Quellhaus Hinterstoder

A MECCA FOR ALPINISTS

Because of the mountains, Hinterstoder deserves the attribute “alpine pearl” twice and three times over. The chain of mountains from the Kleiner to the Grosser Priel—which takes one to two days to cross—and Mount Spitzmauer are great tour destinations for hikers and mountaineers. And climbers will find routes of all levels of difficulty here.

Not only will they find what they are looking for in Hinterstoder: the peaks around the Quellhaus are also a rewarding destination for via ferrata climbers. Because the fixed rope routes on the Grosser Priel Mountain and Mount Schermberg are among the longest in the entire Alpine region.

Hiking, strolling and walking

The dense network of hiking trails in and around Hinterstoder starts right in the village and also connects and integrates the Quellhaus: To the Schiederweiher Pond, which won the TV award for “Austria’s most beautiful place” in 2018, it is just a proverbial and barrier-free hop, skip and jump from the Quellhaus. Fed by seven springs, the source of the Steyr River is absolutely up to par with the Schiederweiher Pond and can also be reached easily and on an idyllic path from the Quellhaus.

In the summery Stodertal Valley

When summer makes its way down into the valley, nearby Lake Gleinkersee entices you with bathing joys in this natural jewel of a mountain lake with its banks lined with forest, meadows and outdoor dining areas. Further highlights of the warm seasons in Hinterstoder are Upper Austria’s largest high ropes course, guided rafting tours on the Steyr River, canyoning adventures or a ride on one of the countless mountain bike routes. Or a paragliding flight from one of the perfect drop-zones above the town, where a flight school for such purposes is located.

Flying as far as the air carries you

Prospective glider pilots can use the golden eagles of the Hinterstoder falconer Theo Blaickner as role models. Spending a day with the kings of the air is an unforgettable experience, not only for children. The same holds true for Elisabeth Nieskens’ llamas and alpacas in Vorderstoder. Elisabeth and her animals are available for trekking tours of any length.

Hinterstoder winter wonderland

In winter, the Stodertal Valley and its mountains transform into an enchanting wonderland where it can snow for days. When the paths, the meadows and the pine fields have disappeared under the thick blanket of snow, the hour not only strikes for snowshoe hikers and ski tourers. Cross-country skiers will also get their fill. Especially when they start from the Quellhaus, where the trail can be reached in just 5 minutes. The shuttle bus to the Höss valley station stops right in front of the Quellhaus, and those who appreciate variety with skis on their feet will find it in the neighboring Wurzeralm ski area.

Stopping off, tobogganing, Austrian curling

When the Schiederweiher Pond is frozen over, people cavort on the curling rinks in Hinterstoder. Letting the ice stock whiz across the ice is just as enjoyable as sledding down the valley with the sledge after a long stop at a hut to revel once again in the comfort of the Quellhaus.

HINTERSTODER, AN ALPINE PEARL
NATURE, MOVEMENT, SPORTS

Easily accessible, yet secluded

The Quellhaus stands on its own, above it all, at a friendly distance from the heart of the Hinterstoder World Cup ski resort. Just a few kilometers from the A9 Pyhrn highway, the village with around 1,000 inhabitants accomplishes the feat of being easily accessible and yet secluded.

The picturesque Tuscany of the Limestone Alps

Hinterstoder is one of the main towns in the Pyhrn-Priel region, which is regarded as the Tuscany of the Limestone Alps. The famous English alpine painter and mountaineer Edward Theodore Compton (1849–1921) could not and did not want to escape the charm of this landscape. The artistic results of his extended stays in the Stodertal Valley can be admired today at the Alpineum, the mountain world adventure museum in Hinterstoder.

A place with a sustainable future

The Alpineum is one of the many reasons why Hinterstoder, as the winner of the 2018 European Village Renewal Award, has been accepted into the circle of 27 “Alpine Pearls” of Europe and into the Creative Villages network. The focus here is on gentle ecotourism. This includes a perfect rental and maintenance service for snowboarders, skiers and mountain bikers, as well as an extensive range of guiding and course offers.

A great ski area and a lot of untouched nature

With the Höss World Cup Arena, Hinterstoder has one of Upper Austria’s best ski areas, which can be accessed by cable car directly from the town center. Otherwise, the mountains above the Stodertal Valley are only minimally developed. There are extensive nature reserves in the Hinterstoder municipal area and in the immediate surroundings. These include the Totes Gebirge (Dead Mountains) with over 1,000 km2 of alpine wilderness and the Kalkalpen (Limestone Alps) National Park, where the lynx guards its territory.

During the day he walked around, wrapped up in himself, figuring out his music, watching TV or composing when he felt like it.

GEOFF DYER: BUT BEAUTIFUL.
A BOOK ABOUT JAZZ, LONDON: JONATHAN CAPE, 1991