The "Loser window"
Story trail station 2
The "Loser window"
This meter-high rock gate provides a cautious view into the steeply sloping north face of the Loser. At several fault zones along the karst massif, erosion of the geological layers has created rock gates and gorges such as the Loser Window. Framed by this natural jewel, the Schönberg in the background with its 2,093 meters appears to have been placed by a painter.
The unique landscape of the Loser massif is due to its stratification. The base of the Loser, like the majority of the entire Totes Gebirge, consists of Dachstein limestone. The overlying Augstkamm, with an average thickness of 300 meters, consists of layers of Oberalmer and Tressenstein limestone and overlays the massive stock of Dachstein limestone.
These overlying strata were formed in the Mesozoic era between 139 and 217 million years ago. After the formation of the Dachstein beds up to 200 million years ago, the sea floor in the Upper Triassic slowly sank, resulting in the formation of reefs that form today's Augst Ridge. The erosion of millions of years gave the Loser its finishing touches.
Numerous hiking trails for all fitness levels are signposted.