Karst Peaks: Hiking the Höllengebirge

Difficulty

Moderate

Comfort

Basic+

Group size

1-6 tourists,
over 10 y.o.

Mountains shaped by ice and time hold stories in every ridge and hollow. The Höllengebirge range, stretching between Lake Attersee and Lake Traunsee, is one of those places where stone, water, and sky blend into a landscape that feels both raw and timeless. Here, at the Feuerkogel plateau, you step into a place where the wind carries the scent of alpine flowers and every view seems endless.

Your journey begins high above the Traun Valley, with sweeping panoramas from the Alberfeldkogel and its symbolic Europe Cross. Trails wind through karst landscapes, flower-filled meadows, and ridges carved by ancient glaciers. Along the way, alpine huts like the historic Riederhütte and Christophorushütte welcome hikers with warm meals and terraces where sunsets turn the mountains gold. Paths lead you through pine labyrinths, limestone cliffs, and hidden glacier valleys, each day offering both solitude and spectacle.

The adventure is made effortless by the Feuerkogel cable car, which whisks you straight into this alpine world. Nights are spent in cozy huts surrounded by silence, under skies shine with stars. Whether you’re chasing views, seeking calm, or longing for the raw beauty of the high mountains, this tour is your invitation to experience the Salzkammergut at its most untamed. Join us on this unforgettable hike into Austria’s Karst mountains!

Please note: this is a self-guided tour

Family Tours

Lukas B. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English, German

We specialize in planning environmentally friendly, individually tailored nature journeys throughout the Salzkammergut and across Austria. With deep regional knowledge and a passion for sustainable travel, we craft authentic experiences that connect travelers with the beauty of our landscapes. We believe self-guided adventures should never feel lonely. Our team of passionate outdoor enthusiasts knows the trails inside out. While hikers explore at their own pace, we’re always nearby — offering tips, answering questions, and providing support whenever it’s needed. Whether navigating a trail or seeking local recommendations, we make sure every journey is safe, enriching, and unforgettable

Tour highlights

Europe Cross Panorama

Stand above the Langbath valley where stones from every EU country meet in one breathtaking view

Glacier Valley Echoes

Walk paths carved by the last Ice Age through pine alleys and rocky cirques

Sky to Lake Descent

From glaciers to surfers on Traunsee, finish with a dazzling shift of worlds

Route details

Rising above the Traun Valley, the Höllengebirge plunges steeply on its northern side, its Wetterstein limestone walls forming an impressive natural barrier. From Ebensee, a cable car swiftly carries you up to the Feuerkogel (1,600 m), opening the door to a vast alpine plateau. In summer, the meadows burst into a sea of wildflowers, offering endless opportunities for exploration. A well-marked path leads first to the Alberfeldkogel viewpoint, crowned with the Europe Cross, built from stones from each EU member state.

From here, sheer cliffs drop dramatically into the Langbath Valley, with sweeping views over Traunsee, Langbathsee, and the surrounding peaks. Beyond the plateau, the trails grow quieter, leading you through rugged karst terrain on the way to the welcoming Rieder Hut.

(Overnight at the Rieder Hut)
Hiking: 2–3 hrs, 5 km, ascent 440 m, descent 250 m

3 more photos

Difficulty

Moderate

Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity

Tour provider's comments

During the tour you are partly in high alpine terrain. Appropriate mountain equipment, surefootedness, a head for heights and endurance are therefore a prerequisite

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic+

Camp Site

2 nights

Communal bunks at the huts - 284 EUR
Additional nights - on request
Day of arrival - Daily

Conditions

Included

2x overnight stays (huts with communal bunks) with half board;
1x welcome video with explanations and information that you need for the tour;
1x ascent and descent with the Feuerkogel cable car;
1x hiking map of the Salzkammergut area + detailed routing (1x per room);
a tree for your booking – we plant a tree for your booking;
daily service hotline by our office.

Extras

flight tickets;
additional nights (before / after) - on request;
extras payable on site:
Local tax between 1,00€ and 4,00€ per person per night.

It's important to know

mountain boots;
functional clothing;
backpack;
water and food;
rain and sun protection;
warm clothing – even in midsummer temperature drops are possible (hat, warm gloves);
first aid package;
mobile phone;
possibly hiking poles, etc.