Hiking on the Hochkogel

First lakes, then peaks, then vastness

Hiking on the Hochkogel in Saalbach Hinterglemm: Hacklberg lakes, summit views and Kaiserschmarrn pancakes

Why the Hochkogel hike in Saalbach Hinterglemm is so worthwhile

The Hochkogel hike in Saalbach Hinterglemm is just right if you want that summit feeling without throwing yourself into a monster day tour. Moorish lakes, clear mountain air and, at the end, a panorama that stretches far across the Steinernes Meer to the glaciers of the Hohe Tauern. The trail is easy to walk in stages and remains varied.

Hacklbergseen - Rosentalerhof Saalbach Hinterglemm

Who is the Hochkogel hike in Saalbach Hinterglemm suitable for?

This tour is suitable if you enjoy collecting summit moments but are not planning an extreme mountain tour. It is ideal for sporty hikers who already have mountain experience and are confident on the trail. The first stage to the Hacklberg lakes is easy to do, but the second stage to the Hochkogel requires surefootedness, sturdy footwear and a stable footing on more challenging terrain. If you are unsure about the steeper sections, it is better to stay by the lakes and enjoy the peace and quiet there.

Hotel & Apartments in Saalbach Hinterglemm

Variants: shorten by car or as a high-altitude hike from Schattberg

If you want to keep the approach as short as possible, take the car to just below the Hacklbergeralm as described.
Alternatively, you can also hike up via the Westgipfel mountain station. You should allow more time for this, as this variant takes longer overall.

Route at a glance: Hacklbergeralm, Hacklberg lakes, Hochkogel

You can shorten the long ascent by driving through the Schwarzachergraben and parking in the last section of forest just below the Hacklbergeralm. From there, it takes about an hour to reach the boggy Hacklberg lakes at around 2,000 meters. This is followed by the second stage to the Hochkogel (2,249 m), another hour or so.

Stage 1: A not too demanding hike to the Hacklberg lakes starts from the parking lot just below the Hacklbergeralm. The atmosphere there is special, boggy, quiet, almost like a natural reset.

Stage 2: It gets more alpine from the lakes onwards. The second stage is pleasantly challenging, but not too demanding if you are sure-footed and have good shoes. This is where concentration counts, as the ground becomes more demanding. Important: Sure-footedness and sturdy shoes are absolutely essential for this stage.

Panorama on the Hochkogel: Steinernes Meer and Hohe Tauern: At the top of the Hochkogel, the view opens up. You can see the high mountain landscape of the Steinernes Meer, and on a clear day, the glaciers of the Hohe Tauern glisten in the distance. This is the moment you go up for.

Refreshment tip: Kaiserschmarrn at the Hacklbergeralm

On the way back, a refreshment stop is almost a must. The perfect reward awaits at the Hacklbergeralm, where the Kaiserschmarrn pancakes are a real highlight.

Hike and bike option

For all hike and bike fans, the route to the Hacklbergeralm is also easily doable by bike, as a guideline about an hour. Afterwards, you can continue on foot towards the Hacklberg lakes and Hochkogel.

Back at the Rosentalerhof

Back at the Rosentalerhof, a day at the summit ends particularly well: first arrive briefly, then relax in the mountain spa Spa, take a deep breath in the brine steam bath and then take a dip in the heated outdoor pool. In the evening you remain flexible: once a week we serve dinner in our restaurant. On the other days, we serve uncomplicated snacks such as pizza or pinsa.

Hiking on the Hochkogel in Saalbach Hinterglemm