When looking for a hotel in Schmitten, the time you plan to spend on the Schmittenhöhe is a good place to start: hiking trails, viewpoints, outdoor art and seasonal winter activities each offer something different. Decide whether hiking, mountain panoramas or culture on the mountain will shape your stay; the routes vary in their course, stated duration and season.

Comparing Hikes and Trails

The Schmittenhöhe panoramic hiking trail starts at the Schmittenhöhebahn car park in the Schmittental valley and reaches the summit via the Höhenpromenade. On the descent, it leads into the valley via the Pinzgauer Spaziergang, the Kettingalm and the Pfaffenkendelsteig. The Höhenpromenade is listed as approximately 2.5 kilometres long and taking around 1.5 hours. You can use this information to plan the distance and time for this section of the trail.

The Höhenpromenade features Viscopes, information boards about local wildlife and plant life, viewing platforms and play stations. The “Mystical Forest” adventure trail offers a different focus, with eight creative stations that engage the senses in nature. Children between the ages of six and twelve can gain their first experience on the “Schmidolin’s Fire Chair” practice course.

Art on the Mountain and Cultural History

Since 1995, 23 oversized objects and sculptures have been created on the Schmittenhöhe as part of “Art on the Mountain.” The operator describes this open-air art space as the largest in Europe. The Four Lakes Art Hike leads from the summit of the Schmittenhöhe past three reservoirs and Lake Zell down into the valley, combining art with a route through the mountain landscape.

There is also an exhibition on the 90-year history of the Schmittenhöhe at the Schmittenhöhebahn mountain station. Access may vary by season. If you’d like to include culture and hiking in your days, the exhibition and the art hike offer different points of interest: one tells the story of the mountain, while the other leads from the summit down into the valley.

Panoramas from the Schmittenhöhe

From the Schmittenhöhe, you can see Lake Zell, the town of Zell am See and up to 30 peaks over 3,000 metres. The “Kaiserblick” panoramic platform is located at the mountain station, at an elevation of just under 2,000 metres. Its walkway is partly made of glass and extends 30 metres over the precipice. So, alongside the routes, mountain panoramas can also be a focus of your trip planning.

Planning by Season and Activity

The hiking season on the Schmittenhöhe lasts all year round; suitable equipment is required in winter. The Schmittenhöhebahn operates as a modern aerial tramway from May to October, taking passengers to a mountain station at an elevation of just under 2,000 metres. Check operating dates before you travel. A dedicated winter hiking trail starts at the trassXpress mountain station and leads over the summit to the Sonnkogel. Guided snowshoe hikes and winter walks are also offered during the winter months.

For cyclists, the mountain bike route on the Schmittenhöhe starts at the valley station of the Schmittenhöhebahn. Bicycles can be transported on the Schmittenhöhebahn and the trassXpress. The E-Motocross Park is located at the areitXpress mountain station; check its operating hours before travelling. No special prior experience is required for tandem flights from the Schmittenhöhe. Check in advance whether a flight is offered on your chosen date.

For breaks, there are 20 restaurants and huts on the Schmitten. When planning your trip, you can set aside time for a meal or refreshment alongside your hike, panoramic views or winter activities.

Discover more destinations: Bruckberg.

Back to the main travel overview: Zell am See.