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The Sisi Trail on the Schmittenhöhe

Hiking in the footsteps of an empress

Are you looking for the perfect route for a leisurely hike with your family? Zell am See has got you covered! On the Schmitten, you can enjoy some casual hiking fun. But that’s not all: You can also go on a fascinating journey back in time to bygone imperial days …

Sisi’s circular hiking route on the Schmitten

As its name suggests: The Sisi Hiking Trail in Zell am See is dedicated to the former Austrian empress. She visited the Schmittenhöhe more than 120 years ago to enjoy the sun rising from behind the incredible mountain panorama. Do like the empress did and go on this little hike with grand scenic views up on the Schmitten!

Facts about the Sisi Trail at a glance

The Schmitten’s shortest hiking trail sounds perfect for you and your family? Great! Here’s the most important info about the hike:

Difficulty: easy, family-appropriate hike
Length: about 2 km
Duration: about 0.5 hours
Elevation gain/loss: 48 m during the ascent and 48 m during the descent
Start: Elisabeth Chapel, Schmittenhöhe
Destination: Elisabeth Chapel, Schmittenhöhe
Tips: coffee and cake at Schmitten Café or Franzl
Parking: park at Schmittenhöhebahn (Schmittenstraße 119, 5700 Zell am See)

Schmidolin’s Baptism of Fire, the High-Altitude Promenade, the Herb Trail and the Mystical Forest are other family-friendly trails you might enjoy.

How to get to the Sisi-Trail:

(have a look at the hiking map):

Ascent Schmittenhöhebahn (Schmittenstraße 119, 5700 Zell am See) or
Ascent trassXpress (Schmittenstraße 119, 5700 Zell am See) and hike on the route 50 in direction summit

The route of the hike in Zell am See

With only two kilometres, the Sisi Trail is not only the shortest hike up on Zell’s landmark mountain – it’s also perfect for families! Start and destination as well as a popular photo subject is Elisabeth Chapel. Don’t miss out on taking a quick glance at the autographed picture / painting from Empress Elisabeth’s visit while you’re there. From Elisabeth Chapel, the trail – with a number of info boards about imperial times – leads you in the direction of the Panorama Restaurant. Short but oh my! After about 30 minutes and 48 metres of elevation gain, you’ve surrounded the Schmitten’s summit. A pity, actually – given the stunning view of more than 30 three-thousand-metre mountains. Who knows: Maybe you and your loved ones decide to tackle another round … Tip for a break: Coffee and cake taste especially great after your hike in the fresh mountain air! Stop by at Schmitten Café or Franzl for a little pick-me-up.

The Pinzgau’s hiking paradise: the Schmittenhöhe

You’d like to know where the different hiking routes on the Schmitten in Zell am See will lead you? The interactive hiking map has the answer for you! Just hover the mouse over the various symbols. One click and you’ll receive more details.