Key facts at a glance
The Schmittenhöhe (around 2,000 m) is the panoramic mountain right above Zell am See. Several cableways lead to the top, where a sweeping view of more than 30 three-thousand-metre peaks, hiking trails and mountain restaurants await – in winter a snow-sure ski area.
The Schmittenhöhe is the local mountain of Zell am See and, at 1,965 metres, one of the most beautiful panoramic peaks in the Salzburg Alps. Repeatedly honoured as Austria’s best summer cable car, the “Schmitten” pairs comfortable mountain lifts with a view that is hard to beat – in summer and in winter.
Getting there and the mountain lifts
Several cable cars carry you up from Zell am See: the modern gondolas depart right at the edge of town and at the Schmittenhöhe base. Within minutes you glide over forests and alpine meadows to the top – with no toll road and no traffic jams. Once up there, further lifts open up the high-level promenade and the summit region.
The panorama: up to 30 three-thousanders
The heart of the Schmittenhöhe is the view. From the summit your gaze sweeps over the deep-blue Lake Zell and the town all the way to around 30 three-thousand-metre peaks – among them the Kitzsteinhorn and the glaciers of the Hohe Tauern. The “Kaiserblick” viewing platform stages this mountain cinema especially impressively.
Summer on the Schmitten
- Extensive hiking network, from the easy high-level promenade to the summit tour
- Guided hikes and themed trails for every fitness level
- Austria’s highest E-motocross park
- Paragliding launch site with a dream view
- Yoga and mindfulness experiences on the mountain
Winter in the Schmittenhöhe ski area
- 77 kilometres of pistes for beginners to experts
- Funslope XXL and a styled snowpark
- Night skiing on selected evenings
- Children’s ski courses and a dedicated Kidsslope
- Sun terraces and huts right beside the slopes
A family mountain with Schmidolin
The dragon Schmidolin guides younger guests through interactive adventure worlds full of riddles, stations and tests of courage. The mountain becomes an adventure playground – and families spend the day having fun instead of grumbling.
A bite to eat with a view
Numerous mountain restaurants and huts are spread across the summit plateau. From a quick snack on the sun terrace to a relaxed lunch with regional specialities, there is something for everyone – always with the panorama included.
Tips for your visit
- Start early: visibility is usually clearest in the morning.
- Pack layers – it is noticeably cooler at the summit than in the valley.
- The cable car is often included in the summer and guest card.
For even more inspiration for your stay, see our big summer travel guide to Zell am See.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get up to the Schmittenhöhe?
Several cable and gondola lifts lead up from Zell am See, including the cityXpress and the areitXpress. The ascent takes just a few minutes.
What can you do on the Schmittenhöhe?
In summer, hiking with panoramic views, themed trails and a stop at a mountain restaurant; in winter, skiing and snowboarding on a snow-sure network of slopes.
How high is the Schmittenhöhe?
The summit lies at around 2,000 m and offers a panoramic view of more than 30 three-thousand-metre peaks of the Hohe Tauern and over the Zeller See.
Is the Schmittenhöhe suitable for families?
Yes, with easy hiking trails, lookout points and family-friendly mountain restaurants, it's a popular excursion for families.