Adventurous Hike at the Kitzsteinhorn Mountain
The Kitzsteinhorn or – as it is also called “Top of Salzburg” – is part of the “Glocknergruppe” and reaches a height of 3.203 meters. It is one of the most popular recreation areas around Zell am Zee. In wintertime it offers many possibilities to pursue winter sport activities. In summertime, it is a great starting point for many alpine hikes.
The hike from the Kitzsteinhorn to the Maiskogel is one of the most beautiful hikes and should not be missed, when visiting Zell am See.
About this hike
Suggested for: Sure-footed hikers only, alpine experience needed
Start Point: Mountain Station Panorama Bahn
End Point: Mountain Station Maiskogelbahn
Difference in Altitude: 290 meters up, 690 meters down
Distance: 7 km
Duration: 3 hours
Best time: not after heavy rainfalls as you need to cross a narrow mountain ridge
The hike starts at the mountain station of the “Panorama Bahn”. You can either get here via the Panorama Bahn or via the Maiskogelbahn & the 3K K-onnection.
This hiking trail is one of the most wonderful alpine paths around Kaprun and offers not just great views, but also a unique alpine flora.
When arriving at the “Alpincenter” mountain station you have to keep to the right and follow the “Alexander-Enzinger-Weg” (hiking trail No. 5) into the direction of the “Krefelder Hütte”. From here you head further north, following this trail for the complete length of the hike.
On the first 2 to 2,5 kilometers of the hike the path leads you up the mountain and offer great views of the Kitzsteinhorn summit.
The highlight of the hike is the crossing of the mountain ridge all the way to the “Schoppnachhöhe”. The path gets really narrow and you should be sure-footed. The trail is partly exposed and falls away sharply on both sides. This part covers about 2 to 2,5 kilometers of the whole length of the hike and requires a lot of attention. Be aware that only the first part of the ridge is secured with a rope.
From here you have stunning views of Kaprun, Zell am See and the “Steinerndes Meer” Mountian ridge in the far distance.
When hiking the Alexander-Enzinger-Weg from the Alpincenter to the Maiskogel, you will have to hike a lot of meters downhill. Make sure to take hiking sticks with you to support your knees.
As soon as you start crossing the ridge, you will slowly head downhill. When you arrive at the “Tröglerköpfel” the steepest part lies ahead of you. From here you head into the direction of the “Jausenstation Glocknerblick”. You might want to stop here for a short lunch break or continue to the mountain station of the Maiskogelbahn – the final destination of this hike.
For me an absolute dream came true, when I finally hiked a mountain ridge. Even though I am scared of heights, this was something, that I always wanted to do, and I cannot recommend it enough. When in Zell am See, this hike is a must-do as it offers amazing views of the surrounding alpine landscape – all the way to the “Steinerndes Meer” at the Berchtesgadener Alps – as well as the Kitzsteinhorn summit.
How to get to the Kitzsteinhorn
If you want to get to the top of the Kitzsteinhorn, you have different possibilities to get there. You can do the hike from both directions: either from the Kitzsteinhorn to the Maiskogel or the other way around.
Via Gletscherjet
The Panoramabahn starts from the “Kesselfallstraße” south of Kaprun.
Fom here you take the “Panoramabahn” all the way to the “Bergstation Geltscherjet 1” or to the “Jausenstation Häuslalm”.
Costs: about 26,50€ per Person (24,50€ with the Kaprun Sommerkarte)
Via Maiskogelbahn and 3K K-onnection:
You can easily start your hiking tour at the city center of Kaprun without the need of taking a rental car or a public bus. The “Maiskogel” Bahn can be found at the city center and it brings you up to the “family mountain” of Maiskogel within just a few minutes. From here you have several leisure time activities for the whole family. At the “Bergstation” (mountain station) you will also find the connection to the Kitzsteinhorn via the 3K K-onnection cableway.
The actual hike starts at the 3K Bergstation at the Alpincenter (1.945 meters) below the Kitzsteinhorn mountain top.
Costs: about 32€ per Person (30€ with the Kaprun Sommerkarte)
