Aufhausen: Nativity Trail and Schmittenhöhe

Aufhausen offers several distinct reasons to stay: a winter nativity trail, a hike to the Schmittenhöhe and cultural sites in the village. Are you interested in the nativity scene, the mountain hike or a visit for a specific dated festival? The seasonal and date information varies.

Church, nativity trail and cultural history

The Baroque branch church in Aufhausen is dedicated to Saint Leonhard. In winter, the Piesendorf–Fürth–Aufhausen–Piesendorf nativity trail leads to a nativity scene in this branch church. The church is described along the trail as a gem worth seeing. The route runs from Piesendorf via Fürth to Aufhausen and back to Piesendorf; the nativity scene in the branch church is the stop in Aufhausen. “Baroque” refers to the architectural style, while the dedication names Saint Leonhard as the church’s patron.

Another protected building is the Mußbachgut farmhouse at Aufhausen 38. It is protected under the Monument Protection Act; the Salzburg Monument List dated 30 June 2025 records this protected status. The farmhouse, along with the church, is therefore part of the village’s cultural and historical heritage.

Hike and mountain panorama

The hike to the Schmittenhöhe begins in Aufhausen. It follows trail no. 8 via Dürnberg, switches to hiking trail 8A at a fork, then continues via the Breiteck Alm on trails 50 and 58 to the Schmittenhöhe. Check trail numbers and conditions before setting out.

The highest point on the described route is the Schmittenhöhe at 1,954 m. From there, you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the surrounding Kitzbühel Alps. The summit elevation and panoramic view provide two specific points of reference for the hike.

There are several options for the return journey: you can descend via the ascent route or take the Schmittenhöhebahn or the trassXpress down to Zell am See. From there, take a bus or train back to the starting point. Check current timetables for the mountain lifts and public transport for this return journey.

Refreshments on the Schmittenhöhe

Das Panorama is a mountain restaurant at the summit of the Schmittenhöhe; its address is Aufhausen 279, 5721 Piesendorf. It offers self-service and a sun terrace with a view. This specifies both the dining format and a feature of the outdoor area.

A specific event date

The programme for the Leonhardi Festival in Aufhausen lists horse games and pony rides for children on 25 October 2026 at 12:30 p.m. Check the event date before travelling.

The planning information covers different time frames: the nativity trail is seasonal, trail conditions and the return journey need to be considered for the hike, and a specific programme date is given for the Leonhardi Festival. So consider whether your travel dates are determined primarily by the winter offering, hike planning or the event date.

Discover more destinations: Gföll, Hinterthal, Lenzing, Gumping, Jochbergthurn, Erlberg, Walchen, Kaprun.

Return to the main travel overview: Zell Am See.