Overview
This self-guided walking holiday takes you into the High Trails of the Kitzbühel Alps for eight days, 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 enjoy a view of over 30 mountains above 3,000m 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 specialities prepared with fresh, local ingredients. After a great day of hiking, relax at some of the best hotels in the area, order a drink and a tasty grill plate or original Wiener Schnitzel.
- The Pinzgau Ridgeway (Pinzgauer Spaziergang)
- Views of Großglockner – the highest mountain in Austria
- Maria Alm – the starting point of the Almer Wallfahrt pilgrimage
- Steinernes Meer with its 800 karst caves
- The holiday regions of Zell am See and Saalbach
If you have less time, we recommend our shorter version of this tour – High Trails of the Kitzbühel Alps Walking Break.
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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: 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 (3hrs) and the summit (6hrs) 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 3: Maria Alm – Saalfelden/Weißbach | 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, breathtaking views will reveal themselves to inspire and energize you for the steep descent, which leads you to a striking hermitage. Pass the 12th century ruined Lichtenberg Castle and shortly after you will reach the historic town of Saalfelden.
- Accommodation: 4**** Hotel Die Hindenburg or similar
- Walking for the day: 13km, 4-5h, ↑650m ↓700m
Day 4: Saalfelden/Weißbach – Fieberbrunn | 18km
Today’s walk takes you through the Vorderkaser gorge. Follow the winding streams on a picturesque path to the impressive Hochkaser hill pasture. This isolated pass traverse will lead you from the Leogang and Lofer mountains’ steep tops to the Tyrolean side mountains. You trial an idyllic path to the stunning valley of Pillersee with the Lofer mountains in the background.
- Accommodation: Haus in der Sonne or similar
- Walking for the day: 18km, 5-6h, ↑900m ↓700m
Day 5: Fieberbrunn – Saalbach-Hinterglemm | 19km
Continue hiking through lush meadows surrounded by the breathtaking views of the Kitzbühel Alps. The path leads you beneath the hanging cable cars of the Magnesitenbergwerk mine and up towards the Burgeralm. You will have the opportunity to soak into the rustic atmosphere and enjoy some local treats before walking down a fabulous forest path to the famous Austrian Alpine holiday resort of Saalbach-Hinterglemm.
- Accommodation: 4**** Hotel am Reiterkogel Liemers Lodge or similar
- Walking for the day: 19km, 5-6h, ↑1,100m ↓850m
Day 6: Mountain pastures loop tour | 10km
Enjoy a day of rest in the sport region or take a comfortable circular walk to Forsthof alp, the Saal alp and on to the Lindling alp, where a suspension bridge leads to the Baumzipfelweg. Have a glass of home-made buttermilk, enjoy the renewed wellness area in your hotel or simply enjoy the wonderful views of the surrounding area.
- Accommodation: 4**** Hotel am Reiterkogel Liemers Lodge or similar
- Walking for the day: 10km, 3.5h, ↑450m ↓450m
Day 7: 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 8: Departure
Return home or individual stay extension.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation is in nice 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, 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
- Schloss Kammer
- Gasthof Niederreiter
- Die Hindenburg
- Haus in der Sonne
- Hotel am Reiterkogel Liemers Lodge.
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. The tour requires a good basic fitness level for walking days of up to 6h 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 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 extra cost.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
- Parking: free parking spaces 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
- 7 overnight stays with breakfast in nice 3 & 4-star hotels and country hotels
- Welcome briefing
- Luggage transfer on all walking days (one piece of luggage per person, max 20kg)
- Cable car fare Schmittenhöhebahn*
- Cable car fare Schattberg*
- Saalbach-Hinterglemm ‘Sommerjoker-Card’
- Detailed pre-departure holiday information pack (1 x per room) and GPS tracks
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
* Westgipfelbahn and following Schmittenhöhebahn only from mid-June to the end of September, alternative hiking offer for the 7th resp. 2nd day
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks (except one dinner in Fieberbrunn)
- 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 (Saalfelden – Weißbach, Pillersee – Fieberbrunn, Zell am See – 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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