Hiking from Hofpürgl Hut to Sulzenalm – A Scenic Alpine Trail in Filzmoos, Austria

If you’re dreaming of a hike that blends panoramic mountain views, cozy alpine huts, and a trail that feels like it was pulled straight from a storybook — the hike from Hofpürgl Hut to Sulzenalm needs to be on your radar. Tucked away in the charming mountain village of Filzmoos, this trail is one of those lesser-known gems that rewards every step with jaw-dropping scenery and peaceful mountain moments.

We did this hike as part of a longer stay in the Salzburg Alps, and it quickly became one of our favorite days. The route is moderate to hard, well-marked, and offers some of the best views of the Dachstein range, all without the crowds you’ll find on the more famous alpine trails. From the rugged peaks surrounding the Hofpürglhütte to the flower-filled pastures of Sulzenalm, every stretch of this trail feels like something out of a postcard.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to plan the hike — from where to park and how to reach the trailhead, to what to pack and where to stop for homemade Kaiserschmarrn along the way. If you’re looking for a refreshing, scenic day hike in Austria , you’re in the right place.

Hofpürgl Hut to Sulzenalm Hiking Statistics

Distance – 12.9km circular loop

Elevation – 912m

Duration – 7 hours

Starting Point – Unterhofalm Car Park via Hofalm toll road

End Point – Unterhofalm Car Park

Route – Unterhofalm – Hofpürgl Hut – Rinderfeld – Sulzenschneid – Sulzenhals – Wallehenhütte (Sulzenalm) – Unterhofalm

Level – Moderate to Hard. Out of all the hikes in Salzburg that we did this one was by far the hardest. There’s two very steep inclines and from time to time the trail becomes pretty technical. Plus on a bright and sunny day nearly the entire trail will be exposed.

Toll Road Fee – €5.5 per vehicle

Best time to visit – June through October, depending on the weather circumstances.

How to Reach the Hofpürgl Hut Trailhead

By Car – From Filzmoos, take the Hofalm toll road (about 4.3 km). At the toll booth, pay in cash (approx. €5.50) to continue. Around 3 km up, turn left for the Unterhofalm parking lot, the most convenient starting point. Park there and follow trail 612 north: pass stables, cross a rocky stream, and begin gently ascending through open pastures toward Hofpürgl Hut. Trail markers are clear and frequent.

By Bus – Take the Fidibus (summer hiking bus) from Filzmoos up the valley. Exit at Hofalm, then walk from the toll station (~5 min) to the Unterhofalm trailhead—easy and scenic. The bus schedule runs daily from May to mid‑October and is free with the Filzmoos Summer Card.

Once you’re at the trailhead near Unterhofalm, you’re just a 50­–75 minute uphill stroll away from Hofpürgl Hut, where mountain views begin as soon as you step on the trail.

The best time to hike in Filzmoos

If you’re planning a hiking trip in Filzmoos, the ideal time to go is from early June to early October, when most trails and alpine huts are open, and the weather is at its best. Hiking during this period provides the perfect mix of mild temperatures, lush alpine scenery, and open mountain routes.

If you prefer fewer crowds and stunning autumn colors, late September through early October is magical. The larches turn golden, alpine huts may offer seasonal specials, and the atmosphere is serene—just check in advance, as huts start closing by mid-October

Where to stay

We stayed in the valley of Wagrain at the 4 star Berghotel Alpenklang. A family run hotel where both breakfast and dinner are included and a beautiful terrace with a view over the valley and surrounding mountains.

Other plus points

Ideally located in between all of the different area’s that we wanted to go hiking during our Salzburg itinerary.

We got a family room so César had his own separate bedroom which is a blessing for a good night’s sleep.

Dinner could be served at our own pace which was ideal with a fussy 1 year old who loves nothing more than to throw everything on the ground in the evening.

Hiking the Trail with a Baby

We did this hike with our baby in a sturdy Thule back carrier, and it worked out really well. The initial climb up to Hofpürglhütte from the Unterhofalm parking lot takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, and while it’s steadily uphill, the path is wide and not exposed. Once you reach the hut, the trail toward Sulzenalm becomes more relaxed — gently undulating with panoramic views of the Dachstein range and lush alpine meadows all around.

A few tips:

• Start early in the day to avoid hiking during the hottest hours, especially in summer.
• Use a good quality back carrier that distributes weight comfortably — you’ll be grateful on the steeper sections.
• Layer up your baby, even in summer — mountain weather can change quickly.
• There are several huts along the route, perfect for feeding breaks, diaper changes, or just a chance to rest and soak in the views.
• Don’t rush — this is the kind of hike where you want to take your time.

Hiking from Hofpürgl Hut to Sulzenalm – Step by step guide

This circular hike is one of Filzmoos’ most beautiful day trails — packed with alpine charm, panoramic views, and traditional mountain huts. It’s the perfect route if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy the best of Austria’s alpine scenery.

Step 1 – Start at Unterhofalm

Begin your hike at the Unterhofalm car park (reachable by toll road or summer hiking bus). From here, follow the well-marked trail #612 that winds gently uphill through forests and meadows. The path is wide, moderately steep, and easy to follow.

🕒 Duration – approx. 1–1.5 hours
📍 Elevation gain – 400 m

Step 2 – Reach Hofpürglhütt

At 1,705 m, Hofpürgl Hut is your first major stop and a great place for a short break. Grab a drink or some homemade strudel while taking in the views of the Bischofsmütze towering above you. From here, you’ll begin a more open section with epic views toward the Dachstein range.

Step 3 – Cross the Rinderfeld

Continue along the alpine meadow known as the Rinderfeld, a high plateau filled with wildflowers in early summer. The trail is undulating but relatively easy — just keep an eye out for cows grazing peacefully along the way.

🕒 Duration – approx. 30 minutes

Step 4 – Hike Over the Sulzenschneid Ridge

This is the most exposed and scenic part of the trail. The Sulzenschneid ridge offers panoramic views in both directions, with a short but rocky climb to the top. It’s not difficult, but hikers should be steady on their feet here — especially if the trail is wet.

📍 Elevation: ~1,850 m
🕒 Duration: approx. 30–45 minutes

Step 5 – Reach Sulzenhals

After descending slightly from the ridge, you’ll arrive at Sulzenhals, a grassy saddle with wide-open views of the Tennengebirge mountains. This is a great spot for a break and photo stop — especially if you’re hiking with kids or a baby.

Step 6 – Descend to Wallehenhütte (Sulzenalm)

From Sulzenhals, descend on the marked trail toward Sulzenalm, where you’ll find two cozy huts — Wallehenhütte and Krahlehenhütte — both serving hearty Austrian food and cold drinks. It’s the perfect reward after a scenic ridge hike.

🕒 Duration: approx. 45 minutes

Step 7 – Return to Unterhofalm

From Sulzenalm, it’s a leisurely 30-minute walk on a wide gravel road back to your starting point at Unterhofalm. The descent is gentle, making it a relaxing end to the loop.

If you have any questions about how to visit Salzburg or if you want to share your experience, comment below!

More information on the Salzburg region in Austria

The Perfect Salzburg 1 Week Travel Guide

How To Visit The Grossglockner High Alpine Road In Austria – Tips & Epic Viewpoints

Visiting Sigmund Thun Klamm – A Complete Guide to Kaprun’s Most Scenic Gorge

Visiting Krimml Waterfalls – A Complete Guide to Austria’s Tallest Waterfalls

The 10 Very Best Hikes In Salzburg In Austria – Including Map & Tips

Visiting Liechtensteinklamm – A Complete Guide to Austria’s Most Impressive Gorge

Hiking to Tappenkarsee – A Stunning Alpine Lake Trail in Salzburg, Austria

Hiking to Hochkeil – A Scenic Summit Trail in Salzburg’s Mountains

Leitenkammerklamm to Zittauer Hut Hike

Arthurhaus to Erichhütte Hike In Hochkönig

8 Top Things To Do In Hohe Tauern National Park

All rights reserved © Charlies Wanderings. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.

Charlotte

Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!

Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
Read our full story here