Kaprun Hiking: The Scenic, Family-Friendly Maiskogel Hut Path
If you’re looking for the Kaprun Hiking Route that’s as rewarding as it’s relaxing, the Kaprun Maiskogel Hut path is one I always recommend — and return to myself, time and again.
Nestled right in the heart of Zell am See-Kaprun, this family-friendly hike that visits 4 Maiskogel Huts offers a perfect mix of gentle paths, panoramic views, and authentic alpine hut stops. Whether you’re setting out with little ones, strolling with friends, or fancy a scenic hike in Kaprun, this route delivers.
Living here in Kaprun, I’ve hiked this trail in all seasons — and it never loses its charm. From wide-open alpine pastures to cosy terraces serving local delicacies, the Maiskogel Hut Path always manages to hit the sweet spot between accessible and unforgettable.
If you are new to hiking in Austria, start with our Beginner’s Guide to Hiking in Austria
View of the Alexander-Enziner Trail to Kitzsteinhorn Glacier
image © Wanderlustria eU
Hi, I’m Tammy — founder of Wanderlustria, the Austria Wanderlust Travel Planning website, and the Austria Travel Planning Facebook group- your go-to guides for exploring Austria.
I live in Zell am See-Kaprun and often hike the Maiskogel Hut Path, so I know just how perfect it is for a scenic, family-friendly day out.
From my home in the heart of the Alps, I share insider tips, local favourites, and practical advice to help you plan your perfect Austrian getaway—starting with one of my most-loved hikes right here in Kaprun.
🌞Summer Cards 🌞
Many hiking regions provide Summer Cards that you only obtain by staying in affiliated accommodations. The Summer Cards provide excellent savings, with some regions offering free or discounted gondola rides, admission to sights, and much more.
Read our Summer Card Guide to learn how to Save €€€ on your summer hiking Trips
Legend
🌞 Free summer cards provided by affiliated accommodations
🎟️ Can purchase the region’s Summer Activity Card
Explore Kaprun Hiking: The Maiskogel Hut Path
Maiskogel Hut Path Overview
Skill Level: Easy – Moderate
Closest City/Airport: Salzburg
✅ Family-friendly trail with cosy alpine huts,
🚠 You can take the Mk Maiskogelbahn (gondola) up to the start of the hike and return to the valley by gondola
🌞 Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card– Offers free or discounted access to the MK Maiskogelbahn
⏳ 1 hr 40 min
🗺️ 4.8 km (3 miles)
⬆️ Up 219 m (718 feet)
⬇️ Down 219 m (718 feet)
🥾Recommeded Equipment: Sturdy Footwear
📅 Best time to Hike: June to September
⛰️ Food, drink and restrooms available at the huts.
The Maiskogel mountain (1675m) is located in the heart of Kaprun. The Maiskogel is the starting point for several Kaprun hiking routes– from leisurely to a full-scale ascent of the Maiskogel or Kitzsteinhorn.
To discover more about the region- check out our Zell am See-Kaprun Guide
Read about our other 9 Hiking recommendations in our Top 10 Austria Hiking Destinations
How to Start the Kaprun Hike-Maiskogel Hut Path
You can reach the Kaprun Maiskogel Hut Path in two easy ways:
1. You can walk up from Kaprun village to the start of the Maiskogel Hut Path
2. Or take the 🚠 MK Maiskogelbahn gondola from the Kaprun Centre up to the mountain terminal at 1570m.
The Maiskogel Hut Path is Hiking Route #25
Follow the sign marked “Unterbergalm” and follow route #25 southwest through peaceful alpine landscapes.
From the top station, the walk to the first Hut, Unterbergalm Hut. The first section of the walk takes 20 to 30 minutes and follows a wide, level path.
It’s ideal for walkers of all levels, including families with prams.
Maiskogel Hut Path
image © Wanderlustria eU
Unterbergalm: A Hut with views and Pinzgau specialities
The Unterbergalm Hut is a gem and has been owned by the Schiller-Dürlinger family since 1830. This is a perfect place to rest on the sunny terrace, enjoying the views of the Salzach valley and the Pinzgauer Grasberge – from the Schmittenhöhe to the Wildkogel in Bramberg.
The 214 hectares of mountain pastures are still used for grazing the family’s horned purebred Pinzgau cattle. Try to spot the cattle perched somewhat precariously on the slopes! The Schiller-Dürlinger Family also owns an organic farm in Hummersdorf, where they supply the hut with their own cheeses, butter, buttermilk, and homemade delicacies.
Left: Taking a rest with the views of Piesendorf Right: View arriving at Unterbergalm
© Wanderlustria eU
I would highly recommend a snack of a typical Pinzgauer Brettljause, -a traditional farmer’s snack served on a wooden board. The snack has a delicious selection of smoked meats, dry sausages, bacon, gherkins, homemade cheeses, spreads and farmer’s bread.
Unterbergalm Info:
- Open: June 1 to September 14, 2025
- Hours: 10:00–16:00 (closed Wednesdays)
Typical Pinzgauer Brettljause
© Wanderlustria eU
Through the Forest to Glocknerblick
From Unterbergalm, continue along Maiskogel Hut Path #25 that leads through a larch forest. This Kaprun Hiking route winds gently with occasional open views across alpine pastures, grazing cows and the distant Glockner Mountain Group.
You’ll soon arrive at the Alpengasthaus Glocknerblick (which means Glockner view), famous for its panoramic terrace. From here, take in sweeping views of the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier and the Großglockner, Austria’s highest peak. The hut is now run by its third generation and continues to serve hearty Austrian fare sourced from regional producers.
On the way to Glocknerblick
© Wanderlustria eU
1: Alpengasthaus Glocknerblick. 2: View of the mountains from the Terrace
© Wanderlustria eU
The Glocknerblick is one of my favourite alms in Kaprun. I have a hard time choosing what to eat – so you may need to make a few trips.My favourites are
Spinatknödel – Spinach dumplings served with butter sauce and parmesan
Tiroler Gröstl – Hearty meal of pan-fried potatoes with meat, topped with a fried egg and served with a salad.
Kaiserschmarrn – The King’s pancakes – fluffy cut up pancakes sprinkled with poweder sugar and served with apple sauce- a dessert worthy of a main course.
Traditional Austrian Cuisine at the Alpengasthaus Glocknerblick.
1: Tiroler Gröstl (top) and Spinat Knödel (bottom). 2: Kaiserschmarrn © Wanderlustria eU
TIP : You can also reach Glocknerblick directly from the top station in about 15 to 20 minutes, if you’re after a shorter route.
From the Glockerblick, there are four alternative options for Kaprun hiking trails.
- Continue on the Maiskogel Hut Path- as described below
- Continue to Kitzsteinhorn via the Alexander-Enzinger Höhenweg, arriving at the mountain station of the Gletscherjet (route #5, approx. 3.5 hours)
- Descend via Maiskogelwaldweg durch den Wald (through the forest) Route Nr. 35 weaves its way back down the mountain to the Kaprun centre
- Take Klammsee/Jetzbachasten-Steig (route #29) to Sigmund Thun Klamm car park
Alpengasthaus Glocknerblick Info:
- Open: May 24, 2025 to September (closed Mondays & Tuesdays)
Website
Maiskogel Alm Ranch: Fun for Families
Just a short walk down from Glocknerblick, you’ll reach the Maiskogel Alm Ranch (1545m). This hut features a sunny terrace with stunning views of the Steinernes Meer Mountain Range and the Hohe Tauern Mountains.
Family Tip:
The petting zoo is a hit with younger hikers. Expect friendly goats, donkeys, hens and sheep. The ranch serves traditional Austrian dishes — we suggest trying the Kaiserschmarrn, a fluffy shredded pancake served with stewed fruit.
Visiting the Maiskogel Alm Ranch and their popular llamas © Wanderlustria eU
From the Maiskogel Alm Ranch, it is a short walk to the gondola you can descend to the valley by the MK Maiskogelbahn.
Saulochalm and the Gondola Ride Down
Before descending, you can stop for one last refreshment at Saulochalm (1570m), which is located next to the gondola. The terrace offers spectacular views of Lake Zell and the Steinernes Meer, making it a peaceful final stop before returning to the village.
You can return via:
- MK Maiskogelbahn gondola
- Walking route down to Kaprun Centre
View of Kaprun and Lake Zell from Saulochalm
image © Wanderlustria eU
From the Maiskogel Alm Ranch, it is a short walk to the gondola you can descend to the valley by the MK Maiskogelbahn.
End your Kaprun Hike with a Thrill: Maisflitzer Alpine Coaster
At the base of the Maiskogel, don’t miss the Maisflitzer Alpine Coaster. It’s a safe adrenaline rush that brings plenty of smiles to both kids and adults.
The track climbs 730 metres before sending you down 1.3 km of loops, jumps and curves at up to 40 km/h along bridges, waves, 5 jumps and 5 banked loops. It’s a great way to end your hike with some extra excitement.If you need a drink or snack to recover from your ride, the Maisi-Alm Restaurant is directly next door.
Maisiflitzer © Kitzsteinhorn
Maisflitzer Info:
Open year-round from 8:30am- 19:00 (7:00 pm) daily.
Tickets can be purchased at the Kaprun Centre Kiosk, directly across the road
And don’t forget to smile at the photo point – you can buy your photo souvenir from the photo booth.
Why We Recommend the Kaprun Hut Path
Whether you’re travelling with kids, hiking in Kaprun for the views, or just want an easy, memorable mountain walk, the Kaprun Maiskogel Hut Path offers it all — and more. We’ve done this trail many times as locals, and it remains one of our most recommended Kaprun hikes for visitors who want an authentic taste of Salzburgerland’s alpine beauty with minimal effort.
To discover more panoramic walks and hikes – check out the Zell am See-Kaprun Tourism Hiking Guide
Quick Overview
Our Recommendations for Kaprun
Accommodation
These are where we recommend our guests stay in Kaprun.
ZAGLGUT Hotel-Chalet: Chalets and suites situated on the Maiskogel with direct access to hiking trails with spectacular mountain views. The hotel has a wellness area, an infinity pool and a restaurant. 🌞Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card 🌞
Kaprunerhof is a family-run 4-star hotel, located just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Kaprun. The hotel has a restaurant that offers half-board (breakfast and dinner), a spa and an indoor swimming pool. 🌞Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card 🌞
Sonnblick: The 4-star hotel is situated in the centre of Kaprun, offering a luxurious spa area, a heated outdoor pool, and a restaurant. 🌞Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card 🌞
Dorf Chalets Kaprun Stay in one of the six fully self-contained chalets or two apartments with views of the Kitzsteinhorn and the surrounding mountains. Dorf Chalets Kaprun also provides free entry to the Tauern Spa Kaprun. 🌞Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card
Austrian Alpine Getaways Self-catered apartments. Studio, one and two-bedroom apartments in the heart of Kaprun- each apartment has living area, and kitchen/kitchenette facilities. (Does not have Summer Card)
Things to Do
Zell am See-Kaprun is a summer adventure playground. When you are not hiking, there are endless opportunities for adventures.
Read our Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Bucket List which includes driving the Großglockner High Alpine Road.
Visit Krimml Waterfalls.
Discover Zell am See-Kaprun
How to get to Zell am See-Kaprun
8 Reasons to visit Zell am See-Kaprun in Summer
Zell am See-Kaprun
Summer Bucket List
Driving the Grossglockner High Alpine Road
FREE Public Transport in Salzburgerland
Salzburg Day Trips
Plan your Austrian Holiday
Wanderlustria's Austria Trip Planning Service
Expert advice to help you plan your Austria holiday.
Book an Austria Trip Planning Consultation
We help you plan your dream Austrian holiday.
The Wanderlustria Trip Planning Service provides advice on everything you need to know about planning your holiday to Austria- from hotels to tours, where to get the best tickets, train and road trips and share our favourite places and activities to ensure your Austria holiday is memorable.
Find the perfect Austria Travel Consultation for you
Follow AustriaTravelPlanning by Wanderlustria
SAVE this PIN so you can read later
Chief Wanderlust’er and Austria travel expert, I’m on a mission to help you uncover the magic of Austria — from fairytale cities and alpine villages to awe-inspiring landscapes and rich cultural traditions.
As the founder of Austria Wanderlust Travel Planning, the Austria Travel Planning Facebook Group, and director of Wanderlustria eU, I provide trusted tips, local insights, and curated resources to make your Austrian adventure seamless, authentic, and unforgettable.