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

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If you’re looking for a peaceful alpine escape with big views and barely any crowds, Hiking to Hochkeil might be exactly what you need. Tucked away in the Salzburg region of Austria, this scenic summit trail is one of those under-the-radar hikes that surprises you in all the best ways — open ridgelines, panoramic mountain views, and that unbeatable “top of the world” feeling without the intensity of a full-on alpine climb.

We hiked Hochkeil on a sunny summer morning and were blown away by how accessible and rewarding it was. The trail is easy to follow, suitable for most fitness levels, and offers stunning views of the Hochkönig range — all with a fraction of the foot traffic you’d find on more popular peaks nearby. It’s the perfect mix of natural beauty, manageable effort, and alpine magic.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to reach the trailhead, what to expect on the hike, how long it takes, and everything you need to pack. Whether you’re a casual hiker or just looking for a new route away from the tourist crowds, this guide will help you plan your perfect day out in the mountains.

Hochkeil Hiking Statistics

Distance – 5.6km

Elevation – 288m

Duration – 2 hours

Starting Point – Arthurhaus, Mühlbach am Hochkönig

End Point – Arthurhaus, Mühlbach am Hochkönig

Level – Easy

Parking – Park your car at the Arthurhaus car park (cash only)

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

How to Reach the Hochkeil Trailhead

The hike to Hochkeil begins at the Arthurhaus mountain hotel, located at the end of Mandlwandstrasse above Mühlbach am Hochkönig. To get there:

• By car – From Salzburg, take the A10 motorway to the Bischofshofen exit, then follow the B164 Hochkönig federal road to Mühlbach. In Mühlbach, turn onto Mandlwandstrasse, which climbs roughly 7 km uphill to Arthurhaus. The road is scenic and well-signposted with “Arthurhaus” signs the entire way.
• By public transport – You can catch Regional Bus 590 from Bischofshofen to Mühlbach Ortsmitte, and then Bus 593 runs to Arthurhaus (usually from June to mid‑October). The stop is right at the trailhead and parking area.

At Arthurhaus, you’ll find a paid car park, a restaurant, and the bus stop—all steps away from the trail entrance.

🚗 Rent a car by using SunnyCars. There’s never any hidden costs with them and free cancellation up to 1 hour before rental start. Their price is transparent and everything is included.

The best time to hike in Hochkönig

The best time to hike in the Hochkönig region is from late June to early September. During these months, the trails are typically free of snow, and the alpine meadows are in full bloom, offering beautiful scenery and comfortable temperatures for hiking. July and August are particularly popular, as the weather is warmest and most of the mountain huts, including Erichhütte and others along popular routes, are open and fully staffed.

Early June and late September can also be excellent for hiking, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, though you may encounter some remaining snow on higher-altitude trails in June and occasional rain in September. Outside of these months, snow and unpredictable weather can make hiking challenging, and many huts and facilities close for the off-season.

October can also be an option if the weather permits. Fall colors will be in full bloom, temperatures will be more chilly but you’ll most likely have the trails all to yourself.

💡 TIP – If you’re unsure about the current weather circumstances you can always check the Mühlbach am Hochkönig webcam. Weather in the mountains can always be unpredictable. For instance we went hiking in Salzburg in September and had glorious weather but a day after we left it had already started snowing!

💡 TIP – The Erichhütte is closed during winter and you can check the opening times for Arthurshaus here. Especially if you’re planning on hiking in October you’ll need to bring your own food and drinks on the trail since most mountain huts will be closed.

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:

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

Hiking the Hochkeil trail with a baby

We did this hike with our baby in a carrier, and it was the perfect balance between accessible and scenic. The trail is mostly open and grassy, with a few rocky sections, but nothing technical. As long as you’re comfortable hiking with a baby on your back (or front), you’ll be totally fine. The route is exposed though, so sun protection is a must, and I recommend starting early in summer to avoid the heat.

🎒 We did this hike with César in our Thule child carrier, and it honestly made hiking with him so much easier. We’ve used it on quite a few mountain trails now, and I really like how easy it is to adjust and how well it protects him from the sun, wind, and the occasional rain shower.

A few tips:

• Use a structured baby carrier with good back support — the trail has some elevation, and you’ll want comfort.
• Pack layers for your baby, even in summer — the weather can change quickly at altitude.
• Take breaks often — there are plenty of spots to stop, feed, or just enjoy the view.
• There’s a restaurant at Arthurhaus where you can grab something before or after the hike, and the nearby petting zoo and playground are great if you’re traveling with older kids too.

Hochkeil Hike – A step by step guide

The Hochkeil hike is the perfect half-day adventure in Salzburg’s mountains. Starting from Arthurhaus (1,500 m), the trail climbs gently toward the Hochkeil summit (1,782 m), offering wide-open views of the Hochkönig range the entire way. It’s suitable for all levels, including families and anyone hiking with a baby in a carrier.

Step 1 – Start at Arthurhaus

Park at the Arthurhaus parking lot or arrive by bus. You’ll find a clear trail sign pointing toward Hochkeil right near the restaurant and lift station. This is your trailhead.

Step 2 – Follow the Wide Alpine Path

The trail begins as a wide gravel road, winding gently uphill through open alpine meadows. It’s well-marked with red-white-red Austrian trail signs and doesn’t require any navigation skills. You’ll already start getting views of the Hochkönig massif to your left — take your time and enjoy the scenery.

Step 3 – Final Ascent to the Summit

After about 30–40 minutes, the path narrows and steepens slightly as you approach the summit ridge. This last section is still non-technical — just a short, rocky slope with a clear path to the top.

💡 TIP – Before you reach the top you can also make a very small detour to the right (before the last turn on the trail). Here you’ll find a very small pond which offers a stunning reflection on a clear day called Spiegelsee am Hochkeil

Step 4 – Reach the Hochkeil Summit (1,782 m)

At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with 360° panoramic views over the Salzburgerland mountains, including the Hochkönig, the Tennengebirge, and the surrounding valleys. There’s a summit cross, space to sit for a snack, and often not many people around.

Step 5 – Descend the Same Way

Head back down the same path you came up. The descent takes about 30–40 minutes, depending on how many photo stops you make.

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

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

Leitenkammerklamm to Zittauer Hut Hike

Arthurhaus to Erichhütte Hike In Hochkönig

8 Top Things To Do In Hohe Tauern National Park

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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!
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