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Mountain hut guide for the Schmittenhöhe

published on · Winter

A ski day without a stop for food? Unthinkable! A hike without a proper snack? Same. On the Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See, there are plenty of options to choose from. Mountain restaurants, ski huts, après-ski spots and local favourites: Discover everything Zell am See’s iconic landmark mountain has to offer!

Couple enjoying cocktails at AreitLounge with mountain view. | © Schmittenhöhebahn AG/Punkt&Komma
A plate with tender meat, sides, and beer at the Sonnkogel restaurant. | © Nikolaus Faistauer Photography
Das Panorama restaurant surrounded by snow and mountains. | © Schmittenhöhebahn AG

Mountain huts on the Schmitten: something for every taste

Where can you stop for a bite to eat on the Schmittenhöhe? What’s the atmosphere like, and what’s on the menu? That all depends on where you go. Because: The Schmitten is home to a variety of mountain huts, restaurants and après-ski bars along its slopes and hiking trails.

What you can look forward to on the Schmittenhöhe:

  • coffee and cake with scenic views at a mountain restaurant
  • hearty meals made with regional ingredients, served in cosy mountain huts
  • relaxing breaks on sunny terraces and sundecks
  • après-ski with live music at the ski huts

Family-friendly spots for a break

No family ski day is complete without a shared meal on the mountain. On the Schmittenhöhe, many restaurants are well geared towards families.

Menus often feature child-friendly favourites such as Germknödel, warming soups and other comforting dishes, perfect after those first turns in the snow. While parents relax in the sun after lunch, children have lots of space to play, especially in summer.

A boy throws a frisbee on a lawn at the Kettingalm, with a building and people in the background. | © Kettingalm
A festive table set at Areitalm with guests enjoying lunch and a view of the Alps. | © Schmittenhöhebahn AG/umundauf.at

Particularly popular with families

A beautiful sunset over the AreitLounge with views of snow-covered mountains. | © Nikolaus Faistauer Photography
Couple enjoys a meal at the mountain restaurant Franzl with a view of the mountains. | © mr-offenblende.at

Mountain huts with the best sundecks and views

The Schmittenhöhe is one of the sunniest mountains in the Salzburger Land region. For many visitors, a long break on a sundeck, with views over Lake Zell and the surrounding peaks, is one of the highlights of the day. It’s the perfect way to recharge your batteries before setting off on your next adventure.

Restaurants with sundecks

Cosy spots for bad-weather days

Even on the Schmittenhöhe, not every day is a sunny one. Sometimes, all you want is a warm and welcoming place to kick back indoors.

That’s when the mountain huts and restaurants show themselves from their particularly inviting side. Wood-panelled dining rooms, a hot drink and hearty local food are hard to beat on a grey afternoon.

Cozy terrace of Blaickner's Sonnalm overlooking the mountains. | © Blaickner's Sonnalm
A person enjoys red wine by the fireplace at Blaickner's Sonnalm. | © Schmittenhöhebahn AG/Max Steinbauer

Cosy rainy-day restaurants and huts

Five people at the eco-label award ceremony. | © Enzo Holey
Two jars with lemonade lids and herbs inside. | © Schmittenhöhebahn AG

Sustainable dining on the Schmitten

Sustainability plays an important role in the huts and restaurants on the Schmittenhöhe. Many focus on regional sourcing, with menus built around ingredients from the Salzburger Land region. Several venues are also certified with the Austrian Ecolabel, reflecting their commitment to responsible dining.

Ecolabel-certified restaurants:

Worth a visit: Sonnkogel Restaurant puts local herbs centre stage, both on the plate and throughout the décor. The Nordic-inspired dining room even features wallpaper infused with the scent of wild meadow herbs, while the menu reflects the restaurant’s close connection to nature.

Après-ski huts

For many winter sports enthusiasts, the day doesn’t end when the lifts close. Especially during a holiday or weekend break in Zell am See, après-ski is often one of the highlights.

On the Schmittenhöhe, several après-ski venues and umbrella bars keep the atmosphere going well into the night:

Busy terrace of erghotel SchnapsHans with skiers and an alpine panorama. | © Schmittenhöhebahn AG/Max Steinbauer
Two happy guests at the bar clinking their glasses together. | © Schmittenhöhebahn AG/Johannes Felsch

Food-focused events on the Schmittenhöhe

Beyond its huts and restaurants, the Schmittenhöhe also hosts food-focused events that are well worth planning your day around. Ski’n’Brunch in winter and Hike’n’Brunch in summer both combine time outdoors with a generous 

Looking for a gift idea? A voucher for one of the Schmittenhöhe’s culinary experiences makes a thoughtful present for friends and family.

Couple toasting at restaurant Franzl with mountain backdrop. | © mr-offenblende.at
The Berghotel Schnapshans in stunning mountain scenery. | © mr-offenblende.at
Two women enjoying a meal on the terrace with a mountain view. | © Blaickner's Sonnalm
A family enjoys lunch with a view of the mountains. | © mr-offenblende.at
Cows grazing in front of Kettingalm with guests and umbrellas. | © Kettingalm
Variety of dishes in a wooden basket served at the restaurant. | © mr-offenblende.at
Couple enjoys drinks on the terrace of Sonnkogel restaurant with mountain views. | © Schmittenhöhebahn AG/Punkt&Komma
Interior view of Glockneralm with modern bar area and wooden decor. | © Glockneralm
Table set with coffee and pancakes at Sonnkogel Restaurant. | © Schmittenhöhebahn AG/Punkt&Komma
Eder Hütte with outdoor terrace, surrounded by snow and mountains. | © Eder Hütte
Group of friends enjoying drinks and sunshine at the Kettingalm. | © Kettingalm
A view of the Kettingalm with a fireplace, wooden ceilings, and rustic tables. | © Schmittenhöhebahn AG/Max Steinbauer
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Schmitten tip

Want the full overview? Our complete guide to the Schmitten’s restaurants and mountain huts features every venue on the Schmittenhöhe, along with a handy summary of what each one offers and where to find it. Take a look and start planning your next stop!

We look forward to welcoming you.

See you soon on the Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See!

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