Semmering Pinkenkogel route

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7,20 km
Ascent: 294 m elevation gain
Descent: 294 m elevation gain

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7,20 km
Ascent: 294 m elevation gain
Descent: 294 m elevation gain

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

Lowest point984 m
Highest point1279 m

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

Downloads

gpx_addressbase_17284
(GPX)

Description

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

safety instructions Your hikes in the Vienna Alps should be a thorough and safe experience.Please observe the following:Make sure when choosing the route that it fits your mountain experience and fitness. Check the weather forecast in advance. The weather in the mountains can change unexpectedly quickly. Therefore, always set out properly equipped (suitable footwear, rain protection). Check whether the huts and snack stations you want to visit on the way are open. Inform someone about your route choice and planned return before you start. Stay on marked paths and avoid shortcuts. Due to dryness, meadows and forests are easily flammable. Handle fire with respect and immediately report any possible fire to the fire brigade (122). Do not throw rubbish into the countryside and dispose of it properly.Further safety tips for your hike can be found here.
Equipment Always take suitable maps with you. Wear sturdy shoes adapted to the hike, bring sun and rain protection as well as water and a small snack. Take your mobile phone with you and save the emergency number for mountain rescue: 140
Route description The starting point of the hike is the pass height. From here, follow the yellow signs towards Pinkenkogel and walk past the ski slope of the Happylift to the Hochstraße. In front of Hotel Panhans, turn left, then right onto the forest path. From here, the path is marked with a red-white-red marking.The initially wider path later branches off to the right and leads in hairpin bends through the forest up onto the mountain ridge. Along the way, there is a beautiful view of the Hirschenkogel to the left. At a larger crossroads, all variants leading to Pinkenkogel finally meet.The last section starts at a bench. On the ascent, you can see the municipality of Breitenstein, Rax, and Schneeberg on the northern side. The path leads to the Pinkenkogel shelter (permanently closed). This is circled before you briefly follow the path to the right to return to the crossroads.From there, follow the signs towards Hochstraße / Südbahnhotel (marking still red). The last section leads down steps to the Hochstraße, from where you can see the Südbahnhotel. Then turn right and follow the Hochstraße. Shortly before the restaurant Cervo d’oro, the path branches off again and leads along the ski slope back to the pass height.During the section along the Hochstraße, the showcases of the Hochstraßenmuseum invite you to admire them.
Parking Public parking at the Semmering pass height.
Getting there From Vienna take the A2 South Motorway onto the S6 Semmering expressway and take the Maria Schutz exit. Turn right onto L4168. Continue on Semmering/L4168, Semmeringstraße, and Passstraße to take the 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. In about 25 minutes you can walk from the station to the hiking start point (Semmering pass height). Alternatively, you can individually book a ride with the RUFbus Semmering-Rax, which will take you to the hiking start point. RUFbus stopsSemmering station 109Semmering pass height 113Hotel Panhans 111Südbahnhotel 107Panoramahotel Wagner 110 TIP: Easily with the Postbus shuttle app or via the hotline +43 660 900 88 22. Further information at www.oebb.at and www.vor.at
Editor’s tip Combine the hike with a refreshment stop at SemmeringHochstraßenmuseum: Information about events and buildings around the turn of the century

Recommended period

Refreshment options at Semmering

Further information:

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

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

Letzte Änderung: 16 Mar 2026