324 m). From here, turn right across the partly grassy southern slope to reach the summit cross of the imposing Schrotthorn mountain (2,590 m). From here, the western Dolomites, the Sarntal and the Zillertal Alps are all clearly visible. The shimmering waters of the Durnholzer See lake can also be seen in the distance.
After a rest on the summit, take care when crossing over the stony northern ridge down trail no. 4/B to the Leierspitz peak and to the Pfannscharte ridge. Follow the red-and-white coded signs down to the Schafhütte hut, then continue across the unspoilt meadows on trails no. 19 and 4/A and through the woods back to the starting point via the Steinwendhof farm, which is owned by the Neustift Monastery.
