The Pongau region and Ski amadé truly are a paradise for hikers. Around 1,000 kilometers of well-marked hiking trails lead through diverse landscapes, gentle alpine terrain, and easily accessible summits. Many routes can be adapted flexibly depending on your fitness level and, if desired, can be combined with the support of mountain lifts. In St. Johann im Pongau, the Alpendorf gondola takes you effortlessly up to the Gernkogel alpine pastures and hiking area. The perfect starting point for unforgettable mountain adventures.
The Sonnhof is the ideal starting point for a wide variety of hiking tours and unforgettable mountain adventures in Pongau, especially during the summer months. Alongside our excellent location, we actively support you in planning your hikes. We provide the necessary equipment, offer a carefully curated selection of tours including GPS data, and share our personal “Big Five” highlights of the Pongau hiking world.
Included services:
One mountain lift round trip per person from a stay of 3 nights*
Hiking pole rental
Backpack available directly in your room
Hiking bus several times per week, including tour recommendations
With every direct booking, the Sôha Card is included. From a stay of three nights, it also covers one gondola and mountain lift ride. This allows you to enjoy relaxed “gondola hiking” in Alpendorf. Use is subject to the operating hours of the Alpendorf mountain railway.
The Alpendorf mountain railway not only takes you to the adventure destination Geisterberg, but also into the beautiful hiking area around Gernkogel, Hirschkogel, and Sonntagskogel.
Ticket prices: here
From the top station of the Panoramabahn Großarltal, you can reach 3 peaks, 4 lakes, 4 villages, and 11 mountain huts.
In Wagrain, three mountain lifts are in operation during the summer season.
With the mountain railway or gondola lift, you can comfortably gain altitude within just a few minutes. In total, 10 gondolas and lifts are in operation throughout the Gastein Valley.
After about a 25-minute drive, you reach the starting point of this hike. The route begins on a gently ascending forest road leading to the Hackeralm. From there, you follow the Mitterstein circular trail through wooded terrain on mostly level paths toward the Shepherd’s Chapel – the true highlight of the tour.
Continuing across alpine meadows, the trail leads to the Meiselsteinalm, a wonderful place to stop and relax while enjoying impressive views of the Steinernes Meer mountain range.The return route follows a service road back to the Hackeralm, where the loop closes. The final section mirrors the first part of the hike, offering beautiful panoramic views as you make your way back to the starting point.
Starting from St. Johann, the trail leads up to the Hahnbaum and onwards to the charming Vogei Hütt’n. A narrow path climbs steadily across alpine meadows and through small forest sections until you reach your destination. Along the way, benches invite you to take a break and enjoy wonderful views over the Salzach Valley and towards the Hochkönig mountain range. Halfway up, a refreshing Kneipp arm bath provides new energy to comfortably complete the rest of the hike. At the Vogei Hütt’n, you can relax with a cold drink or enjoy a traditional Austrian snack platter (Brettljause). Children will love the small petting area with rabbits, and a few cats are usually roaming around the hut as well. The descent follows the same familiar path back down to the starting point.
The first part of the hike follows a wide forest road up to the serviced Igltalalm. From there, a narrower hiking trail continues past the summit of the Schober and onwards to the Heukareck, where you are rewarded with breathtaking views over the Salzach Valley. This tour requires excellent stamina, sure-footedness, and good hiking experience. As there is no refreshment stop at the summit, it is recommended to pack a snack and plenty of water. Proper hiking footwear is essential to safely manage the ascent. However, the effort is well worth it – the climb is rewarded with impressive panoramic views and unforgettable long-distance scenery.
The starting point of this hike is Jägersee, located at the end of the valley in Kleinarl. From there, a steadily ascending trail leads up to the legendary Tappenkarsee, one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the region. The climb is truly worth the effort, as the view of the lake nestled in its alpine basin is simply breathtaking. A narrow path continues along the shoreline to two welcoming, serviced mountain huts. The return route follows the same trail back down to the starting point.
This hike starts right at the hotel, with a short walk to the Alpendorf mountain railway. The gondola takes us up to around 1,600 meters, where the actual tour begins. The trail first leads gently uphill to the Gernkogel. Passing the popular family attraction Geisterberg, the route continues almost level towards the mountain lake, which shines in a beautiful turquoise color on sunny days. From there, the path descends slightly across blooming alpine meadows and through a small forest section until reaching the welcoming Maurachalm. The hut is well known for its homemade schnapps and the cheerful hosts, who often entertain guests with musical performances. Those who would like to extend the hike can include the summit of the Sonntagskogel and follow a circular trail via Wagrain back to the Maurachalm. The return route follows the same path back to the gondola station, where we descend comfortably to Alpendorf.
Our weekly program offers more than 20 different activities for hikers, cyclists, golfers, nature lovers, and everyone who enjoys yoga and Pilates. And the best part: our guides are truly wonderful people. Passionate, caring, and the kind of company you simply love spending time with.
14.08. - 01.12.2025 || 14.05. - 01.12.2026
from 483€ per person
3 to 7 nights
17.07. - 01.12.2025v
from 332€ per person
2 to 4 Nights
21.09. - 01.12.2025 || 14.05. - 01.12.2026
from 448€ per person
