Hike up the Eibenberg - view of the Offensee and Traunsee lakes in the Salzkammergut region

🍁 The great hike up the Eibenberg is perfect for autumn - starting from the Offensee side and with fantastic views of the Salzkammergut, the mountains and the surrounding lakes. 🐟

Now the time had come - I finally had the opportunity to do a hike for our blog. Michael is normally our hiking master and provides regular hiking content, but I couldn't miss out on the hike up the Eibenberg. 🚶‍♀️ The Upper Austrian members of my sports club Team Vegan.at had planned a trip to the Eibenberg and as this was my last free weekend before the winter term at university 🎓, I naturally had to go along.

The Eibenberg is located in the beautiful Salzkammergut in the district of Gmunden. As a total mountain novice, I had prepared myself for a short, leisurely hike and was then proved wrong by the 950 metres of altitude difference of the mountain. 🙈

The Salzkammergut region in Austria is known for its breathtaking nature, crystal-clear lakes and majestic mountains. The Eibenberg is a real insider tip when it comes to hiking. From picturesque trails to breathtaking views, this mountain has it all. 🏔️ And by breathtaking views, I mean exactly that - because from the summit you can see the Salzkammergut, Traunsee, Traunstein, Offensee, Ebensee, Feuerkogel, Dachstein and many other great places! ❤️

The hike was an absolute dream. Yes, it was exhausting. Yes, I underestimated it. Yes, I was super happy when we reached the summit and were able to enjoy our summit potluck (potluck = everyone brings something to eat and you share it like a buffet ... at least that's how it was explained to me).

Make sure you take a look at our Instagram reel of the Eibenberg hike - you'll get a perfect insight (duration <1min)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by muatsdrawig.at (@muatsdrawig.at)

Directions and parking options in the direction of Offensee in the Salzkammergut

If your journey to the Eibenberg starts in Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, and you are travelling by car, follow the signs to the A1 motorway in the direction of Salzburg.

Take the A1 motorway in the direction of Salzburg until you reach the „Regau“ exit. Leave the motorway at this exit and follow the signs to Gmunden. After you have passed Gmunden, continue your journey on the B144, which takes you through the beautiful landscape of the Salzkammergut. Always follow the signs to Offensee, which is just a few kilometres away from the Eibenberg entrance.

After a while you will reach the entrance to the Eibenberg, which is about 2 km before the Offensee car park. Follow the signposts and hiking trail signs to Offensee to find the gravel car park directly at the entrance to the Eibenberg. This car park is an excellent starting point for your upcoming hike. 🚗🌄 If you're not sure exactly where this car park is, take a look at my Komoot tour at the bottom, as we started right at the car park.

Route description - Hike up the Eibenberg from the Offensee side

After starting directly at the car park, the trail climbs immediately and very steadily through the forest. ⛰️️🌳 The path is paved throughout, sometimes there are small roots or rocks to climb, but there is also normal forest floor. In places and especially towards the end of the hike, you have to overcome medium-high rocks - this works without climbing, but it does require some strenuous scrambling.

The path is signposted and really hard to miss. In the first quarter you reach a forest road - simply cross it and continue the hike in the forest. 

A little later, you reach a small hut 🛖, which is unfortunately not staffed. It invites you to take a short break before tackling the rest of the route.

Brief key data

• ✅ highest point 1598 m
• ✅ approx. 950 metres in altitude 
• ✅ a distance of around 7.5 kilometres
• ✅ a pure walking time of 4 - 5 hours
• ✅ Great hiking trail / path
• ✅ No climbing necessary
• Suitable for obedient dogs
• ⚠️ Sturdy footwear
• ⚠️ Sure-footedness and a head for heights (!!) as you have to „climb“ rocks a few times 
• ⚠️ Medium-difficulty tour suitable for people with stamina / hikers 
• ⛔️ No refreshments available 
• ⛔️ not suitable for inexperienced hikers
• ⛔️ not possible with a pushchair

⚠️ ATTENTION: We expressly point out that we accept no liability for accidents or possibly closed trails. Before hiking, check the availability of the trail and reflect on your own fitness.

The view is an absolute dream - with a bit of luck you might even spot a chamois foraging on the steep slopes in the distance. 

For logistical reasons (to get back to the car), we decided to take the same route for the descent. In fact, you can also hike up the Eibenberg from the Ebensee side.

Refreshment stops on the hike up the Eibenberg

You are the place to stop! 🥪

All joking aside, unfortunately there are no refreshment stops - but that doesn't detract from the hike! If you have prepared your snack well and can resist your hunger until the summit, then you have the unique opportunity to enjoy your meal at the summit cross with one of the most beautiful views. 😋 Don't believe me? Scroll up and take a look at our Instagram video. 😁

My conclusion on this hike up the Eibenberg

Our hike up the Eibenberg in the Salzkammergut was a real adventure. It took us a total of six hours to reach the summit and return - including a break. By the end of the hiking day, it was already very hot and we had put our stamina to the test. 👣 Afterwards, some of our team mates cooled off in the refreshing Offensee before heading back home. 👙🩳🐧

The fantastic view, the team and the delicious potluck made this hike a great experience. We enjoyed nature to the fullest, got breathtaking views and felt the connection to nature. It was a great experience that reminded us how important it is to appreciate and protect the beauty of our environment. 🌿🌄

Here is the tour to follow yourself on Komoot

Further recommendation

Did you like this post? Then I have another great hiking tip for you! 🤩 Have a read here: Hike from Mondsee to the Eisenaueralm