Feuerkogel plateau

The Feuerkogel Plateau near Ebensee on Lake Traunsee

It is one of the most beautiful mountains offering panoramic views in the Salzkammergut and provides a wealth of activities in both summer and winter – the FEUERKOGEL, standing at around 1,600 metres, on the southern shore of Lake Traunsee near Ebensee.

You can reach it either by cable car, which takes you from the valley station up to the high plateau in 7 minutes, or on foot, which takes an average of 3 hours. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy 7 km of well-maintained walking trails, including routes to the Alberfeldkogel and Helmeskogel viewing platforms, the Karst and Doline Adventure Trail, and the hiking trail through the mountain pine labyrinth. In general, the view of the Salzkammergut’s mountain and lake landscape from the Feuerkogel is breathtaking. From mid-May to the end of October, the 10 km-long access road from the hamlet of Steinkogel is also open to mountain bikes (very good fitness required).

Not far from the cable car’s mountain station, four restaurants and pubs offer culinary specialities and fine wines to provide the necessary refreshment or a place to stay overnight. Those who prefer to spend the night in a self-catering hut will also find what they’re looking for in one of the 12 comfortable huts.

The Feuerkogel is also a starting point for long hikes. For example, you can cross the Höllengebirge, return to the cosy Riederhütte not far from the Großer Höllkogel (be sure to climb to the summit), or follow in the footsteps of Emperor Franz Joseph – the so-called ‘Kaiserweg’ (a challenging route with a section secured by ropes).

The Feuerkogel is also a popular venue for weddings. Just above the mountain station stands the Christophorus Chapel; at the rear of the chapel, weather permitting, there is a viewing area with a table for the registrar.

For anyone who is wheelchair-bound but would still like to experience a mountain, there is a special passenger lift at the cable car station that makes it easy to get on and off the gondolas. The trip is rewarded with a magnificent view.

In winter, the slopes are transformed into a popular family ski resort, where 13 kilometres of slopes are waiting to be conquered on carving skis or snowboards. Right at the cable car’s mountain station is the Feuerkogel Ski and Snowboard School, which not only organises courses and private lessons but also runs a top-class hire shop with all the necessary equipment.

Exploring the Feuerkogel or the Höllengebirge on snowshoes or touring skis is very popular with nature lovers. A total of six groomed and marked snowshoe trails can be explored either independently or on a guided hike. Highlights include the Alberfeldkogel and Helmeskogel viewing platforms, as well as the unspoilt area towards the Großer Höllkogel.