Winter Holiday in the mountains

No matter whether you decide on a sunny winter hike or climb the mountains of Zell am See on snowshoes - an unforgettable day in the Salzburg mountains awaits you. 

Snowshoe Hikes: 

1. Hike from Thumersbach to Ronachkopf past the Enzianhütte with refreshments and a wonderful terrace

Facts about the route:

Altitude Gain: 500m
Length: 2.5km
Difficulty level: moderate
Ascent: 1.5 - 2 hours
Refreshments: Enzianhütte open daily from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m 

The hike starts after the church in Thumersbach at the car parking area for ski tours and snowshoe hikers. The route, with a wonderful view of Zell's local mountain Schmittenhöhe, starts gently leading up to a slightly more demanding middle section, before you reach the Enzianhütte, after another flat section you will reach the Ronachkopf. Once at the top, enjoy the view of Zell am See and treat yourself to culinary delights in the cozy Enzianhütte. 

In addition to the path described above (via the ski touring route), you can also drive to the end of the valley in Thumersbach and from there choose the somewhat more leisurely route to the Ronachkopf and the Enzianhütte. This route takes you through the snowy winter forest to the summit. 

2. Snowshoe Hike to the Schützingalm (hut closed in winter)

Facts about the route:

Altitude Gain: 455m
Difficulty level: moderate
Ascent: 1.5 - 2 hours
Refreshments: Mitterberghof - opening times vary, please check with reception.

From Zell am See you drive to Thumersbach. Drive past the church to the junction after the car parking area for ski tourers and snowshoe hikers. After the parking area, turn left and drive to Mitterberghof (winter tyres are essential). The parking lot is to the left behind the mountain church of the Mitterberghof. From there you hike towards Schwalbenwand through the snow-covered winter forest. When you arrive at the Schützingalm you can enjoy wonderful views of the mountains from Zell am See - Kaprun. If you would like to stop at the Mitterberghof after the hike, please find out about the opening times in advance. If the Mitterberghof is not open, we will be happy to prepare a packed lunch for you.

Winter Hikes: 

1. Around Lake Zell (11.2km) 

The circular route around Lake Zell starts directly in front of the GRAND HOTEL ZELL AM SEE. You start on the esplanade and walk along the lake promenade towards Thumersbach past the campsite " Seecamp". Children can feed the swans and ducks along the way. At the beginning you can enjoy the view of the Steinernes Meer as you walk along Lake Zell. Halfway, after the town of Thumersbach, you will see the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in its full glory. At the Erlberg swimming area, take the turnoff through the Zeller Moos nature reserve. You then come back through the Schüttdorf district to the lake promenade and to the GRAND HOTEL ZELL AM SEE. Walking time approx. 2.5 hours. 

2. Hike to Mitterberghof (3,8km) 

You drive from the GRAND HOTEL ZELL AM SEE to the church in Thumersbach where you can park. (The second parking option is at the car parking area for ski touring and snowshoe hikes, approx. 200m after the church in Thumersbach.) From the parking area for ski touring and snowshoe hikers there is a turnoff to Mitterberghof. From there you hike 3.8km uphill to the inn's mountain church. Once at the top, you can enjoy a wonderful view of Lake Zell on the wonderful sun terrace and also treat yourself to culinary delights (ask at reception about opening times). Walking time approx. 1 hour.  

Further hiking trails in Zell am See - Kaprun