There are countless opportunities for enjoyable hikes on the Zwölferhorn. From a short, easy loop hike to an extended mountain trek lasting
several hours, there’s something for every hiker’s heart. No matter which route you choose, enjoy the wonderful views of the Salzkammergut’s lake landscape as well as
the views of the fascinating mountain world. Use our panoramic map to find your way and discover the hike that best suits your needs.
Start your adventure right at an elevation of 1,500 meters: Our varied circular hikes starting from the mountain station are ideal for families, leisurely hikers, and anyone who wants to experience the alpine panorama without steep climbs. From short, stroller-friendly walks like the Seeblickrunde to more extensive panoramic tours, you’ll return comfortably to your starting point after every outing. Enjoy fantastic views along the way, breathtaking vistas down to Lake Wolfgang, and then treat yourself to a cozy stop for refreshments before the cable car takes you back down to the valley in a relaxed and knee-friendly ride.
This short, family-friendly panoramic loop starts at the cable car’s upper station, heading left and passing just by the Von Trapp Family Museum. At the Panorama Sun Terrace, turn left and follow the path straight ahead to the spectacular “Seeblick” viewpoint. From there, simply follow the path downhill and keep to the left to return to the starting point at a leisurely pace and with little effort.
From the cable car’s upper station, hike past the Voit’l Hut along a forest road southward through the woods to the Arnika Hut, descend into a valley, and keep left toward the Roß Hut. After circling the Pillstein from the southwest, the trail descends again to the valley in the north, where the loop closes, and then climbs gently back up past the Arnika Hut to the station—complete with magnificent viewpoints and cozy benches for resting.
This extensive, approximately two-hour alpine hike (approx. 600 hm) first follows the Pillstein Panorama Loop Trail to the Roßhütte, then branches off to the right toward the Pillsteinsattel and leads down a meadow path past the “Marterl” to the Illingerbergalm. The route continues uphill along an alpine trail to the Spitzeckhöhe (1,351 m) and then down a forest trail to the cozy Illingeralm snack bar (note the days it is closed), from where you hike back to the cable car along the same path.
For anyone who wants to make the most of a day of hiking and experience nature in all its diversity, our varied descents into the valley offer the perfect opportunity. From the summit of the Zwölferhorn, well-marked trails lead through shady mountain forests, past rustic alpine huts like the Gasthaus Weißwand, and down into the region’s idyllic villages. Whether you hike directly to St. Gilgen, descend through gentle alpine pastures to Abersee, or choose the longer route to the picturesque Fuschlsee, every descent offers a unique experience.
This varied descent through the valley starts at the mountain station, heading northwest, and leads through the valley below the Elferstein and past the large cable car tower directly to the Sausteigalm. From there, hike down to the right toward a hay barn and follow an idyllic forest trail to the Weißwand Inn. After crossing the bridge, you have a choice of two beautiful, well-marked routes for the final stretch down to St. Gilgen.
From the Pillstein Panorama Loop Trail, turn right in the valley below the Arnika Hut and follow the forest trail down to the cozy Stubneralm. Continue through a shady section of forest to the parking lot, where you’ll turn right at a large, distinctive rock and hike up to the Lärchenhütte. A beautiful forest trail then leads you from the left to the Gasthaus Weißwand, from where you can leisurely follow the classic route down into the valley to St. Gilgen.
This scenic tour first takes you to the Sausteigalm and then continues left to the Lärchenhütte, from where you hike westward over an alpine ridge and through the picturesque Langriedl Forest to the “Kühleiten” farmstead. After a short stretch across a meadow, you’ll ascend a forest trail to a saddle, hike down to the “Rehgras” farmstead, and finally follow the forest road to Ellmau and then the road to Fuschl am See, where the bus stop for the return trip is located right there.
From the Panorama Loop Trail, hike to the Roßhütte and, about 200 meters past it, turn right onto the forest trail leading to the Pillsteinsattel. Follow the alpine trail southward, and at the wayside shrine, turn left downhill toward the Illingeralm. Continue via the Steingrabenalm to Brunn/Abersee, where you’ll reach the “Gamsjaga” inn and the bus stop directly on your left along the paved road.
