04.08.2026
Hiking in Hochkönig: The Hiking Trails We'd Recommend to Our Best Friends in Autumn
Ahornstein: The Hike We'd Choose Again and Again
If we could recommend only one hike in the Hochkönig region, it would be Ahornstein.
Not because it's the highest summit.
Not because it's the most famous.
But because it captures everything we love about hiking here.
The trail winds through the gently rolling Dientner Grasberge, while the mighty Hochkönig massif remains your constant companion. With every step, the landscape opens a little more, revealing wide alpine meadows, rugged limestone cliffs and panoramic views that seem to stretch forever.
What makes Ahornstein so special isn't a single spectacular moment.
It's how the landscape keeps unfolding as you walk.
Every bend in the trail reveals something new, until you reach the summit and realise you've stopped taking photos because you're simply enjoying the view.
Late summer brings pleasant temperatures and quieter trails, making longer hikes far more enjoyable than during the hottest weeks of July. By autumn, the scenery changes once again. The forests begin to glow in warm shades of gold and copper, while the crisp mountain air makes distant peaks appear remarkably close.
This isn't a hike you squeeze in between breakfast and a spa treatment.
It's a full day in the mountains.
And that's exactly how it should be.
Why we love this hike
Because it doesn't rely on dramatic moments.
Instead, it becomes more beautiful with every kilometre and rewards you with a view that explains why the Hochkönig region is one of Austria's finest hiking destinations.
Our tip
Start in the morning, bring a small picnic and give yourself time at the summit.
The trail down isn't going anywhere.
Neither is the view.
But leaving it behind is harder than you might expect.
Panoramic Hike to Hochkeil: Where Autumn Shows Its Most Beautiful Side
Some hikes are wonderful throughout the entire hiking season.
Others seem to wait patiently for autumn.
The panoramic hike to Hochkeil belongs firmly to the second group.
If there is one trail that captures everything people imagine when they think of hiking in the Austrian Alps, this is it.
From the very beginning, the trail opens up towards the impressive Hochkönig massif. Instead of saving the best views for the summit, the scenery keeps changing throughout the walk. Every turn reveals another perspective, another mountain ridge and another reason to slow down.
And then autumn arrives.
The forests begin to glow in warm shades of gold, amber and copper. The sunlight becomes softer, the air noticeably clearer and the entire landscape seems calmer than just a few weeks before.
This is why we rarely recommend Hochkeil during the height of summer.
We recommend it now.
Late summer.
Autumn.
Because this is when the mountain truly reveals its character.
On a clear October morning, the panoramic views seem almost endless. The limestone peaks of the Hochkönig rise dramatically above the colourful alpine landscape, while the quieter trails allow you to experience nature without feeling rushed.
It is the kind of hike that reminds you that travelling isn't always about reaching the highest summit.
Sometimes it's simply about spending an unforgettable day outside.
Why we recommend this hike in autumn
Because nowhere else does the changing season feel quite so visible.
The colours become richer, the temperatures more comfortable and the panoramic views more spectacular with every cool morning.
Our tip
Choose a clear day after a cool night if possible.
The crisp mountain air creates exceptional visibility, making this one of the most rewarding panoramic hikes in the entire Hochkönig region.
Natrun & Prinzensee: The Perfect Start to Your Hiking Holiday
Not every mountain adventure has to begin with a long drive.
One of the things our guests appreciate most about staying at the HOCHKÖNIGIN is how easily the mountains become part of everyday life.
For the Natrun hike, you simply leave the hotel and start walking.
If you prefer to save some energy—or you're travelling with children—the Natrun cable car is only a short walk away. With the Hochkönig Card, the ride is included, allowing you to enjoy the mountain without tackling the full ascent on foot.
From the top station, it's an easy walk to Prinzensee, a peaceful alpine lake surrounded by meadows and mountain views.
It is one of those places where people often plan to stay for ten minutes and end up spending an hour.
Children play by the water, parents sit back and enjoy the scenery, while hikers simply take in the quiet atmosphere before continuing their walk.
The great advantage of this area is its flexibility.
Families can enjoy a relaxed outing without covering long distances.
Couples can combine the lake with longer panoramic walks.
And anyone arriving at the HOCHKÖNIGIN after a long journey can experience their first mountain adventure without spending half the day in the car.
Why we love this hike
Because it proves that unforgettable mountain experiences don't always require long or demanding routes.
Sometimes, the perfect hiking day begins with a short walk, fresh mountain air and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Our tip
If you're arriving in the afternoon, make Natrun your first stop.
It is one of the easiest and most beautiful ways to settle into your hiking holiday and discover why so many guests fall in love with Maria Alm from the very first day.
Late Summer or Autumn: When Is the Best Time to Hike in Hochkönig?
People often ask us when the best hiking season begins.
Our answer is surprisingly simple.
There isn't just one perfect time.
There are two.
Late summer is ideal if you enjoy long days in the mountains. The alpine huts are still open, the cable cars are operating and the temperatures are much more comfortable than during the hottest weeks of July and August. September offers the perfect balance between summer adventures and the first signs of autumn.
Then October arrives.
The pace changes almost overnight.
The forests begin to glow in warm autumn colours, mornings become crisp and refreshing, and every clear day rewards hikers with remarkable views across the Salzburg Alps. The trails are quieter, the atmosphere calmer and hiking suddenly feels less like following an itinerary and more like simply enjoying the mountains.
This is exactly why so many experienced hikers deliberately choose autumn for their holiday.
Not because summer is over.
But because the mountains feel different.
More peaceful.
More authentic.
More rewarding.
November can still offer beautiful hiking days, although flexibility becomes increasingly important. Depending on weather conditions and elevation, some mountain huts and cable cars begin to close for the season. Checking the latest trail information before setting off is always a good idea.
For us, that's simply part of hiking in the Alps.
Nature sets the schedule.
And that's exactly what makes every hiking day unique.
Bürglalm & Aberseitalm: Because Great Hiking Days Deserve Great Food
Every memorable hike has two highlights.
The view.
And the place where you stop afterwards.
Around Hochkönig, mountain huts are far more than convenient places for lunch. They are part of the hiking experience itself.
Two of our personal favourites are Bürglalm and Aberseitalm.
Both combine traditional Alpine hospitality with regional cuisine, spectacular mountain scenery and the relaxed atmosphere that makes people linger much longer than they originally planned.
Order a homemade Kaiserschmarrn.
Enjoy a traditional Austrian Brettljause.
Or simply sit back with a refreshing drink while looking across the surrounding peaks.
Some of the best memories from a hiking holiday aren't made while walking.
They're made while sitting outside a mountain hut, watching the afternoon light slowly move across the mountains.
Before planning your route, we always recommend checking the current opening times, especially during autumn, as many Alpine huts close gradually towards the end of the hiking season.
Our reception team is always happy to help you choose the perfect combination of hiking trail and mountain hut.
Which Hike Is Right for You?
Every hiking holiday is different.
Some guests arrive looking for panoramic summit walks.
Others simply want to spend a peaceful day outdoors with their family.
That's why we don't usually start by asking how many kilometres you'd like to walk.
We ask what kind of day you're hoping for.
If you're visiting the Hochkönig region for the first time...
Start with Natrun and Prinzensee.
It's the perfect introduction to the region, combining beautiful scenery with an easy and flexible walk.
If you're visiting in autumn...
Choose the Panoramic Hike to Hochkeil.
For us, it is the trail that captures autumn at its very best.
If you only have one full hiking day...
Head for Ahornstein.
It is the hike we recommend most often—not because it is the most challenging, but because it brings together everything that makes hiking in the Hochkönig region so unforgettable.
Travelling with children?
The Natrun area offers one of the most relaxed mountain experiences in the region and can easily be adapted to younger hikers.
Looking for a bigger challenge?
The Hochkönig region is home to numerous demanding alpine routes for experienced hikers. The official hiking portal provides detailed information on distances, elevation gain and current trail conditions.
One piece of advice remains the same for every route.
Choose the hike that suits your experience—not your ego.
The best hiking days are rarely the hardest ones.
They're the ones you'll still be talking about on the journey home.
Where Summer Slows Down, Autumn Begins
At the end of a hiking day, it's rarely the distance or the elevation gain you remember.
It's the moments in between.
The first light touching the peaks.
A quiet break on a mountain bench.
The view that makes you stay a little longer than planned.
That's the true beauty of hiking in the Hochkönig region during late summer and autumn.
September and October aren't simply an alternative to summer.
For many of our guests, they become the highlight of the year.
Now there's only one question left.
Which trail will you choose first?
We'd start with Ahornstein.
We hope to welcome you soon.
The Hörl Family & the TEAM OF THE QUEEN
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in Hochkönig
When is the best time to go hiking in the Hochkönig region?
Late summer and autumn are among the best seasons for hiking in the Hochkönig region. From late August to October, temperatures are pleasant, the mountain trails become quieter, and the colourful autumn landscape offers spectacular panoramic views across the Austrian Alps.
Which hiking trail do you recommend most?
If we had to choose just one, it would be Ahornstein. The trail combines beautiful alpine scenery, rewarding panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere that perfectly reflects what hiking in the Hochkönig region is all about.
Which hike is best for first-time visitors?
We recommend Natrun and Prinzensee. The trail is easy to reach from the HOCHKÖNIGIN and offers a wonderful introduction to the landscapes around Maria Alm.
Is the Natrun cable car included?
Yes. Guests staying at the HOCHKÖNIGIN receive the Hochkönig Card, which includes the use of participating summer cable cars during their operating season. We recommend checking current opening times before your hike.
Which hike is best in autumn?
The Panoramic Hike to Hochkeil is our favourite autumn hike. Clear mountain air, colourful forests and breathtaking views make it one of the most rewarding trails in the region.
Can I start hiking directly from the HOCHKÖNIGIN?
Yes. Several hiking routes begin directly from the hotel or can be reached within a short walk. The nearby Natrun cable car also provides easy access to many of the region's most popular hiking trails.
Are the mountain huts open in autumn?
Many alpine huts remain open throughout late summer and early autumn, although opening times vary depending on the season and weather conditions. We recommend checking current information before setting out.
Do I need a car during my hiking holiday?
Not necessarily. Many hikes start directly from the hotel or can be reached by cable car or public transport, making it easy to enjoy several hiking days without using your car.
What should I pack for hiking in autumn?
Sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, sun protection and enough water are essential. As autumn days become shorter, it's also wise to start your hike early and check the weather forecast before setting off.
Where can I find more hiking trails in the Hochkönig region?
The official Hochkönig hiking portal features a wide range of routes, from family walks to challenging alpine adventures. Our reception team will also be happy to recommend the best trail based on your fitness level, the weather and the time you have available.