Semmering panoramic hiking Hirschenkogel - Sonnwendstein

©Semmering Hirschenkogel

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8,13 km
Ascent: 210 m elevation gain
Descent: 550 m elevation gain

Ascent with the cable car - via the Erzgoel to the Sonnwendstein (Pollereshütte) - via the Almsteig back to the Semmering pass summit.

Starting point of the tour: Hirschenkogel mountain station
Tour destination: Semmering pass height

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8,13 km
Ascent: 210 m elevation gain
Descent: 550 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
3/6
Overall experience:
5/6
Scenery:
5/6

Lowest point960 m
Highest point1482 m

Round tour
Nice views
With refreshment stops
Accessibility by train and bus
Suitable for families and children
Summit tour

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Description

Ascent with the cable car - via the Erzgoel to the Sonnwendstein (Pollereshütte) - via the Almsteig back to the Semmering pass summit.

safety instructions Your hikes in the Vienna Alps should be a completely beautiful and safe experience.Please note the following:Make sure when choosing the route that it matches your mountain experience and fitness. Check the weather report beforehand. Weather in the mountains can change surprisingly quickly. Therefore, always start out properly equipped (suitable footwear, rain protection). Check if the huts and snack stations you want to visit en route are open. Inform someone about your route choice and planned return before you set off. Stay on marked paths and avoid shortcuts. Due to dryness, meadows and forests are easily flammable. Handle fire respectfully and immediately report any possible fire to the fire brigade (122). Do not litter in the landscape and dispose of waste properly.Please note that grazing animals are present at Sonnwendstein in the summer months. Information about the behavior rules can be found here.Further safety tips can be found here.
Equipment Always take suitable maps with you. Wear firm shoes suitable for the route, bring sun and rain protection as well as water and a snack. Take your mobile phone with you and save the emergency number of the mountain rescue: 140
Route description The panoramic hiking route starts at the valley station on the mountain pass. The summit of the Hirschenkogel can be easily reached by cable car. From the Millennium lookout tower on the Hirschenkogel, a forest path leads to the junction with Sonnwendstein road. Alternatively, you can also follow the family descent to the junction.The path first leads along the forest road to the crossing point with the forest road towards Sonnwendstein. Tip: Large wooden loungers, slightly hidden, invite you to linger and "take a breath of fresh air." The ascent via the forest road is rewarded with an impressive view. Having the goal in sight makes the climb to Sonnwendstein easier. Take a deep breath, enjoy the panorama, let your thoughts wander and recharge your energy for everyday life.For the descent, choose the route via the Almsteig to the forest path Semmering Maria Schutz. Then turn left here and reach the Sporthotel Semmering. Follow the Carolusstraße back to the starting point.
Parking Parking available at the cable car station and at the pass height.
Getting there From Vienna take 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 take the S6 Semmering Expressway and take the Spital/Semmering exit. Turn left onto Semmering Ersatz Str./B306. Continue on B306.
Public transport Travel by train to Semmering station. You can hike from the station to the hiking starting point (Semmering pass height) in about 25 minutes.Alternatively, book an individual ride with the RUFbus Semmering-Rax, which will bring you to the hiking starting point. RUFbus stopsSemmering station 109Semmering pass height 113Sporthotel Semmering 116Semmering cable car 113 TIP: Simply use the Postbus shuttle app or call the hotline +43 660 900 88 22.More information at www.oebb.at and www.vor.at
Editor’s tip Combine your hike with a stop at a hut.At Hirschenkogel, the ascent to the Millennium lookout tower or a visit to the forest rope park is also worthwhile.You can also start this route from the valley: Semmering panoramic hiking Sonnwendstein - Hirschenkogel

Recommended period

Places to eat:

Opening hours of the huts

Pollereshütte

Liechtensteinhaus

Places to eat at Semmering

Further information:

Vienna Alps in Lower Austria, www.wieneralpen.at, +43 / 2622 / 78960

Tourism office Semmering, www.semmering.at, +43 / 2664 / 20025

Letzte Änderung: 19 Mar 2026