Pinkenkogel round

©Wiener Alpen in Niederösterreich - Semmering Rax

Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 8,49 km
Ascent: 290 m elevation gain
Descent: 290 m elevation gain

Circular hike from the Semmering pass to the Pinkenkogel and back to the starting point via the high road

Starting point of the tour: Semmering pass summit
Tour destination: Semmering pass summit

Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 8,49 km
Ascent: 290 m elevation gain
Descent: 290 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
6/6
Overall experience:
3/6
Scenery:
4/6

Lowest point985 m
Highest point1275 m

Round tour
Accessibility by train and bus

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Description

In the footsteps of Viktor Silberer, also known as the King of Semmering. Victor Silberer made the Semmering a summer holiday destination. The downhill hike is accompanied by impressive views towards the Rax & Schneeberg and leads back to the top of the pass via the high road. In summer, there is also a variant of the Pinkenkogelrunde .

safety instructions Your hikes in the Viennese Alps should be an all-around beautiful and safe experience.Please consider the following:Make sure when choosing the route that it matches your mountain experience and your fitness level. Check the weather forecast in advance. The weather can change surprisingly quickly in the mountains. Therefore, always start out accordingly equipped (suitable footwear, rain protection). Check if the huts and snack stations you want to visit along the way are open. Inform someone about your chosen route and your planned return before you set out. Stay on marked paths and avoid shortcuts. Because of dryness, meadows and forests are easy to ignite. Handle fire with respect and report any possible fire immediately to the fire department (122). Do not throw trash into the landscape and dispose of it properly.Warning, this winter hiking trail may not be completely cleared in snowy conditions and may have slippery spots. Use is at your own risk! Also remember that in winter markings may be invisible due to snow and prepare well for your tour! Pay attention to early dusk and plan your tour carefully.Emergency number for mountain rescue 140EU emergency number: 112Avalanche information: www.lawinenwarndienst-niederösterreich.at8 basic rules in the mountains
Equipment Always take suitable maps with you. Wear clothing adapted to the route (sturdy shoes, poles, waterproof outdoor clothing, etc.). Take sun and rain protection as well as water and a snack. Take your mobile phone with you and save the mountain rescue emergency number: 140After snowfall, it is recommended to do the hike with snowshoes.
Route description The starting point of the hike is the pass summit. From here, follow the yellow signs towards Pinkenkogel and walk past the Happylift ski slope until you reach Hochstraße. Turn left just before Hotel Panhans, then right onto the forest path. From here, the path is marked with red-white-red markings.The initially wider path later branches right and leads in switchbacks through the forest up to the ridge. Along the way, there is a beautiful view to the left of Hirschenkogel. At a larger crossroads, all variants leading to Pinkenkogel finally converge.The last section begins at a resting bench. On the ascent, you can see the municipality of Breitenstein, Rax, and Schneeberg to the north. The path leads to the Pinkenkogel shelter (permanently closed). This is circled before briefly following the path to the right to return to the crossroads.Now follow Liechtensteinstraße uphill, which then flows into Hochstraße at the Südbahnhotel. Then turn right and follow Hochstraße. Just before the restaurant Cervo d’oro, the path branches again and leads along the ski slope back to the pass summit.Along the section along Hochstraße, the display cases of the Hochstraßenmuseum invite you to admire them.
Parking Public parking spaces available at the pass summit.
Getting there From Vienna drive on the A2 South Motorway to the S6 Semmering Expressway and take the Maria Schutz exit. Turn right onto L4168. Continue on Semmering/L4168, Semmeringstraße and Passstraße to B306.From Graz drive on the S6 Semmering Expressway and take the Spital/Semmering exit. Turn left onto Semmering Ersatz Str./B306. Continue on B306.
Public transport Arrive by train at Semmering station. You can hike from the station to the starting point of the hike (Semmering pass summit) in about 25 minutes.Alternatively, book an individual ride with the RUFbus Semmering-Rax, which will take you to the starting point.RUFbus stopsSemmering station 109Semmering pass summit 113Hotel Panhans 111Südbahnhotel 107Panoramahotel Wagner 110TIP: Simply use the Postbus Shuttle app or the hotline +43 660 900 88 22.More information at www.oebb.at and www.vor.at
Editor’s tip Combine the hike with a stop for food and drink at SemmeringHochstraßenmuseum: Information about events and buildings around the turn of the century

Recommended period

Food and drink opportunities at Semmering

Hochstraßenmuseum

Letzte Änderung: 19 Mar 2026