Hiking & Nature around lake Traunsee

Nature begins right at your doorstep.

Whether it’s a leisurely stroll along the lake or a challenging mountain hike—you’ll find trails for every skill level around Lake Traunsee.

The following descriptions and difficulty ratings are based on our personal experiences and assessments. The walking times and elevation gains listed apply to hikes that start and end at our place, the Hois’n.

Depending on the weather, your fitness level, and hiking experience, a tour can vary in difficulty. We’d be happy to advise you personally at the front desk. For hikes in our area, we definitely recommend sturdy footwear, plenty of drinking water, and appropriate hiking gear.

🌿 Kaltenbach Wilderness

Wildly romantic & original

The Kaltenbach Wilderness is a short, impressive hike directly above Lake Traunsee. The path leads through a wildly romantic gorge with rocks, small waterfalls, and beautiful views of the lake. It's an ideal tour for those who want to combine nature and exercise with minimal time investment.

Walking time: approx. 1.5 hours
Difficulty: easy to medium
Elevation gain: approx. 180 m


🌊 Miesweg

The classic directly by the lake

The Miesweg is one of the most beautiful panoramic paths at Lake Traunsee. The path leads directly along the steep rock walls of the Traunstein on narrow walkways and through short rock tunnels. Impressive views over Lake Traunsee and the surrounding mountain landscape open up again and again.

Walking time: approx. 2.5 hours
Difficulty: easy to medium
Elevation gain: approx. 150 m


🏞 Katzenstein

The small vantage mountain

The Katzenstein is a scenic summit above Lake Laudachsee. The varied path leads through forests and alpine trails up to an impressive viewpoint over Lake Traunsee and the Salzkammergut. From the summit, there is a particularly beautiful view of the Traunstein and the Laudachsee far below.

Walking time: approx. 5 hours
Difficulty: medium to difficult
Elevation gain: approx. 850 m


⛰ Traunstein

The local mountain – impressive & demanding

The Traunstein is the distinctive local mountain of Lake Traunsee and one of the most famous mountain tours in the Salzkammergut. The demanding ascent leads over steep mountain trails through impressive rock landscapes up to the summit at 1,691 m. Upon reaching the top, you are rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view over Lake Traunsee, the Salzkammergut, and the surrounding Alps.

Ascents to the summit:

  • Mairalmsteig
    The Mairalmsteig is considered the most scenic ascent to the Traunstein. The path first leads through the Lainautal and then over a varied trail with rocky steps and cable railings towards the summit. The trail is demanding but offers particularly impressive views of Lake Traunsee.

  • Naturfreundesteig
    The Naturfreundesteig is the best-known and most frequented ascent to the Traunstein. The trail leads steadily uphill to the summit over numerous rocky steps and secured passages and is technically a bit more demanding than the other paths. However, it offers spectacular views of Lake Traunsee along the way.

  • Hernlersteig
    The Hernlersteig is the shortest and most direct ascent to the Traunstein. The path runs through steep forest and rocky terrain and leads relatively straightforward to the summit. Due to its steep sections, it is considered demanding but is very popular with experienced mountain hikers.

Walking time: approx. 6–7 hours
Difficulty: demanding
Elevation gain: approx. 1,200 m


🔄 Traunstein Circuit

Great natural scenery without summit stress

The circuit of the Traunstein is one of the most varied hikes at Lake Traunsee. The path connects several scenic highlights such as the Miesweg, the Lainautal, and the idyllic Laudachsee. Along the way, impressive perspectives of the Traunstein and Lake Traunsee repeatedly open up.

Walking time: approx. 5–6 hours
Difficulty: medium
Elevation gain: approx. 500 m


🌄 Grünberg

Panoramic views over the entire lake

The Grünberg is a popular hiking destination with a magnificent view. The path leads through quiet forests up to the summit, from which a wide view over Lake Traunsee and the Salzkammergut opens up. At the top, several viewpoints and rest areas invite you to linger.

Walking time: approx. 4 hours
Difficulty: easy to medium
Elevation gain: approx. 600 m


💧 Laudachsee

Idyllic & quietly located

The Laudachsee is idyllically situated at the foot of the Traunstein and is a popular destination for hikers. The path leads from Hois'n over the Lainautal through varied forest landscapes to the picturesque mountain lake. On the shore, a cozy snack station invites you to a well-deserved break.

Walking time: approx. 4 hours
Difficulty: easy to medium
Elevation gain: approx. 450 m


🌲 Kleiner Schönberg

Insider tip with a panoramic view

The Kleiner Schönberg is a quiet and scenic summit away from the large tourist crowds. The hike leads through varied forest and mountain landscapes, offering beautiful views of Lake Traunsee and Traunstein again and again. At the summit, an impressive view over the mountains of the Salzkammergut awaits you.

Walking time: approx. 4 hours
Difficulty: medium
Elevation gain: approx. 600 m


Afterward: Relax at the Seegasthof & Hotel**** Hois’n

After a day in nature:

  • Cool off in Lake Traunsee

  • Unwind in the wellness area

  • Enjoy a culinary treat on the terrace

Experience nature. Recharge your batteries. Unwind.

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