The Schlossalm – Hiking with a Twist Against a Stunning Backdrop
The fastest route to this destination
The Schlossalm – Hiking with a Twist Against a Stunning Backdrop
The Schlossalm hiking and skiing paradise, located at just under 2,000 meters above sea level, is a great starting point for all kinds of excursions.
Whether your destination is the newly created play area, one of the surrounding mountain peaks, a via ferrata, or simply the supremely comfortable lounger by the lake, the Schlossalm has something for everyone. Agility—and sometimes creativity—are almost always required; many of the stations at the adventure playground, for example, only work with active participation. The most original station among them is probably the giant “hamster wheel,” which, once set in motion, triggers a water-powered chain reaction. Even crossing by boat requires active, hands-on assistance. Another highlight is the nine via ferrata routes, which cover the entire spectrum from easy practice routes to difficulty levels D/E (the “Hochalmblick” via ferrata). Hikers will also find countless options: from a short loop around the lake (1.2 km, 42 m elevation gain, difficulty level 1) to the challenging “Gradrundweg Tauernblick” trail up to the 2,373-meter-high Mauskarspitze (6.3 km, 250 hm, T 3), the diverse range spans a wide spectrum.
moderate
2h 0min
5.19 km
Family-friendly
Round trip
Bad Hofgastein
Seasons
Directions
The Schlossalm area (2,050 m) can be reached on foot from Bad Hofgastein via well-marked trails in three and a half hours (8 km, 1,200 hm). Given the many opportunities that open up at this altitude, taking the modern Schlossalmbahn cable car is a sensible alternative. Families will likely start by exploring the large playground, while summit seekers, after leaving the mountain station, can head right toward the Hirschkarspitze (2,119 m), which can be reached both via a north-facing via ferrata (2 variants: B/C and D/E) or via a well-secured, half-hour ridge trail. At the summit, the “Alpenkino Hirschinger”—equipped with movie theater-style seating—offers breathtaking views. Back at the mountain station, you can continue on the “Große Runde” (4.5 km, 270 hm), which circles the lake in a wide arc. There are also five other enjoyable loop trails to choose from, two of which (the “Kleine Seerunde” and “Große Seerunde”) are stroller-friendly.
Information & contact
The Schlossalmbahn operates from mid-June through mid-November. Operating hours are subject to weather conditions. www.skigastein.com/tickets-lifte/betriebszeiten-lifte, www.skigastein.com/erlebnisse-berge/sommer/familien-erlebniswelt/schlossalm-rundwanderwegechristian.heugl@gmail.com
Photo credit: Christian Heugl
By public transport
From Bad Gastein Station (Bahnhofplatz) or from Schwarzach–St. Veit Station (forecourt), take bus 550 to the Bad Hofgastein bus station/Schlossalmbahn.
Timetable information and downloads: Online at www.salzburg-verkehr.at or on your smartphone via the free Salzburg Verkehr app for Android and iOS.
Route profile
All content has been researched by the editorial team to the best of their knowledge. However, the editorial team of Salzburger Verkehrsverbund GmbH cannot guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information provided. We kindly ask you to verify the details when planning your trip, as opening hours, admission prices, or other information may change. Any liability claims against the editorial team or Salzburger Verkehrsverbund GmbH relating to material or non-material damages arising from the use of the information provided, or from the use of incorrect or incomplete information, are generally excluded.
