Semmering panoramic hiking Hirschenkogel – Sonnwendstein

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.

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

The panoramic hiking loop begins at the valley station at the pass summit. You can easily reach the summit of the Hirschenkogel by gondola. From the Millennium Lookout on the Hirschenkogel, a forest trail leads you to the intersection with Sonnwendsteinstraße. Alternatively, you can follow the family ski run to the trail junction.

The trail first follows the forest road to the intersection with the forest road heading toward Sonnwendstein. Tip: Somewhat hidden away, large wooden benches invite you to linger and “take in the fresh air.” The ascent along the forest road is rewarded with a breathtaking view. Having the destination in sight makes the climb to Sonnwendstein easier. Take a deep breath and enjoy the panorama, let your thoughts wander, and recharge your energy for everyday life.

For the descent, take the route via the Almsteig to the Semmering Maria Schutz forest trail. Turn left here to reach the Sporthotel Semmering. Follow Carolusstraße back to the starting point.

Parking available at the cable car station and at the pass height.

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.

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 stops

Semmering station 109

Semmering pass height 113

Sporthotel Semmering 116

Semmering 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

• 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