Overview
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Hochkeil hike overview
7,7 km
280 m
2,5 - 3 hours
Loop hike
Easy - Moderate - Difficult - Expert
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About Hochkönig and the Hochkeil hike
Hochkönig is one of the most iconic peaks in the Austrian Alps. With its 2,941 meters, it is the highest point in the Berchtesgaden Alps. This impressive mountain is often referred to as the “King of the Alps,” hence its name.
Hochkeil, although not as towering as Hochkönig, is another prominent peak in the Salzburg region. This 1,783-meter-high mountain is known for its scenic hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Hochkönig.
Not far from the summit of Hochkeil, you find the Mirror Lake, also known as Troiboden Lake or Spiegelsee am Hochkeil. ‘Lake’ might be a big word. Rather, it is a very large puddle, in which you can see a beautiful reflection of the Mandlwand, the southeast flank of the Hochkonig. It’s so close to the top of Hochkeil that it’s definitely worth the little detour!
The hike up Hochkeil is easy to moderately challenging and takes around 2,5 to 3 hours. On your way, you can enjoy some magnificent panoramic views and the most amazing views of the Hochkönig massif.
Hochkeil and Mirror Lake Hike
Arthurhaus to Hochkeil
This hike to Hochkeil starts at the parking lot of Berghotel Arthurhaus. Turn your back to Arthurhaus, start walking on the gravel path around the parking lot. You will pass an arrow towards Hochkeil indicating the path to the right. This way goes straight up to Hochkeil, making it an out & back trail. To do the loop trail we are describing, you have to turn left towards the Arthurhauslift. We highly recommend this loop hike, as the panoramic views along the way are absolutely amazing.
Pass the apres ski hut and keep the Mandlwand on your left side the entire time. After about 700 meters you come to a junction where you keep right, slightly uphill.
From here, the path starts winding through the trees. You first descend a bit before you start walking uphill again. At about 2.5 kilometers the path splits again. Here too, keep right and continue walking uphill.
After a while, the path turns the corner and you get a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding mountain. After a while the gravel path changes into a more grassy path and steeper and flatter paths alternate.
After about 4,6 kilometers you will come across a white and red striped post. Here you leave the path to the right and continue on a narrower path through the bushes until you come to a kind of small wall. Follow this wall to the left. You will see that several paths split up here, but it does not matter which one you take. Eventually, you reach the top of the Hochkeil where you will find an old ski cabin, a cross, some benches, and a beautiful view of Mandlwahnd.
Hochkeil to Mirror Lake
Continue your way over the top of Hochkeil and keep following the trail. About 500 behind the summit of Hochkeil, the road divides. Turn left to detour to the mirror lake at Troiboden.
Mirror Lake to Arthurhaus
After admiring the reflections in the Spiegelsee am Hochkeil, you return to the main track and continue to zigzag your way down. The last part is a forest path between the trees until you eventually reach the junction at Arthurhaus, where you’ve turned left at the beginning of the hike.
Best time to hike
Season
Depending on snow conditions, you can hike to the top of Hochkeil from May to October. Keep in mind that even if the path is free of snow, the lake may still be frozen.
During the winter, the trail and the lake are covered in snow. With the right equipment, it is still possible to hike up Hochkeil, but don’t expect to see any reflections in the lake.
Time of the day
Hochkönig is a popular destination for hiking. So there is a good chance that you will meet some other people during the day. Fortunately, there are many different hiking trails in the area, so it will never become overly busy.
If you would like to be completely or almost alone, we recommend that you start hiking as early as possible in the morning.
How to get there
The hike up Hochkeil and the mirror lake starts at the parking lot of Berghotel Arthurhaus. It is located almost at the end of the Mandlwandstrasse from Mühlbach am Hochkönig.
If you are coming by public transport, you can take the bus to the Arthurhaus Bus stop at Berghotel Arthurhaus. The current bus schedule can be found on the Salzburger Verkher route planner.
Practical
First 15 minutes: free
First 1 hour: €2
+€1 for each additional hour
12 - 24 hours: €15
When you spent at least €20 in the restaurant, 10 hours will be deducted from your total parking time.
Overnight stays are allowed.
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Where to stay
Hotels
You can spend the night in Berghotel Arthurhaus itself, where this hike starts. Also close to Berghotel Arthurhaus, you will find various accommodations, where this hike starts.
You also have numerous options to stay overnight on the road from Mühlbach am Hochkönig to Arthurhaus and in Mühlbach am Hochkönig itself, such as hotels, lodges, and apartments.
Hotels at Hochkeil
Discover the best places to stay at Hochkönig and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Ramsau am Dachstein
Ramsau am Dachstein
Ramsau am Dachstein
via Booking.com
Camping
It is allowed to stay the night in the parking lot of Arthurhaus. Parking costs for 12 to 24 hours is €15. If you spend at least €20 in the restaurant, 10 hours will be deducted from your total parking time. Keep in mind that if you stay longer than 22 hours, your total parking time is still between 12 and 24 hours and you will therefore still pay €15.
You can also find some farms in the area where you can stay for free in return for buying something from their farm shop, with the app Schau aufs Land.
Tips & Safety
Important hiking tips!
Other things to do in the area
In the area of Hochkonig and Maria Alm you will find many beautiful hikes of different levels. There are even many other hikes that leave from the Hochkeil trailhead.
Also in the Salzburg region, you can visit the Sigmund Thun Gorge and Liechtenstein Gorge.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
