Schmitten: Hiking, Panoramas and Art

The Schmittenhöhe is all about hiking trails, panoramic views, outdoor art and seasonal activities. If you’re looking for a hotel in Schmitten, your travel plans can help guide your choice: first, consider whether you’re mainly interested in hiking, winter activities, or enjoying the views and cultural attractions.

Hiking trails with varied routes

The hiking season on the Schmittenhöhe lasts all year round. Suitable equipment is required in winter. The Schmittenhöhe panoramic hiking trail begins at the Schmittenhöhebahn car park in the Schmittental and follows the Höhenpromenade to the summit. On the way down, it follows the Pinzgauer Spaziergang, the Kettingalm and the Pfaffenkendelsteig into the valley.

The Höhenpromenade is about 2.5 kilometres long and takes approximately 1.5 hours to walk. Its features and stops include Viscopes, information boards about local flora and fauna, viewing platforms and play areas. The 4 Lakes Art Hike offers a different route: it leads from the summit of the Schmittenhöhe past three reservoirs and Lake Zell all the way down into the valley. This route therefore focuses on the sequence of lakes and the descent into the valley.

Mountain panoramas and art

From the Schmittenhöhe, you can see Lake Zell, the town of Zell am See and up to 30 peaks over 3,000 metres high. The “Kaiserblick” panoramic platform is located at the mountain station, at just under 2,000 metres. Its walkway is partly made of glass and projects 30 metres out over the precipice.

Outdoor art is also part of what the Schmittenhöhe has to offer. Since 1995, 23 oversized objects and sculptures have been created as part of “Kunst am Berg” (“Art on the Mountain”). The operator describes the project as Europe’s largest outdoor art space. The mountain station of the Schmittenhöhebahn also has an exhibition on the Schmittenhöhe’s 90-year history. Access may vary by season. In Zell am See, the Sisi Circular Trail is dedicated to the former Austrian empress.

Winter and other activities

The winter hiking trail on the Schmittenhöhe runs from the trassXpress mountain station over the summit to the Sonnkogel. Guided snowshoe and winter hikes are also offered during the winter months. Alongside year-round hiking, the programme therefore includes trails and guided tours specifically for winter.

Children aged six to twelve can get their first experience on the “Schmidolin’s Fire Chair” practice course. The “Mystical Forest” adventure trail features eight creative stations that engage the senses in nature. The E-Motocross Park is located at the areitXpress mountain station; check its opening hours before your trip. Tandem flights from the Schmittenhöhe are possible without any special prior experience. Check in advance whether flights are available on your travel dates.

Cycling and practical planning

The mountain bike route on the Schmittenhöhe starts at the Schmittenhöhebahn valley station. Bikes can be transported on the Schmittenhöhebahn and the trassXpress. The Schmittenhöhebahn is a modern aerial tramway that operates from May to October, reaching a mountain station at just under 2,000 metres. Check the exact timetable before you travel.

There are 20 restaurants and mountain huts on the Schmitten. If you’re planning hikes, bike activities or seasonal outings, their routes and operating hours can help you organise each day.

Discover more destinations: Bruckberg.

For the main travel overview: Zell am See.