Schmittenstein Hike in Bad Vigaun, Austria

jana meerman schmittenstein hike austria (2)

Hiking is one of my favourite things in the world. The feeling of being out in the mountains, fresh air and nature all around, with the physical accomplishment of reaching a place often only accessible on foot is one of the most satisfying, addicting feelings in the world.

I met Karolina at the Almkanal in Salzburg, a favourite swimming spot in the city, where we exchanged numbers and agreed to meet up later again in the summer. A few days later, she texted me suggesting a hike up to the Schmittenstein that she had also shared on Together Social, an app for making plans with new people in Salzburg.

→ Check out all my other Austria hiking guides!

So, a peaceful, cloudy Saturday morning rolled around and Karolina picked me up for a beautiful drive south of Salzburg into the mountains. We were joined by a third hiker from Together Social and the three of us made our way up the beautiful hike, meeting plenty of cows along the way, snacking on wild strawberries and petting dogs.

→ Follow along my Austrian adventures on Instagram @JanaInAustria!

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How to Get to the Schmittenstein Hike

Schmittenstein is located in Bad Vigaun in the Salzkammergut mountains south of Salzburg. The hike begins at the Wurzerparkplatz at the intersection of the Innere Rengerbergstrasse and Wurzenweg.

By car: The easiest way to reach the Wurzerparkplatz is with your own wheels. Driving takes about 40 minutes from Salzburg.

By public transport: It is possible to reach the Wurzerparkplatz by public transport but it can be time-consuming and adds about 8km to your hike.

You'll need to take the S-Bahn from Salzburg to Bad Vigaun and then catch the 460 bus. Let the bus driver know you need to get off at the intersection of the Langgasse and Obere Langgasse (not an official stop). That's the closest to the Wurzerparkplatz, adding about 8km in each direction. Therefore, not really ideal!

By guided tour: The Bad Vigaun Tourist Office offers guided hikes throughout the region. They may also be able to assist with transport.

→ Arrange a guided day hike in Bad Vigaun.

Where to Eat on the Schmittenstein Hike

Schmittenstein Hike Details

When: June to October

Where: Bad Vigaun in the Salzkammergut mountains, about 40 minutes south of Salzburg

Difficulty: intermediate

Length: from the Wurzerparkplatz, we did a return hike of 8.3km which took us three hours of moving time, for a total duration of five hours including stops for lunch, rest and photos

Directions: park at the Wurzerparkplatz at the intersection of the Innere Rengerbergstrasse and Wurzenweg. Hike up the road into the field, then follow the trail up. Once you reach the Tenneralm, follow the trail to the left continuing up the mountain, curving around cow fields, then loop around towards the summit. Return the way you came.

→ Check out my exact route on Strava!

Bathrooms: yes, at the Tenneralm about half way up, where we stopped for a post-hike lunch

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Jana Meerman

Hi! I’m Jana, a Dutch-German-British-Canadian with a dream of seeing every country in the world. I am a storyteller, photographer and adventurer passionate about documenting and sharing my travels.

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