Schwalbenwand & Schönwieskopf Hike

Start your hike at Berggasthof Mitterberg and go past the little wooden church onto the forest track (Number 82). Your aim is to reach “Schwalbenwand”. Go left at the second turn and then turn right as you enter the forest trail.  You will immediately start your ascent. The trail wanders through the forest, crossing the forest track every once in a while.

The narrow forest track continues up and will take you towards “Schwalbenwand”, which translates into “Swallow Wall”. At around 1,600m in altitude, the surroundings start to change, from forest to alpine meadows, filled with flowers and cows.  The peak of the Schwalbenwand lies at 6598ft and will give you a great view of Zell am See, the Zeller lake, and Kaprun with the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in the distance.

Continue on the other side of the peak, while following route Number 87.  You will walk along the ridge between the Schwalbenwand peak and your next goal: the Schönwieskopf. This peak lies straight in front of you in a south-easterly direction at an altitude of 6542ft. Take another break and take some photos while looking back at the Schwalbenwand.

Start your descent straight away by continuing towards the south on route Number 81. At the first cross section, turn right towards the north and follow the track, looping back on yourself for a short while. Once you hit the forest track again, follow it down into the serpentine turns.

Hike past the Hochberg alm (5591ft) and the Schützing alm (both not managed) and follow the trail heading south. You will pass the Pointschneider alm (not managed) and then the Grieβalm (4731ft, not managed) before you descend the last two serpentine turns ahead of arriving at Berggasthof Mitterberg again.

After your great day hiking, find a place on the terrace of Berggasthof Mitterberg, order a drink and the tasty grill plate or original Wiener Schnitzel. While restoring your energy, take in the great view of the Zeller lake below and think about the new mountain memories you have made!