Kronberg circular hiking trail and on to the Hongar

The Kronberg circular hiking trail and on to the Hongar is a great excursion destination for the whole family. A leisurely, not too long trail leads you through beautiful forest paths and across alpine meadows to the top of the Hongar, where you are rewarded with a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains.

I have already travelled up the Hongar on many different routes - whether on foot or by bike via the road, the somewhat steeper forest path or from the Gahberg to the Almgasthof Schwarz. But I hadn't heard of the Kronberg circular hiking trail before. I'm glad that I was finally able to discover it. For Emma (my Jack Russell Terrier dog) and me, it's an ideal destination for a nice and quiet day out - a real insider tip for families and dog owners.

Directions and parking facilities

By car

The easiest route is via the A1 motorway to the Regau exit. At the roundabout, take the second exit in the direction of Gmunden. Follow this road for about 4 kilometres and turn left just before the Esthofer car dealership. Then turn right for about 1 kilometre until you reach the Eurospar and turn right again. Follow this road for around 1.5 kilometres until you reach the Salzkammergut Tierweltmuseum. Somewhat hidden, you will immediately turn right over a bridge - unfortunately the signposting on this side is somewhat poor. On the other side, turn right one last time and stay on this road for around 2 kilometres until you reach a free gravel car park.

By public transport

Unfortunately I couldn't find any information on this. If any of you know of a way to get there by public transport, please let us know - then we'll add the information!

Parking facilities

There is an official and free car park. This gravelled area has space for around 20 cars and I had no problems finding a parking space during my visit. We were there at lunchtime on a Saturday. When we arrived and drove home, there were maybe five cars there with us. I would therefore say that this hike is not overcrowded and you don't have to worry about finding a parking space.

Directions and key data for the Kronberg circular hiking trail and on to the Hongar

Kronberg circular route

Starting from the car park, you walk about half a kilometre along a tarmac road to the actual entrance. This is where your wonderful journey begins. The next kilometre takes you uphill on a gravel path. You already cover most of the metres in altitude on this section.

When you reach a crossroads in front of a Materl, you have to decide: Will you continue to the viewpoint on the Hongar or even to the Almgasthof Schwarz? Or is the Kronberg circular route enough for you?

Viewpoint on the Hongar and on to the Almgasthof Schwarz

For us, it was about 1.8 kilometres to the top of the Hongar. The first half takes you over hill and dale along a beautiful forest path. However, the second half is in no way inferior to the first section - the last metres in altitude await you across a beautiful alpine meadow to the summit cross. Here, there are a few places to sit and take a well-earned break. Naturally, we took this opportunity to enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains over a cup of tea.

You now also have the opportunity to stop for a bite to eat: After only about one kilometre, the Almgasthof Schwarz awaits your visit. I can only recommend that you stop by there - for me, it's actually always a must when I'm out and about on the Hongar. Unfortunately, we didn't have the opportunity to visit the Almgasthof this time due to time constraints, but we'll make up for it next time.

Back on the Kronberg circular route

After a successful rest and with renewed energy, you can tackle the way back. For the first 1.8 kilometres to Materl, you can take a relaxed stroll back along the familiar path. At the crossroads, however, do not turn right, but continue straight ahead.

For the next kilometre, a beautiful forest path with an idyllic meadow awaits you, with more benches for a short rest. The entire trail is well signposted, but you should be aware that the signs for the Kronberg circular trail run anti-clockwise. A little rethinking is therefore required.

After the beautiful forest path, you reach a crossroads. The signs point in our direction and we have to turn right here. Now we have to walk another kilometre on a gravel path before the last kilometre takes us back to the car park on a tarmac road.

Next time we'll do the Kronberg circular hiking trail and the ascent to the Hongar in an anti-clockwise direction - for one thing, the signposting will be correct and for another, I think it will make the tour even more beautiful.

Key data

• ✅ Highest point 952 m (according to sports watch)
• ✅ Distance 7.1 kilometres
• 225 metres in altitude
• ✅ 1.5 - 2 hours round trip
• ✅ Refreshments available (Almgasthof Schwarz)
• ✅ Varied
• Suitable for children
• Suitable for dogs
• ✅ a beautiful circular route
• ⚠️ Sturdy footwear
• ⚠️ Not possible with a pushchair
• ⚠️ Grazing cattle in the seasonal months

⚠️ ATTENTION: We expressly point out that we accept no liability for accidents or possibly closed paths. Check the availability of the trail before you set off and check your own fitness.

Refreshment stops and what else awaits you

The Hongar offers one of the best places to stop for refreshments that I personally know: the Almgasthof Schwarz. Delicious food, plenty of space, a playground and a great view - all this awaits you here. What's more, the dedicated and friendly staff make you feel very well looked after.

If the inn is closed due to bad weather or days off, you will still be catered for: a small adjoining room is restocked daily with drinks and fresh pastries for self-service. A price list and a small cash desk for cash payment are available on site - however, card payment is generally not possible.

The current opening hours (as of February 2025):
📅 Thu - Fri: 09:00 - 21:00
📅 Sat, Sun and public holidays: 09:00 - 18:00

Company holidays: 10 to 19 March 2025

My conclusion on the Kronberg circular hiking trail

I would definitely recommend it for families and dog owners - but it is also a top destination for everyone else. The most important thing for me on a hike is that my now 13-year-old Jack Russell terrier dog enjoys it and that she can manage the route well. The Kronberg circular route with the ascent to the Hongar hit the mark, and I have discovered another ideal hike for Emma and me.

The beautiful forest paths and the fantastic alpine meadow that leads you to the Hongar are perfect for escaping the stress of everyday life and simply switching off. The circular route doesn't have too many metres of elevation gain and, for me, offers the ideal distance for a nice tour with the dog. The Almgasthof Schwarz as a refreshment stop rounds off the experience perfectly - it's the cherry on top of the cream cake, so to speak. As this excursion destination is also absolutely uncrowded, you can enjoy the hike to the full.

If you've enjoyed this excursion tip and now fancy more, why not take a look at the Hike up the Geisswand - viewpoint on the Baalstein to.