By public transport to the large and small Sonnstein on Lake Traun in the Salzkammergut

The Sonnstein peaks are an absolute highlight on the Traunsee and popular excursion destinations for all hiking enthusiasts. ⛰️

We've been to the Großer and Kleiner Sonnstein a number of times – whether at sunrise, as a day trip or just a short hike to one of the two peaks as a relaxed after-work tour. And every time I'm amazed by the brilliant view. 🤩

Anyone who's been here before knows that the large Sonnstein is more of a hidden gem, as you usually have to walk back the same route you took to get there, which many find rather unappealing. Alternatively, you could walk back along the main road to the car park to avoid walking the same path twice, but who would want to do that. 😜

This time, together with OÖVV, I tried something new and took public transport to Ebensee, then hiked from there over the Großer Sonnstein to the Kleiner Sonnstein, before getting back on the train in Traunkirchen to head home. The Großer Sonnstein is hardly visited, which is why you often have the summit to yourself here – and thanks to the good public transport links, you don't have to walk all the way back. An absolute win-win situation. 😄 (Advertisement)

You absolutely have to watch my Reel about it on Instagram:

Directions to the hike to the Grosser and Kleiner Sonnstein

This time we travelled entirely by train. We started in Schwanenstadt and then changed trains in Attnang-Puchheim towards Selztal. Our destination station was „Ebensee Landungsplatz“. Occasionally, there's even a direct connection daily – you can check public transport connections directly in the blog post below. With the Freizeit-Ticket OÖ, you can travel through Upper Austria all day with up to two adults and 4 children for just €26.50. (Price as of May 2026) So it's definitely worth it. 🚆

The train station for the return journey is in Traunkirchen Ort, which is relatively quickly reachable from the foot of the small Sonnstein.

Incidentally, the journey took almost as long as travelling by car – and with good planning, you don't have to wait long for the next train at the station either. 😄

The main advantage: you'll no longer have a parking problem – anyone who knows the little Sonnstein well knows that there are only a very limited number of parking spaces here. 🫢

Check out public transport right here:

The hike to the Sonnstein summits on Lake Traun

We started directly in Ebensee at the landing stage, and the path is well signposted and marked throughout. Further down you will also find my detailed Komoot tour to follow yourself. Anyone travelling with small children or dogs should, after the challenging ascent to the Großer Sonnstein, rather turn back for about 15 minutes to the second-to-last junction to the Kleiner Sonnstein, as the path directly from summit to summit to the Kleiner Sonnstein is only for experienced hikers and very steep.

⚠️ Construction work with blasting is currently taking place in the mine – the hike can still be done as the area is not cordoned off. Please observe the warning signs.

After the small Sonnstein, we then headed to Traunkirchen, before rejoining the train home from Traunkirchen Ort. 🚉

Key facts about the hike from Ebensee to the Great and Small Sonnstein to Traunkirchen

If you'd like to follow the tour yourself, here's the key information at a glance. 🏞️

✅ 9 km
✅ Approx. 860 m
✅ approx. 4 hours
✅ easily accessible by public transport
It's best to bring your own snacks
✅ Possible with children and dogs

⚠️ Very good stamina required
⚠️ Surefootedness absolutely necessary
⚠️ Do not take the usual path with small children and dogs
⚠️ Dogs require a muzzle on public transport

⛔️ not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs

⚠️ 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.

Places to stop for refreshment on the hike

There are no refreshment stops with vegetarian options on this hike. Should anything change about this, I would be grateful for any information, as I will then update it immediately. ⛰️

It's best to bring your own good snack and a nice coffee in a thermos – then you're definitely on the safe side. 🥪☕️

My conclusion on the public transport hike to the Großer and Kleiner Sonnstein

I was really impressed with how easy it was to get there using public transport. We were travelling on a public holiday and even then it worked out really well. We were even early enough with public transport to be completely alone at the first summit. 🤩

So, for those who like to go on hiking trails where you don't have to walk the same route back, you should definitely try this Sonnstein hike using public transport. An absolute recommendation from me! 🙌

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: Hike to the Schlosskogel through the Kaltenbach wilderness on Traunsee lake in Salzkammergut