SUMMER ACTIVITIES
During the summer months, Mühlbach am Hochkönig transforms into an enchanting destination. This “mountain village of animals” owes its nickname to the pristine nature and rich fauna of the surrounding mountains, with the playful marmot as its beloved local mascot – hence the name of our Marmotta Alpin Hotel.
The majestic Hochkönig Massif (2941 m) forms the heart of a region with three charming villages: Mühlbach am Hochkönig, Dienten, and Maria Alm. This is the ultimate year-round destination, where summers offer pleasant conditions to fully enjoy the sun and fresh mountain air.
Whether you’re seeking the ultimate challenge or the tranquility of nature, Mühlbach offers endless possibilities. From classic hikes and thrilling mountainbike tours to adrenaline-pumping adventures like the impressive Königsjochen Klettersteig, there’s something for everyone. Increasingly, enthusiasts are taking on (ultra)running on our breathtaking trails, while diverse hut-to-hut tours invite you to explore the mountains deeper with overnight stays at altitude. Water sports enthusiasts and alpinists will also find their stride here. Besides these sporting highlights, cultural excursions to the ice caves, the copper mine museum, historic Salzburg, or a refreshing swim in Lake Zell am See are absolute must-dos. The Hochkönig mountains offer a wealth of new challenges and unique experiences, making your summer holiday unforgettable.
If you have specific questions about activities, routes, or wish to make a reservation, do not hesitate to contact us directly; we are happy to assist you personally. You’ll also find plenty of information at the hotel, and we’ll gladly help you plan your adventures.
HOCHKÖNIGCARD
Guests staying at Marmotta receive the Hochkönig Card free of charge for the duration of their stay. This is a valuable gift, as it allows you to enjoy many discounts and free activities in the Hochkönig region and surrounding areas until your day of departure. In the Hochkönig region, the guest is still king! All information about the Hochkönig Card can be found here
HIKING – 340km of marked hiking trails
Mühlbach offers an infinite number of well-marked trails, making this region a hiking paradise. From leisurely, easy paths to demanding mountain tours. All routes indicate their difficulty level, so you’ll never be surprised. With the included Hochkönig Card, you can use the summer cable cars and hiking buses for free, greatly expanding your hiking range!
CYCLING – Something for everyone: road, MTB, or E-Bike
The Hochkönig region is recognized by all as a cycling paradise. If you prefer a cycling tour with limited elevation gain, you can cycle leisurely along the Salzach river. If you prefer climbing, the ascent to Arthurhaus or a loop around Dienten and St. Johann are among many options. For avid climbers, a bike tour to the Edelweissspitze at the top of the Grossglockner is a true experience. Austria’s highest mountain is only about 60km from Marmotta Alpin Hotel. In Mühlbach, you will also find well-marked mountainbike trails. With your Hochkönig Card, you can take your bike up the cable car for free and then descend with your mountain bike on magnificent mountain paths.
There are charging stations at various locations to recharge your e-bike. The beauty of the e-bike is that even the steepest and unpaved mountain paths are accessible to everyone, and the most stunning places are no longer reserved only for experienced cyclists.
We are also seeing more and more bikepackers stopping by. Our secure, locked bike room with charging facilities and tools for working on your bike is a real asset! If you need to rest on your multi-day bike trek and get back on track after a hearty breakfast, you’ve come to the right place!
In the center of Mühlbach, there is a bike shop where e-bikes and mountain bikes can also be rented.
SWIMMING
There are outdoor swimming pools in both Mühlbach am Hochkönig and Maria Alm. With the included Hochkönig Card, you get free access to these pools! Both swimming pools have a baby pool with a small slide and a fun water slide. Additionally, there is always a large 25m swimming pool for laps. Around the pools, there is ample space for sunbathing on the grass. Of course, showers and a nice restaurant with a terrace are also available.
CLIMBING
The mountains around the Hochkönig are a dream for every climber, with numerous climbing routes and Via Ferrata of varying difficulty levels. With its 2,943 meters, the Hochkönig is one of the highest mountain massifs in the Alps, making it a true climbing and mountaineering paradise. Of course, good preparation is very important, and for inexperienced mountaineers, a guide is definitely recommended!
The Königsjochen Klettersteig, also known as “the impossible hike,” is one of the ultimate tests in the Hochkönig massif. With a difficulty level of D/E and over 600 elevation meters of pure climbing challenge across more than 1 kilometer of steel cable, this is no ordinary via ferrata. The extremely exposed passages and technical sections demand peak fitness, climbing experience, and mental resilience. An unforgettable achievement for experienced alpinists, rewarded with breathtaking panoramas (and a beer at Matrashaus) atop the Hochkönig.
MOUNTAINKARTING
Mario Kart, but in real life! Take the Karbachalm cable car up to an altitude of 1300 meters, where your mountain kart adventure begins! Each participant gets a go-kart to speed down the slopes without pedaling! The route winds along a gravel path for 6.5 km with a 700-meter elevation difference through a beautiful landscape into the valley. The spectacular mountain kart ride is guaranteed to be a hit for families, groups and friends!
CHILDREN’S PARADISE
In the village and on the nearby Karbachalm, children can enjoy plenty of play opportunities. Just 300m from the hotel, young adventurers will find an outdoor amusement park full of discoveries, where they can also meet animals and playfully experience nature. At the Karbachalm, comfortably accessible by ski lift, children’s playgrounds and themed parks await at altitude, where the little ones can romp around in the fresh mountain air, surrounded by the beautiful mountain landscape.
GROSSGLOCKNER
Every kilometer and every one of the impressive 36 hairpin bends on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is an experience in itself. The Edelweissspitze is the ultimate goal, offering fantastic views of Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner (3,798 meters), and the longest glacier in the Eastern Alps, the 9-kilometer Pasterze. This route is probably one of the most beautiful mountain roads in the world. The road is accessible for cars and motorcycles, as well as road cyclists and mountain bikers. The route is 48 kilometers long and connects Bruck and Heiligenblut. Please note: this route is only open between May and October.
LIECHTENSTEINKLAMM
The Liechtenstein Gorge is not only one of the most beautiful gorges in the Alps, but also the longest and deepest accessible white-water ravine in the Alps! This magnificent natural phenomenon is absolutely worth a visit. A path leads you over overhanging bridges to a stunning waterfall. A walk through the gorge takes about an hour and a half. The Liechtenstein Gorge is a great outing for the whole family. The sturdy bridges and paths are safe in all weather conditions. Good shoes and (warm) clothing are recommended, depending on the temperature.
ICE CAVES IN WERFEN
The largest ice cave in the world (!) is a 20-minute drive from Marmotta Alpin Hotel and is highly recommended for any nature lover. This unique natural wonder can be visited between April and October. Guided tours start every half hour and last about 1.5 hours. Make sure you wear appropriate shoes and clothing. It’s best to arrive on time and book tickets in advance, as it can get busy, especially in the summer months.
HOHENWERFEN CASTLE
Hohenwerfen Castle is located in the vicinity of Marmotta Alpin Hotel and is a well-known sight in Salzburgerland. This castle was built in 1066 and is situated on a rock face with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. The feathered hunters of the provincial falconry center, the impressive armory, the museums, and the dark corners encourage all visitors to explore within the massive walls of this ancient castle.
PARAGLIDING
Paragliding is an unforgettable experience! Soaring silently through the air while the impressive Austrian Alpine landscape glides by beneath you: wonderful! Even without prior experience, you can do a tandem flight, so nothing is holding you back! Anyone over 6 years old can paraglide with an instructor. Depending on the weather and wind, you can take to the skies at various locations around Mühlbach am Hochkönig.
GOLF
Marmotta Alpin Hotel is an excellent base for your golf holiday. There are no fewer than 15 golf courses in the vicinity of the hotel! The varied landscape of Salzburgerland makes a round of golf quite a challenge. The mountains, forests, lakes, and alpine meadows provide a beautiful backdrop while golfing. The golf courses are very well-maintained and allow you to experience a beautiful part of Salzburgerland.
MOUNTAIN VILLAGE OF ANIMALS
Mühlbach offers two large playgrounds for our younger guests. The first playground is located in the middle of the village, which also includes a petting zoo. The second is on the Schneeberg, near the Karbachalm, which is easily accessible by cable car. At the petting zoo, the little ones can pet and cuddle animals. There are 6 publicly accessible petting zoos in Hochkönig where you can experience animal species up close; alpacas, pot-bellied pigs, dwarf goats, sheep, ponies, and much more make this a great experience for young and old! The petting zoos are free to access.
RAFTING & CANYONING
Rafting is also very popular among active holidaymakers in the Hochkönig region due to its many rivers with rapids. In the immediate vicinity of Marmotta Alpin Hotel, there are several opportunities for a rafting tour. The tours are organized by specialized guides and last approximately two hours. In addition to rafting, canyoning is also a truly adventurous discovery. Experienced guides lead you through gorges and water features.
GEOCACHING
Geocaching is a modern treasure hunt or scavenger hunt using a GPS device. With the help of coordinates, you hunt for small caches, which can be hidden in the most beautiful, mysterious, or quirky places. Once you’ve found the “treasure,” you can swap a small item from the contents of the cache, log your visit, and re-hide the cache in the same spot – for the next geocacher… Treasure maps are available at the Tourist Offices of Maria Alm, Dienten, and Mühlbach.