Information
Landmark: Schmittenhöhe MountainCity: Zell am See
Country: Austria
Continent: Europe
Schmittenhöhe Mountain, Zell am See, Austria, Europe
Overview
Schmittenhöhe rises above the Salzburg Alps, just outside Zell am See in Austria, its slopes catching the morning sun.People know it for the sweeping mountain views, crisp winter ski runs, and winding summer trails that smell faintly of pine.At 1,965 meters (6,447 feet), Schmittenhöhe draws visitors year-round with its sweeping views-glittering Lake Zell below, jagged Alpine peaks all around, and on a clear day, the distant Hohe Tauern and Kitzbühel Alps.Schmittenhöhe towers 1,965 meters (6,447 feet) above sea level, just above the town of Zell am See, and you can reach it by cable car or winding hiking trails.From the top, the view spills out over the deep blue of Lake Zell, past the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier to distant peaks like Grossglockner, Austria’s tallest mountain.In winter, the slopes draw skiers and snowboarders eager to carve fresh tracks through the snow.At Schmittenhöhe, part of the wider Zell am See–Kaprun ski area, you’ll find about 77 kilometers (48 miles) of slopes, from gentle beginner runs to steep, challenging descents, all served by modern lifts.Snowboarders can hit a dedicated park packed with jumps and halfpipes, while freeriders have marked off-piste zones for wilder turns.Cross-country trails wind through quiet Alpine forests, and winter hikers can follow snow-dusted paths with mountain views.When summer arrives, the mountain swaps skis for hiking boots and bikes, drawing nature lovers to its green meadows and winding trails.Schmittenhöhe boasts over 20 kilometers (12 miles) of clearly marked hiking trails for everyone, from easygoing walkers to seasoned trekkers.Some routes wind along airy ridgelines, where you can spot the shimmer of Lake Zell and the peaks of the Hohe Tauern.If you’re after a tougher climb, several paths lead straight to the summit for a well-earned view.The mountain also draws mountain bikers, offering trails that range from gentle rides to adrenaline-pumping descents.At Schmittenhöhe Bike Park, riders tackle steep, technical descents that test their skills, while summer hikes reveal alpine meadows alive with wildflowers and darting butterflies.Hikers can wander past bright Alpine flowers, watch marmots dart between rocks, and take in sweeping views of glaciers and deep green valleys.Paragliders launch from Schmittenhöhe, catching the wind for stunning bird’s-eye glimpses of the lake and rugged peaks.Most visitors ride the Schmittenhöhe Cable Car, the main route to the mountain’s summit.In just minutes, the ride whisks you from Zell am See to the top of Schmittenhöhe, where the peaks stretch out in every direction; or hop on the Panorama Lift, which pauses at several spots so you can soak in the sweeping views along the way, and don’t miss the mountain’s viewing platforms-each one framing a jaw-dropping panorama of the Alps.From many spots around town, you can see the deep blue of Lake Zell set against the bright white of the Alps.On clear days, the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier and the towering Grossglockner, Austria’s highest peak, come into view.Schmittenhöhe makes a perfect starting point for exploring Hohe Tauern National Park, with its rugged peaks, shimmering glaciers, and glassy mountain lakes.At the summit, you’ll find cozy Alpine huts and restaurants serving hearty Austrian dishes-ideal after a long day on the trails.Some mountain huts dish up hearty local treats like warm, caramelized Kaiserschmarrn and smoky Tyrolean Speck, all while framing your view with jagged Alpine peaks.At the summit, open-air decks let you take in sweeping vistas of the Alps and valleys beyond.Come in summer for the lively Schmittenhöhe Festival-music drifting through the mountain air, outdoor games, and tables laden with regional food.In winter, the slopes sparkle under floodlights during après-ski parties and snow festivals.Skiers and snowboarders flock here from December to April, while May to October draws hikers, cyclists, and wildflower seekers.Spring and autumn are quieter, marked by the blush of fresh blooms or the gold of turning leaves.You can reach Schmittenhöhe by train via Zell am See, which links directly to Salzburg and other major Austrian cities.From Zell am See, it’s just a quick bus or taxi ride to the cable car station, and if you’re driving, Schmittenhöhe is easy to reach with plenty of parking right beside it.Lake Zell lies close by, where you can glide across the water in a small boat, swim, or stroll along its quiet shore.The Kitzsteinhorn Glacier offers skiing and hiking all year, while the town of Kaprun leads you to the impressive High Alpine Reservoirs.Whether blanketed in snow or dotted with summer wildflowers, Schmittenhöhe delivers unforgettable experiences in every season and is a must-see in the Zell am See area.Whether you’re carving down the slopes, hiking along quiet pine trails, or just soaking in the sweep of snow-dusted peaks, Schmittenhöhe offers an Alpine adventure you won’t forget.
