Hochkeil (1782 m) is a panoramic mountain, which stands south of the striking, limestone Hochkönig massif in Salzburg, Austria.

This easy-to-reach summit boasts deliriously beautiful views of the striking Mandlwand, which forms the southeast flank of the Hochkönig massif. 

Summit views also extend to the Tennen Mountains, Hohe Tauern, and the Niedere Tauern mountains. 

Along the way to Hochkeil, you can detour to the mountain lake atop the Troiboden meadow. This lake is called both Bergsee am Troiboden and Spiegelsee am Hochkeil.

Though “lake” is slightly misleading, this small body of water, set in a moor, delightfully mirrors the Hochkönig peaks. It’s a picture-perfect motif. 

The hike to Hochkeil starts at the Arthurhaus mountain hotel and restaurant, high above Mühlbach am Hochkönig. Arthurhaus is accessible by bus and by car. 

We recommend combining this short 2-hour hike with the Arthurhaus to Erichhütte hike.

Hochkeil Hike, Hochkönig, Salzburg

Hochkeil, Hochkönig, Salzburg, Austria

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Hochkeil Trail Map

Where to Start the Hochkeil Summit Hike

Arthurhaus

Parkplatz Arthurhaus is located at the end of the Mandlwandstrasse, high above Mühlbach am Hochkönig.

The Arthurhaus bus stop is located at Arthurhaus. Look up regional bus timetables on Salzburg Verkehr.

Car Park Location | Google Maps 

Parking Fee | 

  • 1 – 2 hours: 3 EUR
  • 2 – 3 hours: 4 EUR
  • 3 – 4 hours: 5 EUR
  • 4 – 5 hours: 6 EUR
  • 5 – 6 hours: 7 EUR 

The rate increases by 1 EUR for each hour. The maximum parking fee is 12 EUR for 24 hours.

Payment | Cash Only

Hochkeil High Trail Description

Arthurhaus to Troiboden Lake (40-50 minutes)

Hochkeil hike, Tennengebirge View, Austria

From Arthurhaus, head towards the Mandlwand wall of the Hochkönig.

Pass the Sennerei Schweizerhütte alpine dairy. When you reach the wide gravel track, turn right in the direction of Hochkeil (trail 84), signed 1 hour. 

Follow the gravel track around the car park. 

Soon the track divides. Turn right and follow the road into the forest. Don’t hike up the ski slope.

Now, simply ascend the forest road. The gradient is moderate. As you ascend, you’ll see the block-shaped Tennengebirge.

The trail crosses the meadow of Troiboden. 

About 40 minutes into the hike, the road divides. Turn right to detour to the mountain lake at Troiboden. 

Troiboden Lake to Hochkeil (10 minutes)

Troiboden Lake, Spiegelsee, Hochkeil, Austria

Return to the wide track and continue another 10 minutes up to Hochkeil, passing the Rosswieslift mountain station along the way. 

The plateau summit is marked by a Gipfelkreuz (summit cross), single antique gondola, benches, and map. 

Hochkeil Summit, Sunrise, Hochkönig, Austria

Hochkeil to Arthurhaus (50 minutes)

Hochkeil, Mandlwand, Hochkönig, Austria

Follow the same route back down to Arthurhaus. 

Where to Stay

The Hochkönig holiday region encompasses the towns of Mühlbach am Hochkönig, Dienten am Hochkönig, and Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer. Most accommodations provide the Hochkönig Card at no extra charge (June – October). This guest card gives you free rides on regional transit and cable cars and more. Some accommodations have a minimum stay (2-4 nights depending on the season).

Mühlbach am Hochkönig

Mühlbach am Hochkönig, Salzburg, Austria

Budget | Landhaus Rieding is a guesthouse located on the Riedingalm mountain pasture at the foot of the Hochkönig mountains. If you want to wake up in the mountains, surrounded by beautiful peaks and idyllic pastureland, stay here. 

Midrange-Luxury | Das Grünholz Aparthotel & Restaurant is located on Mandlwandstrasse, about halfway between the town center of Mühlbach and Arthurhaus. This family-run aparthotel boasts stunning modern apartments, excellent breakfasts, and spa facilities. 

Luxury | Hotel Bergheimat is another hillside hotel between the town center of Mühlbach and Arthurhaus. The room rate includes breakfast, an afternoon snack and dinner. This traditional Austrian hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and a spa with six saunas. 

Luxury | AlpenParks Hotel & Apartment Hochkönig is an aparthotel situated in the town center of Mühlbach. Apartments are well-equipped and tastefully furnished. Perks: free underground parking garage with e-charging stations, free summer children’s program monday-friday (6 years old+), optional breakfast (extra charge).

Look for accommodation in Mühlbach am Hochkönig. 

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Austria Trip Planning Essentials

Use our Austria Travel Guide and Austria blog archive to plan a unique and memorable trip to Austria. 

When to Visit Austria 

Summer and early Fall are our favorite seasons in Austria. 

Getting around Austria

Austria has an excellent public transit system. We’ve used it extensively to travel throughout the country. We highly recommend using transit if you’re visiting cities (Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, etc…), and/or doing hut-to-hut hikes. 

Some areas like Mayrhofen, Schladming and Lech am Arlberg have wonderful seasonal transit systems in place (e.g. summer hiking buses). However, if you’re not visiting during the high season, bus frequencies are significantly reduced and it’s far easier to get around with your own vehicle. 

If you’re planning on visiting multiple destinations across  Austria, we recommend renting a car. 

Use these road trip itineraries for trip planning inspiration:

Car Rental 

We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.

Check car rental rates here. 

If you’re driving into Austria from a neighboring country, don’t forget to purchase a vignette at/near the border. 

Hiking in Austria

Where to Hike in Austria

Read Austrian Alps Hiking Destinations for an overview of where to hike in Austria, with tips on specific trails and where to stay. Also check out Best Day Hikes in Austria and these region-specific hiking guides:

Hut to Hut Hiking in Austria 

Austria is a premier hut-to-hut and long-distance hiking destination. The quality of the mountain huts are superb. We particularly love the high-alpine trails, which are called Höhenwege in German. We’ve summarized our favorite multi-day hikes in Trekking Austria. If you’re new to hut hiking, read this in-depth guide to Hut to Hut Hiking in Austria.

Hiking Essentials

What to See & Do in Austria

More Hikes in the Hochkönig Mountains:

European Alps: