Two experiences in one tour

With a mountain bike you can easily reach the most beautiful alpine pastures, from where you continue on foot to scenic spots and summits. This combination not only saves time but also gives you two adventures in one: sporty biking and impressive hiking. 

Discover varied routes that lead you along clear streams, through idyllic alpine landscapes and up to breathtaking viewpoints. Whether ambitious or relaxed - Bike & Hike offers flexible ways to enjoy the nature around Piesendorf and Niedernsill in a sustainable and intensive way. 

Tour tips in Piesendorf

By mountain bike to the HOCHSONNBERGALM in Piesendorf 

The Hochsonnbergalm, located above Walchen (a district of Piesendorf), is a popular destination and invites you to take a cosy break. On the alpine pasture you can enjoy hearty regional dishes, a welcoming atmosphere and wonderful views of the Hohe Tauern. From here, several scenic hikes into the Pinzgau Grass Mountains / Kitzbühel Alps begin - perfect to combine with your bike tour. 

  • MTB tour from Walchen/Piesendorf to the Hochsonnbergalm 

  • The Hochsonnbergalm is open from May/June until early/mid- October

Wide view from Gernkogel over green ridges of den Pinzgau Grass Mountain to the Hohe Tauern | © Wegmocha
Gernkogel

A classic summit of the Pinzgau Grass Mountain, requiring some surefootedness and offering a rewarding goal for sporty hikers. 

  • 4.2 km there & back | 330 m up & down | 2 hours | medium 

A wooden summit cross on Maurerkogel with a cloud-covered Alpine landscape in the background. | © TVB Piesendorf Niedernsill
Maurerkogel

A short, crisp tour to the grass-covered summit of the Maurerkogel, located between the Schmittenhöhe and the Gernkogel. 

  • 1.9 km there & back | 218 m up & down | 1.5 hours | medium 

A fir tree and a single stone in the foreground, with a cloud-covered valley and mountain panorama behind. | © TVB Piesendorf Niedernsill
Maurerkogel - circular hike

Starting from the Hochsonnbergalm, this loop leads over the Kesselscharte to the Maurerkogel and continues via the Rohrertörl back again.

  • 6 km circular route | 325 m up & down | 2.5 hours | medium  

By mountain bike to the PINZGAUER HÜTTE in Piesendorf 

The Pinzgauer Hütte, at 1,704 m, is located in the Schmittenhöhe hiking area and is one of the best-known huts in the region. Surrounded by the gentle peaks of the Pinzgau Grass Mountains / Kitzbühel Alps and overlooking the nearby Kitzsteinhorn, it is a popular destination for mountain bikers, hikers and those who simply enjoy the mountains. 

  • MTB tour from Piesendorf to the Pinzgauer Hütte  

  • The Pinzgauer Hütte is open from June until the end of September

Elisabeth Chapel on Schmittenhöhe with green slopes and the Hohe Tauern mountains in the background. | © Schmittenhöhebahn AG, Foto Mr. Offenblende
Schmittenhöhe

At 1,965 m, the Schmittenhöhe is one of the well-known peaks of the Kitzbühel Alps and is considered the local mountain of Zell am See. From the summit, you can enjoy impressive views of Lake Zell, the Salzach Valley and more than thirty 3,000-metre peaks of the Hohe Tauern. 

  • 4.4 km there & back | 284 m up & down | 1.5 hours | medium 

  • Tip! Also accessible by MTB - from the Eder Hütte, however, you will need to push your bike up to just before the Franzl panoramic restaurant.  

Two hikers at the wooden summit cross of Maurerkogel with a view of the Hohe Tauern and the broad Salzach valley | © Schmittenhöhebahn AG, Foto Mr. Offenblende
Maurerkogel - circular hike

From the Pinzgauer Hütte, the route leads over the Kesselscharte to the Maurerkogel and continues via the Hochsonnbergalm back again.   

  • 5.9 km circular route | 367 m up & down | 2.5 hours | medium 

Touren-Tipps in Niedernsill

By the mountain bike to the SCHAUNBERGALM in the Mühlbach valley in Niedernsill

The Mühlbach valley is a quiet side valley of Niedernsill. The route follows the stream, through forests and past blooming alpine meadows, leading to the rustic Schaunbergalm. During the alpine season (June to September), you may encounter animals along the way - from alpine pigs and marmots to grazing cows and horses. 

Mountain lake Hacklsee reflecting Alps in lush Mühlbach valley near Niedernsill. | © Anna Thaller
Hacklsee

An idyllic destination for nature lovers, set in the quiet surroundings of the Mühlbach valley. 

  • 7.5 km there & back | 673 m up & down | 3.5 hours | medium 

  • Hike from the Schaunbergalm to the Hacklsee

By mountain bike to the HOCHSONNBERG HÜTTE in Niedernsill

The Hochsonnberg Hütte lies in an idyllic setting in the Pinzgau Grass Mountains / Kitzbühel Alps above Niedernsill. Although it is not serviced, it is an ideal starting point for scenic summit tours and alpine hikes. Several varied routes begin here. 

  • MTB tour from Niedernsill to the Hochsonnberg Hütte (not serviced)

Summit cross on Zirmkogel with surrounding mountain panorama and clouds. | © TVB Piesendorf Niedernsill
Zirmkogel

The Zirmkogel (2,215 m) is a typical grass-covered summit of the Kitzbühel Alps, located between the Gernkogel in Piesendorf and the Hochsonnberg in Niedernsill. At the summit, you can enjoy a peaceful setting with wide-reaching views. 

  • 4.4 km there & back | 417 m up & down | 2.5 hours | medium 

  • The marked trail branches off about 1 km before the Hochsonnberg Hütte, to the right of the forest road. 

Panoramic view from Hochkogel with green ridges, small alpine tarns and the Kitzbühel Alps in the background. | © Anna Thaller
Hochkogel

The Hochkogel is one of the highest peaks of the Pinzgau Grass Mountains / Kitzbühel Alps. After a steady ascent, an impressive panorama opens up. 

  • 6.3 km there & back | 421 m up & down | 3 hours | medium 

  • Tip: Fit bikers can cycle up to the Klingler Törl and climb the summit from there in 45 minutes (186 m ascent). A further ride to the serviced Hacklbergalm in Hinterglemm is also possible. 

View from Klingler Törl of rolling hills, a small mountain lake, and the peaks of the Hohe Tauern. | © TVB Piesendorf Niedernsill
Hacklbergalm 

From the Hochsonnberg Hütte, the trail joins the Pinzgauer Spaziergang and continues via the Klingler Törl to the idyllic Hacklberger Lakes. From there, it descends to the rustic Hacklbergalm, where homemade specialities and sweet pastries await you. 

  • 10.4 km there & back | 540 m up & down | 4 hours | medium