Hike to the Kleiner Sonnstein in the Salzkammergut

On 01.12.2024 Shaggy and I went up the small Sonnstein - it was super foggy, but the view was absolutely fantastic!

There are different types of personalities on a hike. There are those who enjoy the hike and the surroundings. And then there are Shaggy and me, who enjoy the physical activity. We only have one goal: to get back to the car as quickly as possible. 😂 We share the same view. We love setting off, but we love getting back home just as much.

The weather was mild at the beginning of December and we decided to take a spontaneous trip to the Sonnstein. Of course, we brought you another little blog post about it.

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Directions and parking options for the hike to the Kleiner Sonnstein

There are only a few car parks directly at the entrance, which are quickly filled. We were lucky to get a parking space early in the morning. If you arrive later, you usually have to use the paid car park in Traunkirchen (approx. 1 km walk to the entrance).

Travelling by public transport is uncomplicated: The train goes to Traunkirchen, from where you can set off for the Kleiner Sonnstein. Alternatively, you can continue to the large Sonnstein and hike to Ebensee, where the train will be waiting to take you back.

Check out public transport right here:

The hike up the Kleiner Sonnstein

The hike was just great - especially in the morning, when there are still few people around and you can enjoy the peace and quiet at the summit. As always, Shaggy and I walked quickly to savour the view for as long as possible.

The ascent begins with a few steps that are a bit of a challenge, but you are soon rewarded with a small waterfall along the way. Further up, just before the summit, there is a fantastic view of Lake Traunsee, Ebensee and the Großer Sonnstein.

As it is already winter, the path was muddy in places and slippery due to the leaves - so extra caution is required here! The Kleiner Sonnstein is more challenging than you might think. The metres in altitude on this short route are really tough.

Once we reached the summit, we couldn't see Lake Traunsee through the fog, but the thick blanket of mist offered us a fantastic view. The Traunstein towered majestically out of the sea of fog, making it look even more impressive - a sight that more than made up for the effort.

Key data for the hike up the Kleiner Sonnstein

✅ 4.5 km
✅ 500 hm
✅ approx. 2 hours
✅ Suitable for persistent children and dogs
⚠️ Partly slippery
⛔️ Not suitable for 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.

Refreshment stops during the hike to the Kleiner Sonnstein

On the route there is the Sonnsteinhütte, a popular stop-off point for hikers. Unfortunately, the hut is open from Easter to the end of October, so this time we had to miss it in December. The Sonnsteinhütte is normally open at weekends and even every day during the summer holidays (July and August). So it's worth a visit if you're travelling at the right time of year!

Conclusion on the hike to the Kleiner Sonnstein

The hike up the Kleiner Sonnstein was once again a great experience that I will certainly repeat a few more times. Next time, perhaps the big Sonnstein will be on the agenda again - the combination of both peaks is always a highlight!

If you're also interested in the hike up the Großer Sonnstein, you can find all the information here. I even captured the sunrise from the summit in my post - an absolute dream!

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