Mountain biker with a view of the green landscape and mountain panorama on the Kitzsteinhorn
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BIKE & HIKE

A Paradise for Bikers & Hikers

Those exploring the many picturesque bike and hike routes on the Kitzsteinhorn and Maiskogel in the Zell am See-Kaprun region are treated to a unique nature and panorama bliss right on the edge of the Hohe Tauern National Park. From the town of Kaprun over the Maiskogel up to the highest point in the SalzburgerLand accessible by cable cars on the Kitzsteinhorn, nature lovers pass through four climate and vegetation zones.

BIKING ON THE KITZSTEINHORN & MAISKOGEL

The Kitzsteinhorn and Maiskogel have long enjoyed great popularity among bikers. From the highest starting point at 2,450 meters, trails and routes lead all the way down to the center of Kaprun. And where there’s a way down, there’s also a way up – whether powered purely by muscle, with electric support, or in combination with scenic cable car rides, where bikes always ride for free. No matter how you choose to explore it – this unique natural setting at the edge of the Hohe Tauern National Park offers bikers idyllic landscapes across a variety of vegetation zones, from the valley to the high alpine.

Mountain Bike Trails

The Kitzsteinhorn offers a variety of exciting trails for experienced mountain bikers, while the Maiskogel also provides great options for beginners and families. Depending on snow conditions, three challenging trails on the Kitzsteinhorn are open from mid-June to mid-September. These routes cover about 12 kilometers and descend a total of 2,000 vertical meters from high-alpine terrain all the way down to the valley. All three trails require excellent bike handling, advanced technical riding skills, and proper equipment. Riders looking to head home with a clean bike can make use of the wash stations located at the Kitzsteinhorn valley station and Langwied as well as at the Kaprun Center and the Stanger station (Maiskogelbahn MK mid-station).

  • F5 Geissstein Trail  ↔ 3.4 km  ↓ 492 vm
    Starting at the Alpincenter at 2,450 m, the Geissstein Trail descends 492 vm over a distance of 3.4 km to the Langwied area at 1,976 m. Riders can expect breathtaking mountain views along with high-speed sections, berms, and small jumps.
  • F4 Wüstlau Trail  ↔ 6.5 km  ↓ 1,100 Hm
    The Wüstlau Trail starts at Langwied and ends near the Kitzsteinhorn valley station after 6.5 km and 1,100 vm of descent. This mostly natural trail winds across alpine meadows and through dense forest down to the valley. It’s a technically demanding ride, packed with tight switchbacks, bermed turns, and challenging rock and root sections.
  • F3 Bachler Trail  ↔ 1.9 km  ↓ 413 vm
    The Bachler Trail branches off from the Astenweg and covers around 1.9 km and 413 vm down toward Lake Klammsee. This mostly untouched trail is a treat for enduro riders, offering a raw, natural riding experience. From the bottom, you can return either to the Kitzsteinhorn valley station or up to the MK Maiskogelbahn top station via the Kesselfall route.
  • F2 Maiskogel Trail  ↔ 3.7 km  ↓ 381 vm
    Perfect for beginners and families, the Maiskogel Trail starts at the top station of the MK Maiskogelbahn at 1,570 m and flows down 3.7 km and 381 vm to the Stanger station. Riders enjoy a playful mix of wide and tight berms, rollers, and small jumps.

Trail Workshops

  • Trail Tuesday
    Professional downhill technique training for safe rides on MTB trails
  • Kids Bike Day
    Professional workshop for kids & teens to dive into the world of MTB trail riding

Bike Tours

The Kitzsteinhorn and the Maiskogel offer sporty nature lovers a unique setting for picturesque bike tours. Starting in the valley’s fields and meadows, the routes lead through colorful mixed and deciduous forests, past blooming alpine pastures, and all the way up to the treeline. A well-connected network of cable cars makes it easy to combine the tours with scenic lift rides – bike transportation is included in the ticket and always free of charge. E-bikers find charging stations at the MK Maiskogelbahn top station, in the Langwied area, and at the Alpincenter.

  • KA7 Kitzsteinhorn-Uphill  ↔ 24.9 km  ↑ 2,179 vm
    Particularly ambitious bikers start their uphill journey at the Kaprun Center. Over a distance of 24.9 km, the route climbs a demanding 2,179 vm to the mid-station of the Gletscherjet 3+4 lifts at 2,617 meters. The tour can be conveniently shortened by combining it with the MK Maiskogelbahn.
  • KA6 3K K-onnection-Tour  ↔ 10.4 km  ↑ 732 vm
    The ride on the 3K K-onnection – one of the most modern and energy-efficient cable cars in the world – takes about 12 minutes and offers spectacular views of the high-alpine mountains and the Zell Basin below. The corresponding bike tour takes a bit longer but is equally scenic. It begins with a comfortable ride on the MK Maiskogelbahn from the Kaprun Center. From the top station, the 10.4 km route begins and climbs 732 vm to Langwied at 1,976 meters. Alternatively, the tour can be ridden in reverse: starting via the Kesselfall route past Lake Klammsee to the Kitzsteinhorn valley station. From there, bikers and bikes are carried by cable car up to Langwied. At the top, the panoramic view is the first reward.
  • KA5 Maiskogel-Tour  ↔ 19.5 km  ↑ 880 vm
    To complete the full round tour, the 19.5 km route starts at the foot of Kaprun’s local mountain near the Kaprun Center. The tour climbs 880 vm and passes quaint huts, blooming mountain meadows, and mystical conifer forests.

🛈 From spring 2025 until approx. the end of 2027, routes KA7 and KA5 are modified due to the VERBUND construction project.

NEW in Summer 2025
  • Kitzsteinhorn Bike & Bites
    Guided downhill MTB tour from the Alpincenter to the Kaprun Center – with panoramic cable car ascent, culinary stops at quaint huts, and closing drink

 

HIKING AT THE KITZSTEINHORN & MAISKOGEL

A relaxed ride on the MK Maiskogelbahn from the center of Kaprun leads directly to the mountain station – an ideal starting point for a variety of hikes and circular trails suited to all ages and skill levels. The Kitzsteinhorn can be reached either on foot via the scenic Alexander Enzinger Trail or by taking a panoramic cable car ride. The 3K K-onnection offers spectacular views, from snow-covered peaks all the way down to the sparkling waters of Lake Zell. A diverse hiking paradise awaits at the Kitzsteinhorn.

Hiking Trails

  • 5 › Alexander Enziger Weg  4 hrs  ↔ 8.5 km  ↑ 1,000 vm
    A challenging high-alpine trail for experienced hikers, starting either at the Alpine Center or Häuslalm and leading to the Maiskogel. Narrow and exposed sections require sure-footedness and good weather. The route through impressive mountain terrain offers spectacular views down into the Zell Basin. The MK Maiskogelbahn provides a comfortable ride back to the center of Kaprun.
  • 2D › Häuslalmweg  30 min  ↔ 1.5 km  ↑ 40 vm
    This easy circular walk starts at the Häuslalm and leads through a beautiful natural area, past hills covered in alpine roses, lush meadows with babbling streams, and the ruins of an old herder's hut, before looping back to the starting point. This flat and gentle path is especially suited for families and features several scenic rest spots.
  • 41A › Panoramaweg Gletscherblick  30 min  ↔ 1.6 km  ↑ 100 vm
    This relaxed yet impressive circular trail begins at the Alpine Center and ascends to the glacier moraine, offering breathtaking views of the Schmiedingerkees, the glacier lake, the Zefertgraben, and the Zell Basin. The path crosses rocky alpine terrain and requires sure-footedness.
  • 41B › Wanderung Gletschersee  1 hr  ↔ 1.6 km  ↑ 100 vm
    Starting at the Alpincenter, this circular trail follows the initial section of the 41A PANORAMAWEG GLETSCHERBLICK across the moraine to the emerald-green glacier lake. Along the way, hikers pass glacier-polished rocks and crystal-clear streams before returning to the Alpincenter.
  • 41C › Rundwanderung Rettenwand  1 hr 15 min  ↔ 2.3 km  ↑ 133 vm
    Beginning at the Alpincenter, this loop leads past fascinating geological rock formations at the foot of the Tristinger and Rettenwand. From the scenic viewpoint at the Graswandkreuz, the trail returns via the 41A PANORAMAWEG GLETSCHERBLICK to the Alpincenter.
  • 25 › Maiskogel Hut Tour  1.5 hrs  ↔ 4 km  ↑ 310 vm
    Starting from the top station of the MK Maiskogelbahn, reached easily from the Kaprun Center, this leisurely loop connects traditional huts and alpine pastures on the Maiskogel. A family-friendly trail through mystical forests, with inviting rest stops offering local specialties and stunning panoramic views.
  • 35 › Maiskogel through the forest  2 hrs  ↔ 4.8 km  ↑ 780 vm
    From the Kaprun Center, the route begins through the old railway tunnel and follows the Schaufelbergstraße road to the first switchback. Continuing straight to the Ortlehen farm, then right to Vorderweißstein farm, the trail turns right onto a stony lane, passes the Almbahn base station on the left, and reaches the Maiskogel forest road. After 200 meters, a left turn, followed by a narrow, moderately steep trail with switchbacks, leads through dense forest and clearings uphill. The path rejoins the forest road and ends at the Maiskogel Alm Ranch.


Hiking Program

  • National Park Gallery Tour
    Free National Park ranger tour through the National Park Gallery info tunnel – an informative journey into the mystical world inside the Kitzsteinhorn
  • Kitzsteinhorn Explorer Tour
    Exciting expedition through four climate zones – with a National Park ranger from Kaprun to TOP OF SALZBURG at 3,029 m, spectacular 3K K-onnection panoramic cable ride included
  • My First 3,000er
    Climbing the 3,203 m Kitzsteinhorn summit rope-secured with a state-certified mountain guide
  • Family Hike
    Varied adventure tour for young and old, including sliding fun in the ICE ARENA at 3,000 m
  • Herbs Tour
    Diving into the beneficial world of alpine herbs with a graduate herbal medicine practitioner

 

Restaurants & Huts

  • Maisi Alm
    Right next to the Kaprun Center and the Maisi Flitzer alpine coaster. Cozy and family-friendly – a popular meeting spot for all ages. Serves traditional Austrian dishes and international cuisine. Kids' menu available.
    Picnic at Maiskogel » a picnic basket for two filled with regional specialties, available for pick-up from 9 AM at Maisi Alm (pre-order required)
  • kitz900m
    Cozy cafe bar at the Kitzsteinhorn valley station featuring stylish alpine design
  • Restaurant Alpincenter
    Self-service restaurant at 2,450 m, featuring a varied free-flow buffet and in-house patisserie, includes the Skyline Bar with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows and modern alpine design
  • Gipfel Restaurant
    Salzburg’s highest-situated restaurant at 3,029 m, self-service concept, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows giving spectacular views of the high-alpine landscape of the Hohe Tauern National Park
  • Serviced huts
    Kitzsteinhorn: Krefelder Hütte, Häuslalm, Salzburger Hütte, Ederalm, Schneckenreith
    Maiskogel: Unterbergalm, Glocknerblick, Saulochalm, Maiskogel Alm Ranch, Stangerbauer, Zaglgut, Unteraigen
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