Overview
This self-guided walking holiday and short break in the Kitzbühel Alps, one of the most iconic hiking regions in Austria. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the breathtaking Salzburger Land, the idyllic Zell am See and Saalbach Hinterglemm, and the tranquil valley of the Pillersee in the Tyrol. The surrounding scenery will change dramatically around you as you walk – from infinite green meadows to grand mountain ranges. The glorious highlight of this hiking week is the Pinzgauer Spaziergang where you will witness a view of over 30 mountains above 3000 m in altitude with air so pure that you will feel an instant sense of rejuvenation. Tyrol is also home to many traditional mountain huts and restaurants that serve delicious regional cuisine. Try some fine local dishes, such as the Pinzgauer Bladln and Buchteln – there is an endless selection of delicious and hearty specialties prepared with fresh, local ingredients. After a great day hiking, relax at some of the best hotels in the area, order a drink and a tasty grill plate or original Wiener Schnitzel. While restoring your energy, take in the great view of the surroundings and think about the new mountain memories you have made!
- The Pinzgau Ridgeway (Pinzgauer Spaziergang)
- Großglockner – the highest mountain in Austria
- Maria Alm – the starting point of the Almer Wallfahrt pilgrimage
- Steinernes Meer with its 800 karst caves
- The well-known holiday regions of Zell am See and Saalbach
If you have more time and would have a more complete experience of the area, we also recommend our High Trails of the Kitzbühel Alps.
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Maishofen/Surroundings
Individual arrival in Maishofen. The lush meadows and hike paths surrounding Maishofen extend all the way to the Zeller See, a gathering spot for bathers and fans of sports in, on and around the water.
- Accommodation: 4**** Hotel Schloss Kammer or similar
Day 2: Saalbach-Hinterglemm – Maishofen/Surroundings | 17km
Today you take a ride in a cable car from Saalbach to the Schattenberg. Follow the ‘Pinzgauer Spaziergang’ (Pinzgau stroll) – the absolute highlight of your hike. At an altitude of approx. 2,000m, you will feast your eyes with astonishing views of the surrounding mountain peaks. More than 30 peaks exceeding 3,000m will encircle you, offering a 360-degree panorama. Continue to Schmittenhöhe and finish this marvellous experience by taking the cable car down into Zell am See and then the bus back to Maishofen.
- Accommodation: 4**** Hotel Schloss Kammer or similar
- Walking for the day: 17km, 6h, ↑450m ↓500m
Day 3: Maishofen/Surroundings – Maria Alm | 16km
After breakfast, you start with a marvellous tour over the Kammereggalm to the Schwalbenwand, the famous double top of the Pinzgau Meadow Mountains. The walk will reveal unforgettable views of differently shaped peaks. You follow a serpentine path through the Hofer Plattl forest, which will guide you to Hinterreit for a well-deserved lunch break and then past the chapel of peace to Maria Alm, an idyllic pilgrimage destination and farming village. Depending on your shape, you can choose between the valley (3 hrs) and the summit (6 hrs) trail.
- Accommodation: 3*** superior Hotel Gasthof Niederreiter or similar
- Walking for the day: 16km, 3 (valley hike) to 6h (summit hike), ↑1,220m ↓1,150m
Day 4: Maria Alm – Saalfelden/Weißbach – Maishofen | 13km
Through meadows, you will follow the trails of pilgrims before the path takes you across a wonderful moorland on your way to the rugged mountain tops of the ‘Steinerne Meer’ (Stoney Sea). As you gain altitude, some breathtaking views will inspire and energize you for the steep descent, leading you to a striking hermitage. Pass the 12th century ruined Lichtenberg Castle and shortly after you will reach the historic town of Saalfelden. Take the bus back to Maishofen.
- Accommodation: 4**** Hotel Schloss Kammer or similar
- Walking for the day: 13km, 4-5h, ↑650m ↓700m
Day 5: Departure
Return home or individual stay extension.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation is in 3/4-star hotels and inns, in private en-suite rooms (single, twin or double). A double bed may consist of twins pushed or joined together. Requests for twin rooms (completely separate single beds) will be accepted, however, they cannot be guaranteed – you will have separate linen however which is a standard practice in Austria. We have carefully hand-picked all places and regularly monitor their quality. We have tried to choose accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
Click to view default hotels
- 4**** Hotel Schloss Kammer
- 3*** superior Hotel Gasthof Niederreiter
Hotels are subject to availability. In case a hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a property of equal standard. We will provide full accommodation details upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Accommodation is on a bed & breakfast basis. Picnic lunches are optional at an additional charge and can be ordered locally. You can have dinner at your hotel or the restaurants in the villages.
Difficulty and terrain
Beautiful high routes on well-maintained paths and forest roads. Tour requires a good basic fitness level for walking days of up to 6 hours and sure-footedness on just a few sections. In some cases, comfortable alternative routes are possible. We suggest this tour to everyone who likes the alpine pasture scenery and beautiful views (read more about difficulty grades). We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never try to shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available to depart on Saturdays and Sundays only, from late May till mid-September.
Departure on other days of the week is possible on request at an additional cost.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
- Parking: free parking spaces are available near the hotel.
- By train to Zell am See, from there a short taxi ride would cost approx. EUR 15 to your accommodation in Maishofen.
- For train timetables and tickets, please visit Deutsche Bahn.
Inclusions
Included
- 4 overnight stays with breakfast in nice 4-star and 3-star hotels
- Welcome briefing
- Luggage transfer on all walking days (one piece of luggage per person, max 20kg)
- Cable car fare Schmittenhöhebahn*
- Detailed pre-departure holiday information pack (1 x per room) and GPS tracks
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
*Schattbergbahn only available from mid-June to the end of September, alternative hiking on Day 2 will be offered for bookings outside these dates.
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses such as phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Bus rides (Maishofen – Saalbach, Zell am See – Maishofen, Saalfelden – Maishofen), approx. EUR 12 per person
- Any items not specifically mentioned as included in the programme
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Half board option (3-course evening meal – sometimes outside the property, payable with voucher)
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