The most beautiful peaks in the Salzkammergut (Part 4)

Hiking tips for stunning views

Schlenken and Schmittenstein

Schlenken and Schmittenstein are striking peaks visible from Salzburg. Both mountains are very popular with hikers because they are easy to climb yet offer beautiful views. They are situated west of the Osterhorn Group and are easiest to reach from the west. Therefore, drive towards Salzburg and then on to Hallein. From there, head up towards Krispl and follow the signs (Schlenken) to the car park at the Zillreith inn (1,116 m). This is where the ascent begins. After a few minutes, you’ll pass the Halleinerhaus inn, then follow the marked hiking trail – which is wide and gently ascending – for a short stretch through woodland and the village of Formau. Then take the gravel path to a fork in the road. The smaller path over the Jägernase is certainly the more scenic ascent. Here the route winds through meadows and wooded areas along the northern ridge of the Schlenken. To the left, the mountain drops steeply. The summit of the Schlenken (1,648 m) is a treeless, gentle grassy hill. From here, the traverse begins eastwards towards the Schmittenstein. You walk along the ridge without losing much altitude. There is only one section secured with ropes to negotiate during the short descent. From here, the route climbs steeply up to the Schmittenstein (1,695 m), which towers strikingly above everything. The path leads up between the two rocky peaks via a simple climb. A wonderful view of the Osterhorn Group, Salzkammergut, Dachstein, Tennengebirge and the peaks of the Northern Alps awaits hikers. The return route takes you back to the fork in the path and then left towards Tenneralm/Schlenkenalmen on hiking trail 841/74. You head south, below the Schlenken ridge, back to the Zill Hütte.

- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Distance: 11.4 km (total)
- Duration: 4 hours 30 mins (return)
- Elevation gain: 833 m

Sparbersteig

The Sparber (1,502 m) is a mountain in the Osterhorn Group near Strobl on Lake Wolfgang. The imposing rock mass at the summit is impressive even from the valley. Sure-footedness and a head for heights are essential here. The path is steep and in places you have to climb secured steps. You start at Gasthof Kleefeld in the village of Weißenbach near Strobl and then hike along Trail 2 towards the Sparber. You pass a game reserve along the way. Later, the path climbs steeply up to the Dürntalalm and continues via numerous switchbacks through pastures and woodland to a saddle between the Sparber peaks. A short descent to the west, followed by a very steep and exposed climb via two ladders and rock steps to the narrow summit. The return route follows the ascent path.

- Difficulty: challenging
- Distance: 3.2 km (to the summit)
- Duration: 4 hours (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 812 m