Hike to the Gamskogel summit – summit on Almsee, the jewel of the Salzkammergut

In early May, Shaggy and I headed for an unassuming peak right by the Almsee, offering a dreamlike view of the surrounding mountain landscape and the Almsee itself. 🏞️

For those who look closely, the light brown summit cross of the Gamskogel is already visible from the road – it's located at the end of the Almsee, where the Alm river springs from its outlet. From here, a direct, very steep path leads straight up to the Gamskogel.

However, we have planned our tour a little more generously and have integrated the Ameisstein, Josefshöhe, Almsee itself, and Gamskogel into our tour plan.

You should definitely check out my Reel about it on Instagram: 🎥

The hike to the Gamskogel and the Ameisstein, including the Almsee circular path

We started directly from the free car park right by the roadside – further back at the end of the Almsee, there are also plenty of paid parking spaces available, should nothing more be free on the roadside in the designated areas.

Our tour thus began with the Ant Stone, as this was the closest destination directly from our car park. Upon arriving at the Ant Stone, it's just a few more steps down to the fantastic viewing point with the Friendship Cross on the Josefshöhe. 📸

The Ameisstein is a very easy and beginner-friendly mountain. It is short and not too steep, making it suitable for less fit people as well. Caution: It is still a mountain and a basic level of fitness and hiking experience is definitely necessary. Although the mountain is relatively easy, sure-footedness and the correct equipment are absolutely essential.

After the Ameisstein, we continued straight on to the Almsee, and before walking around the Almsee, we headed up the Gamskogel. You'll find my detailed route, which you can follow, at the end of the blog post.

A small word of warning at this point: the Gamskogel is only suitable for very experienced, fit and resilient individuals. While the ascent is not exposed, it is very steep and without experience, this can quickly become dangerous. It is generally suitable for dogs and children, provided they also have plenty of mountain experience. 🐶

Those who decide to hike the Gamskogel will be rewarded at the top with one of the most beautiful views in the Salzkammergut. The steep and strenuous ascent is generously rewarded up here, and the effort is certainly worthwhile.

I have to say, this is genuinely one of the most beautiful peaks I've seen so far. 🤩

The tour was crowned with the Almsee circuit – the turquoise Almsee (which could be seen from both peaks, by the way) is simply a lake that you have to see with your own eyes. 💙

Key details for the hike on the Gamskogel, Ameisstein, and Almsee loop

Should you wish to follow this tour yourself, here are the key details at a glance: ⛰️

✅ 11.5 km
approx. 550 metres of ascent
Approx. 4.5 hours (incl. break)
✅ Parking available (some may be chargeable)
✅ Suitable for very fit and experienced children & dogs 🐕
⚠️ Very steep (Gamskogel) – A good head for heights and surefootedness absolutely essential
Ameisstein and Gamskogel not suitable for wheelchairs and prams

⚠️ 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.

Getting there and parking at Almsee for your hike

As mentioned above, there are numerous parking spaces around the Almsee. At the end of the Almsee, there is a large, paid car park – parking spaces along the road can currently still be used free of charge.

We approached via the Vorchdorf motorway exit, and then proceeded via the main road through Scharnstein to Almsee.

Public transport is also an option, of course. 🚌

Check out public transport right here:

Places to stop for refreshments during the hike at Almsee

There are no refreshment stops with vegetarian options on this hike. If this changes, I'd be happy to be informed so I can update it immediately. ⛰️ It's best to simply bring your own good snack and a fine coffee in a thermos flask – then you're definitely on the safe side. 🥪☕️

My conclusion about the hike to Gamskogel

The Gamskogel was my absolute highlight this year. I will definitely visit it again in autumn. We were also able to enjoy a relaxed break and have a snack at the summit before heading back down to the lake.

To all those who already have mountain experience and have the right equipment lying around at home for a steeper tour, I can only suggest you pack your rucksack and head for the Gamskogel. 😊

Komoot tour to follow yourself

Further recommendation

Did you like this post? Then I have another great hiking tip for you! 🤩 Have a read here: A real surprise: hike to the summit cross Surprise at the Kaltenbach wilderness