The mountain calls!
The mountain calls!
Three hiking tips for late summer and autumn
Narrow, well-beaten tracks leading across meadows and through forests, winding climbs that challenge us and the summit bliss that rewards us: hiking is definitely one of our favourite hobbies. And that doesn’t come as a big surprise - with all the peaks reaching into the sky around Zell am See-Kaprun, the choice of new hiking routes is (almost) inexhaustible. It can be quite difficult to decide on a destination! That's why we have selected three of our favourite hiking routes for you: On the Kitzsteinhorn, on the Schmittenhöhe and to the Schwalbenwand – the height of delight. Let's go!
Tip No. 1: Alexander Enzinger Trail
This high-altitude trail is one of the favourites among the hiking routes on the Kitzsteinhorn. And the tour starts the way we like it best: quite comfortably by gondola. We use the cable car and get off at the Alpincenter at 2,450 metres above sea level. Then we follow the signs on trail no. 5, and the Alexander Enzinger Path leads us in direction Krefelder Hütte and across the Stangenhöhe and the Dreiwallnerhöhe.
The trail becomes steep in parts here, but the effort is worth it: impressive views await us here! However, mountain experience and surefootedness are necessary on the almost 8.5-kilometre hike. At the end, the Alpengasthaus Glocknerblick inn invites you to take a well-deserved rest. We hike all the way down into the valley on foot - or take the MK Maiskogelbahn cable car directly into the centre of Kaprun.
Tip No. 2: Pinzgau Walk
This tour is a real long-distance classic in the region: the Pinzgau Walk leads from the Schmittenhöhe to Saalbach. And even though the tour is called a "walk", you still need to be quite fit. The route is around 17 kilometres long and requires muscle power and suitable footwear. However, because this hike only includes 650 metres of ascent, it is also easily doable as a family tour.
We start from the Schmittenhöhe upper terminus and hike along the trail past Kettingkopf and Kesselscharte, then past Rohrertörl (there is a great photo spot here!), Klingentörl and Seetörl and finally reach the Hacklberg Natural Lakes. From there, the destination Saalbach is not far away! There are no huts to stop at along the way, but of course that doesn't mean we don't take a break:
We pack enough provisions and water and stop time and again to enjoy the view of the Kitzsteinhorn and the surrounding three-thousand-metre-high peaks in this high alpine idyll, and to make friends with free-roaming horses and the cows. Arriving at the Schattberg in Saalbach, we take the cable car back down to the valley and return to Zell am See by bus.
Tip No. 3: Schwalbenwand Tour
A leisurely tour with excellent views of Lake Zell and the snow-covered Hohe Tauern: If a summit is still on your summer bucket list, this eleven-kilometre loop to the Schwalbenwand is the right thing for you. We start from the car park behind the Mitterberg mountain inn. Here the trail first leads along a wide forest road and then on narrow forest tracks to the summit cross at 2,011 metres.
The tour is not difficult, but good shoes and surefootedness are still necessary. For the way back, we recommend the Schwalbenwand Trail No. 83, which leads past the Schützingalm. A hearty snack board awaits you here!
Well equipped with Peak Performance
As with every hike, the same basic rule applies to our three tips: preparation is everything! That's why we've put together a packing list for you, so that you always have the most important things (besides well-fitting, sturdy mountain boots and suitable socks) with you on the mountain.
We pack our rucksack and take with us:
- Provisions (depending on the route - be sure to pack more for the Pinzgau Walk, there are no huts directly along the trail)
- Sufficient water/ isotonic drinks such as fruit juice spritzers: To often refill our thirst quenchers, we take this water bottle from Peak Performance, which is made of stainless steel and food-safe silicone
- Charged mobile phone
- First aid kit including blister plaster
- Sun protection with a high SPF factor and a visor cap: we opted for the breathable Vislight cap from Peak Performance
- Rain jacket and rain cover for the rucksack
- A change of clothes &, if necessary, a headband for warm ears
Speaking of clothes – they must be able to fulfil many functions when hiking. They have to be comfortable and breathable, dry quickly and, best of all, look good! That's why we chose these items from Peak Performance:
The lightweight Vislight jacket for women is perfect for mountain tours, because the Gore-Tex Active functional material is breathable on the one hand, but also protects you from moisture at the same time. It is also super light and fits in any rucksack. A favourite jacket like this is of course also available for men: it can be worn for mountaineering as well as for skiing or ski touring!
Underneath, we wear this alum shirt made of recycled polyester with mesh insert on the back. It is breathable and, thanks to the gentle, waterless CO2 dyeing process, also pleasant on the skin. As with the jacket, this practical sports companion is also available for men.
Our (hiking) trousers for all occasions are the Stretch Trek Shorts for men and women: they have a slim cut and score with a high stretch content. Practical when we have to climb over boulders again and need a lot of freedom of movement! The windproof, quick-drying softshell material keeps us warm and dry even at dizzy heights.
WELL EQUIPPED, YOU ARE NOW READY TO CONQUER THE MOUNTAINS AROUND ZELL AM SEE-KAPRUN. WE WISH YOU LOTS OF FUN!
