Photo: Gerhard Spengler

Feuerkogel-Plateau

Ebensee, Upper Austria

naturführung

The Feuerkogel-Plateau near Ebensee am Traunsee is one of the most beautiful panoramic mountains in the Salzkammergut and offers a wealth of opportunities in summer as well as in winter - the approximately 1600 m high FEUERKOGEL on the southern shore of Lake Traunsee near Ebensee. It can be reached either by cable car, which takes you from the valley station to the high plateau in 7 minutes, or on foot, which takes an average of 3 hours. Once at the top, visitors can expect 7 km of well-maintained walking paths, including to the Alberfeldkogel and Helmeskogel viewpoints, the Karst and Dolinen Adventure Trail, and the hiking trail through the Latschen (dwarf pine) Labyrinth. In general, the view of the mountain and lake landscape of the Salzkammergut from the Feuerkogel is breathtaking. From mid-May to the end of October, the 10 km long supply road from the Steinkogel district is also open for mountain biking (very good physical condition required). Not far from the cable car mountain station, 4 gastronomic establishments with specialties from the kitchen and cellar provide the necessary refreshment or a place to stay overnight. Those who prefer to spend the night in a self-catering hut will also find this option in one of the 12 comfortable huts. The Feuerkogel is also a starting point for extended hikes. For example, for crossing the Höllengebirge, back to the cozy Riederhütte not far from the Großer Höllkogel (definitely ascend to the summit) or on Kaiser Franz Josef's footsteps - the so-called "Kaiserweg" (demanding with a rope-secured passage). The Feuerkogel is also popular as a location for weddings. Directly above the mountain station there is the Christophorus Chapel, on the back of which, in good weather, there is a viewpoint with a table for the registrar. For all those who are unfortunately bound to a wheelchair and still want to get to a mountain, there is a special person lift at the cable car, which enables easy boarding and alighting from the gondolas. The excursion is rewarded with a magnificent view. In winter, the slopes transform into a popular family ski area, where 13 kilometers of slopes are waiting to be conquered by carving skis or snowboards. Directly in the mountain station of the cable car there is the Ski and Snowboard School Feuerkogel, which not only organizes courses or private lessons, but also has a TOP rental with all the necessary equipment. Exploring the Feuerkogel or the Höllengebirge with snowshoes or touring skis is very popular with all nature lovers. A total of 6 groomed and marked snowshoe trails can be hiked individually or on a guided tour. Highlights include the Alberfeldkogel and Helmeskogel viewpoints and the untouched area towards Großer Höllkogel.