Hike up the Hongar

A hike up the Hongar, for me a mountain that you can always climb. Whether for a tour in the morning or an evening hike, at any time of year, a mountain for in-between for the beautiful and quiet moments.

For me, the Hongar is one of the mountains that I tackle most often during the year. On the one hand for hikes, on the other hand it is a great training mountain for the cycling season. You can climb it on foot all year round, whether in hot temperatures or in the winter months when there is snow. It's a slightly shorter hike, not far from me. Perfect for a little sporting activity, even if your diary is a little busier. 

Directions & parking facilities

You can get here by car and also by public transport. However, it should be noted that you can only get to Aurach am Hongar by bus. You then have to walk another 2-3 kilometres to the start.

There are several car parks. There is a „main car park“ directly at the entrance, but this only allows a small amount of space, and about 100 m in front of it there is a field with a very large number of parking spaces. However, there is a charge of €2 for parking in the field, which I personally find perfectly acceptable. In the warmer months, it is also possible to drive to the centre of the mountain by car, park and walk the rest of the way.

Despite the increased number of parking options, you should set off early enough. The Hongar is a very popular mountain, especially in the winter months when sledging is possible, so you may have to park a little further away.

Start and access - Hike up the Hongar - Details

As far as I know, there are 2 ways to get to the top from the car park. Either you take the forest road, along the many hairpin bends, or you enter the forest opposite the main car park and follow the clear and well-signposted path to the top.

Of course, there are several other ways to get to the Hongar, for example from the Gahberg, to name just one of the many possibilities. However, as I only want to show you the direct routes here so as not to drag the article on endlessly, the other routes will be shown another time. 😉

Route description

With its approx. 310 metres in altitude and 3.3 km long trail, the hike up the Hongar is a somewhat shorter tour. Depending on your fitness level, you will be out and about for 1.5 - 2.5 hours, pure walking time. For me, it's the perfect way to switch off and relax after work on foot with the dog or by bike. Of course, if you want to be a bit more sporty and have planned a whole day trip, I would recommend other tours.

If you want to make the route up the Hongar a little more challenging, you can choose the route through the forest. The route is halved here, making it steeper and more strenuous. Or you have already fulfilled your dream of having your own family, because then you can use the forest road - which offers you a smooth and firm surface - to get to the top even with a pushchair. As I said, if you want it to be more challenging, I personally wouldn't find pushing a pushchair uphill very pleasant.🙈😅

What else does the Hongar have to offer?

If you're not the biggest fan of hiking, no problem - the Hongar offers us great alternatives. Personally, I often cycle up there in the warmer months. For me, it's a 30-minute ride and you can easily combine it with a longer tour. Lake Attersee would be a great option. First up the Hongar and then cooling off in the lake - what could be better? I can't really offer you an alternative for the colder months, but I can talk you through the hike up the Hongar - pack your sledge and off you go. Once you get to the top, there are drinks and usually a mulled wine waiting for you and then you grab your sledge and enjoy the fantastic descent. 

Brief key data

• ✅Altitude 943 m above sea level.
• ✅For young and old
• Suitable for dogs
• Suitable for pushchairs😉
• ✅Riding a bicycle allowed
• ✅Sledging possible in winter
• ✅Refreshment facilities available
• ⚠️rather a shorter tour
• ⚠️Sturdy shoes recommended

⚠️ 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.

Refreshment stops

Once you reach the top, the Almgasthof Schwarz, A great place to stop for a bite to eat that has something for everyone. A large garden that offers plenty of space and invites you to warm up and enjoy the colder days in the inn. A great selection of food and drinks, which he sources from his own produce such as cider, elderberry juice and pastries or preferably from local farmers who work organically and in an animal-friendly way. A list of suppliers is offered by Almgasthof Schwarz and can be found at HERE. Children are also well catered for, with an adventure playground equipped with a slackline, slides, swings, a ropeway and a fire pit for barbecuing crackers. Fun is the order of the day here and everyone gets their money's worth.

The dedicated and friendly staff make you feel very well looked after. Even when the inn is closed, you will be looked after, a small adjoining room is replenished daily with drinks and fresh pastries for self-service. There is a price list and a small cash desk for cash payments on site. The current opening hours (as of November 2022) are Wed - Fri from 09:00 - 21:00 and Sat, Sun and public holidays from 09:00 - 18:00.

My overall impression of this trip

As you can probably already guess, the Hongar is a great choice for me personally, whether for family outings, bike tours, sledging or just spontaneously after work. For me, it's usually a case of getting home, changing, packing up the dog and quickly heading to the Hongar. In winter, keep the sledge to hand and definitely a head torch for the descent. And in the warmer months, you can replace the sledge with a bike or simply walk with the family. A stop at the Almgasthof Schwarz is of course a must for me, for a tasty roast sandwich or, in winter, the much-loved mulled wine. I can only warmly recommend you to visit the Hongar once and with a bit of luck you will see each other over coffee and cake at the hut, I would be delighted. 

Komoot tour to follow yourself - Hike up the Hongar

Further recommendation:

For all hiking enthusiasts, I can highly recommend the Grünberg & Laudachsee hiking trail. You can find my report here: Langbathsee circular hiking trail - always ready for a great photo in the Salzkammergut