Neu in der Hotel-Familie: Haven Mountain Retreat
Is like a vacation on vacation
The way is the goal: The Pongau and the Sportwelt amadé are a veritable paradise for hikers of all stripes. Around 1000 kilometers of marked hiking trails guarantee that every hiking fan will find his “dream trail”. The routes mostly lead to medium altitudes or to easy summits. Depending on your physical condition, you can hike up or take the mountain railroad for part of the ascent. In Sankt Johann-Alpendorf, for example, you can reach the Gernkogel Almen- und Wanderland in a very relaxed way with the Alpendorf Gondola and up to the Geisterberg.
Surrounded by the quiet beauty of the mountains, you will walk along forest paths or wildly romantic hiking trails across alpine meadows, along rushing mountain streams, waterfalls and dreamy mountain lakes, sometimes above the tree line, into the karstic high mountains. The pure air, the peace and the constant movement let you quickly fall into this euphoric and contemplative state, which brings so many fascinating views and insights.
The Sonnhof is especially in the summer months not only because of its location an ideal starting point for hiking tours and mountain adventures. We also provide you with the necessary equipment, supply you with our tour collection with GPS data and are also happy to personally show you our “Big Five” of the Pongau hiking world.
The Alpendorf cable car takes you not only to the family excursion destination Geisterberg, but also to the beautiful hiking area around the Gernkogel, Hirschkogel and Sonntagskogel.
Ticket prices: Here
3 peaks, 4 lakes, 4 villages and 11 huts can be reached from the mountain station of the panoramic cable car Großarltal. More info here
In Wagrain three mountain railroads are in operation in summer. More info here
With the mountain railroad or with the lift you can manage some meters of altitude in just a few minutes. A total of 10 gondolas and lifts are in operation in Gastein. More info here
Almost everywhere, there are managed huts along the way, which are often also a worthwhile culinary destination. A special highlight are the 12 themed hiking trails that open up a new approach to nature and the way of life of the locals. The selection ranges from the tree trail to the ant trail to the nature and hiking trail. A particularly rewarding challenge is also the well-signposted Salzburger Almenweg. On a hiking route of 350 kilometers, you can follow the gentian symbol from the Niedere and Hohe Tauern to the Bischofsmütze and Hochkönig and enjoy the magnificent impressions to the full – not least because of the 120 fantastically situated alpine summer huts, which invite you to enjoyable snacks on the total of 31 stages. The sporty commitment is even rewarded with a souvenir: from five reached hiking destinations you will be awarded with the Enzian pin and thus practically belong to the Pongau insiders.
Who would like to go on tour with the Sonnhof family will find guided hikes in our active program every week from May to October! Explore with us the most rustic huts and the most beautiful peaks in Flachau, Wagrain-Kleinarl, St. Johann-Alpendorf, Radstadt, Altenmarkt-Zachensee, Eben and Filzmoos. Or discover Großarl, the “valley of alpine pastures”, with the 400-year-old Karseggalm for yourself and taste traditionally made cheese and bread. The absolute crowning glory is, of course, the Hochkönig climb, which among locals is one of the 99 things you must have done in your life. However, the tour of at least 9 hours to the highest peak of the Berchtesgaden Alps (almost 3000 meters) is only possible in high summer, runs over high alpine terrain including glacier passages and is correspondingly demanding in terms of fitness. Either way: There is a lot to experience – go for it!
After about 25 minutes driving time you reach the starting point of the hike, which leads over a forest path slightly ascending to the Hackeralm. From there you hike on the Mitterstein circular trail through wooded area level in the direction of the Hirtenkapelle, the highlight of the hike. The trail continues across alpine meadows to the Meislsteinalm, which offers a wonderful view of the Steinernes Meer and invites you to linger. Back you go on a road again to Hackeralm, where the round closes. The last part is similar to the first part of the hike, with a wonderful view back to the starting point.
From St. Johann you go up the Hahnbaum to the Vogei Hütt’n. A small path leads uphill over alpine meadows and through wooded areas to the destination. In between, benches invite you to take a break and enjoy a wonderful view of the Salzach valley and the Hochkönig. A refreshing arm Kneipp bath halfway gives again energy to master also the rest of the way. At the Vogei Hütt’n you can enjoy a cool drink as well as a Brettljause. For children there is a petting zoo with rabbits, a few cats can also always be found around the hut. Downhill it goes the already known path to the entry point.
The first part leads on a wide forest road, up to the managed Igltalalm. From there, a small hiking trail leads past the summit of the Schober to the Heukareck, which offers a breathtaking view of the Salzach valley. The hike requires a good physical condition and surefootedness. Since there is no refreshment stop on the summit, it is recommended to pack snacks and enough to drink. Good shoes are also a must for this hike, so that you can safely manage the ascent. However, the climb is definitely worth it, as you will be rewarded with a tremendous distant view.
The starting point of the hike is the Jägersee, located at the end of the valley in Kleinarl. From there, a steadily ascending hiking trail leads to the legendary Tappenkarsee. The climb is worth it, however, as the view of the lake lying in the valley basin is simply breathtaking. A small hiking trail leads along the lake to the two huts. The way back is the same as the ascent and leads back to the starting point.
On this hike we go directly from the hotel to the Alpendorf Bergbahnen. The gondola takes us to the top station at about 1600 m, from where the actual tour starts. First, we will climb moderately up to the Gernkogel. Passing the Geisterberg, the path goes almost level towards the mountain lake, which presents itself in a wonderful turquoise color when the weather is nice. Slightly descending it then goes over flowering alpine meadows and through a small piece of forest to the Maurachalm. The alp is known for its own schnapps and the always good-humored innkeepers, who often entertain the guests with musical interludes. If you want to extend the hike a bit, you can take the summit of the Sonntagskogel and then hike a circular route via Wagrain to the Maurachalm. The way back is the same as the way there until the gondola, with which we then go back down to the Alpendorf.
Our new hiking bus takes you 4x a week to a beautiful starting point. Armed with hiking routes you go on tour and explore the Salzburg mountains alone or in a group. Past lush alpine meadows you will experience the Salzburg alpine world from its most beautiful side and enjoy the culinary delights of the region at over 40 managed alpine pastures and huts.
After the hearty expedition to the Salzburger Land, we will gladly take you back into our care, pamper you in the COCOON SPA, in the restaurant – or let you relax undisturbed in the lounge, on the sun terrace or in your room.
