Hiking in Zauchensee

From Zauchensee (1,350 m) take the Gamskogel cabel car to the Gamskogelhütte (1,900 m – hut open) – over the Tagweidegg to Rosskopf (approx. 1,900 m) – from there towards Altenmarkt at the same altitude over Hinterkogel and Vorderkogel (a fantastic high-altitude hiking trail) – ascent to Lackenkogel (approx. 2,051 m) – downhill to the Lackenalmen (huts open) – over the Sattelbauer (mountain inn open) to Winterbauer (panorama restaurant open) down to Altenmarkt. From there, return to Zauchensee via the idyllic old Zauchensee road (10 km) or by bus.

• Starting point: Hotel without Gamskogel cabel car
• Duration: approx. 6,45 hours
• Distance: 18,71 km
• Highest Point: 2.051 m
• Uphill: 1.022 m
• Difficulty: medium

Route length: whole loop 7 km
Route: Oberzauchensee (approx. 1,600 m) – Steinfeldspitze (2,344 m) – Gr. Bärenstaffl (approx. 2,135 m) – Stubhöhe – Oberzauchensee Alm (1,556 m)
Requirements: Mountain hike with some secured (wire rope) sections, sure-footedness required, beautiful viewpoint mountain

• Starting point: Hotel
• Duration: approx. 4 hours
• Distance: 7 km
• Highest Point: 2.344 m
• Uphill: 810 m
• Difficulty: hard

The crossing of the Steinfeldspitze is reserved for those with alpine experience and is a delight for those sure-footed and not afraid of fragile terrain. Slightly easier is the eastern peak, the Große Bärenstaffl (approx. 2.013 m). The hike in the opposite direction is less challenging as the rugged terrain of the west ridge of the Steinfeldspitze is then encountered on the ascent, and the Gamskogelbahn can also be used, but it is still classified as a black level hike.

• Starting point: Hotel
• Duration: approx. 3 hours
• Distance: 5,95 km
• Highest Point: 2.013 m
• Uphill: 864 m
• Difficulty: medium

Tip: Take our hiking snack, as the Bärenstaffl is the perfect spot for a break with a view.

Option I: Use of the chairlift
Take the Gamskogel chairlift I to the Gamskogelhütte and continue with the ascent to the Gamskogel on the ridge to the Schwarzkopf - Tagweidegg - Arche - Gamskogelhütte with descent on the Gamskogel chairlift or on foot via Oberzauchenseee to Zauchensee. The route from Tagweideck to Schwarzkopf is only suitable for experienced hikers.

• Starting point: Gamskogelbahn, a short walk from the hotel
• Duration: approx. 4,5 hours
• Ascent from Gamskogelhütte to Arche: approx. 45–60 mins
• Hiking time from Arche to Tagweidegg: approx. 45–60 mins
• Hiking time from Tagweidegg to Schwarzkopf: approx. 60–75 mins
• Hiking time from Schwarzkopf to Gamskogel: approx. 45–60 mins
• Descent from Gamskogel to Gamskogelhütte: approx. 45 mins
• Distance: 6.35 km
• Highest point: 2,263 m
• Elevation gain: 635 m
• Difficulty: Difficult

Option II: Without cable car
From Zauchensee (1,350 m) via Oberzauchensee to the Seekar area and via the Seekarscharte to the Arche (2,060 m) and back to the Seekarsattel. Continue to Tagweideck (2,135 m), from there to Schwarzkopf (2,263 m), then to Gamskogel (2,186 m) and then back to the starting point.

The three circular trails at the MeisterCup area around the Gamskogelhütte invite children to hike, explore, and learn through play. At various activity stations, they can discover the special skills of the alpine animals and try them out themselves.

On the ForestMaster-trail, young explorers meet the forest’s animal inhabitants: Ambrosia Ant, Sophie Ptarmigan, Egon Squirrel, and Heinz Deer. Children are invited to take part in small competitions and can playfully learn how agile, strong, or skillful these animals are.

Together, the three trails combine fresh mountain air, physical activity, and playful learning – a true adventure and highlight for children of all ages!

• Starting point: Gamskogelhut
• Duration: approx. 0,45 hours
• Distance: 1,88 km
• Highest Point: 1.906 m
• Uphill: 144 m
• Difficulty: easy

From the Gamskogel hut, hike about 30 minutes to Seekarsee, one of the largest reservoir lakes in the Alps. Next to the lake, you'll find the Seekarena with energy stations to relax and recharge. The path around the lake is easy to walk and accessible with a stroller. Return follows the same way. Alternatively, you can also take the scenic high-level circular trail past and over the Schwarzwand back to the Gamskogel hut (walking time approx. 1.5 hours).

• Starting point: Gamskogel hut
• Duration: approx. 1 hours
• Distance: 2,93 km
• Highest Point: 1.967 m
• Uphill: 140 m
• Difficulty: easy

The hike to Sonnalm in Zauchensee combines breathtaking mountain scenery with a gentle, relaxing ascent. Starting from the resort village of Zauchensee, the well-marked trail winds through dense forests, across blooming alpine meadows, and alongside softly babbling streams – all accompanied by the scent of summer flowers.

• Starting point: Hotel
• Duration: approx. 1,30 hours
• Distance: 3,41 km
• Highest Point: 1.739 m
• Uphill: 398 m
• Difficulty: medium

This route can also be done as a circular walk. From the Sonnenalm, the route takes you via Oberzauchensee back to Zauchensee.

• Starting point: Hotel
• Duration: approx. 3 hours
• Distance: 7,45 km
• Highest Point: 1.739 m
• Uphill: 398 m
• Difficulty: medium

A pleasure hike from the Oberzauch Alm to the Tauernkarleiten Alm, with a hearty alpine snack and a close-up experience of typical alpine life.

• Starting point: Hotel
• Duration: approx. 3,3 hours
• Distance: 7,38 km
• Highest Point: 1.739 m
• Uphill: 470 m
• Difficulty: medium