Above the tree line, Zettersfeld has extensive alpine pastures and flowering mountain meadows at an altitude of around 1,800 m. The hiking area extends up to 2,278 m above sea level in the Hohe Tauern National Park. On the way up, there are views of Lienz and the Lienz Dolomites. The altitude figures refer to different points: the location of the alpine pastures, the destination of the hike to Steinermandl and the elevation up to which the hiking area extends into the national park.
Hiking among lakes, alpine pastures and a summit ridge
The “Steinermandl via Rotmannalm” hike starts at the mountain station of the Zettersfeld cable car and leads to Steinermandl at 2,213 m. It is 5.5 km long. Trail conditions can change seasonally, so check the conditions for your travel dates before setting out.
The hike to the Neualpl Lakes, a natural gem, starts at the mountain station of the Steinermandl four-seater chairlift. From there, it follows a well-marked trail towards the Hohe Tauern National Park. After a short descent of around 20 metres in elevation, the trail runs across flat alpine pastures to the lakes. The short loss of elevation and the subsequent flat section across the alpine pastures are both useful points of reference when deciding whether to choose this hike.
Another hike leads from the mountain station of the Steinermandl four-seater chairlift via the Neualpl Lakes and rough boulder terrain onwards to the southern summit ridge and the summit cross. It is suitable only for experienced hikers. The terrain and this clear restriction distinguish the route from the flat section across alpine pastures on the lake hike. Keep this limitation in mind when choosing your route.
The “Bike & Hike Schleinitz 2,906 m” route starts at the car park by the valley station of the Zettersfeld cable car. This starting point differs from those of the hikes mentioned above, which begin at mountain stations. When comparing the options, therefore, also check whether each route starts at a valley or mountain station.
Family Park and Winter Sports
Zettersfeld Family Park has 15 adventure play stations along its family hiking trail. The park is open during the Zettersfeld gondola’s summer operating season. If the park is an important part of your travel plans, check the gondola’s current operating hours in advance, as the park’s opening is tied to them.
The south-facing Zettersfeld ski area has mostly family-friendly slopes. The Sunsite Park has space for snowboarders and freeriders. These offer different focuses side by side: slopes described as predominantly family-friendly, and an area specifically designated for snowboarders and freeriders. When planning, you can consider which of these options is the priority for your stay.
Refreshments and seasonal information
Panoramarestaurant Steinermandl is the highest-altitude restaurant in Zettersfeld. If you plan to stop there for refreshments, check its current opening status, as this may change. This will help you plan your mountain hikes, the seasonally open family park and a possible restaurant stop around the conditions during your visit.
For the overall travel overview: Gaimberg.
