Discover the hiking region around Bischofshofen, where wanderlust quickly turns into the urge to set off.
Here, you will want to lace up your hiking boots before breakfast, with a wide range of routes through beautiful landscapes waiting to be explored. Well-marked trails lead through fragrant forests and sunny meadows towards open alpine terrain. At the top, sweeping views and the kind of silence only nature can offer await.
The Arthurhaus in Mühlbach am Hochkönig in particular is a popular starting point for numerous hikes in the beautiful Hochkönig area. Along the way, traditional mountain huts invite you to stop in for regional specialities and warm hospitality. Below, you will find a selection of hiking routes in and around Bischofshofen.
Which one is calling your name?
Hiking Routes in the Region
Walk to the Wetterkreuz
The circular walk starts at Firma Vierthaler in Bischofshofen and heads via Gainfeld and the Mühlenwegrunde, or returns via the ski jump. At the top, you'll enjoy fine views of the Hochkönig and find shady spots to rest – ideal for a breather and a bite to eat.
This walk is rewarding at any time of year, but autumn is particularly beautiful, when the deciduous forest is at its most colourful.
Character: Easy walk, with some steeper sections on the Fitsteig.
Buchbergrunde
Starting from the tennis courts right in the centre of Bischofshofen, the route passes the Missionshaus St. Rupert and continues to the Buchbergkirche, returning the same way.
Character: Easy walk.
Walk to the Gainfeldwasserfall and Castle Ruins
Starting from the car park at the ski jump site, follow the well-signed path at a leisurely pace towards the Gainfeldwasserfall. There is plenty to discover here, especially for children – adults will be just as impressed by the sight of the waterfall cascading down the rock face. From there, a well-secured trail continues to the ruins of Pongowe Castle. Take your time here to enjoy the view over Bischofshofen and the Salzach Valley. Return the same way.
Character: Easy walk with a sense of adventure.
Hike to the Hochgründeck
There are several routes and starting points for the hike to Hochgründeck. One of them begins at the "Ronachbauern" on Buchberg in Bischofshofen. Following the trail markers, the path leads through open woodland with clearings that offer glimpses of the Salzach Valley, heading towards the Heinrich-Kienerhaus (1,792 m). The climb is fairly steep, but from the hut it is only a short walk to the Hochgründeck summit (1,827 m). On clear days – especially in autumn – the panoramic views take in the Tennengebirge, the Hochkönig, the Hohe and Schladminger Tauern, and all the way to the Hoher Dachstein and Gosaukamm.
Character: Moderate hike; sturdy footwear required.
Knappensteig
The route along the historic Knappensteig towards Mühlbach am Hochkönig (Arthurhaus) is especially popular in summer. Once a transport route for miners, the path runs approximately 8.5 kilometres from the ski jump site in Bischofshofen to the Arthurhaus in Mühlbach am Hochkönig, with almost 1,000 metres of elevation gain.
In winter, the Knappensteig – which lies within the Erz der Alpen UNESCO Global Geopark – is considered the longest groomed ski touring descent in the Eastern Alps and draws ski tourers whenever snow conditions allow.
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