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The Mystical Forest

Tracing the Pinzgau region’s fairy tales and legends

Step by step, you’ll find out more about the legends that have shaped the Pinzgau. Thanks to the “Mystic Forest” themed hiking trail in Zell am See! Walk along the trail and discover which fairy-tale creatures have left their marks on the mountains of the Pinzgau …

How to reach the Mystical Forest (have a look at the hiking map):

Ascent Sonnenalmbahn with hike on route 66 or
Ascent Schmittenhöhebahn/trassXpress with hike on route 68 (High Altitude Promenade) and 66 or
Hike from the valley on the routes 64 and 66

A fairy-tale-themed trail in Zell am See

Exploring the Schmittenhöhe on foot or letting your mind wander on a sun deck at 2,000 metres above sea level. The Schmittenhöhe enthrals its visitors – and has been doing so for over a century. Take your loved ones on a unique themed hike from the Sonnkogel to the Schmiedhofalm. What awaits you there? Creative themed stations – each of them offering a special feast for the senses outside in nature.

The icing on the cake: the adventure playground "white deer" for little hikers at the end of the family trail! You’ll find it right next to the Schmiedhofalm.

Facts and figures about your hiking experience on Zell’s landmark mountain

Before your journey of exploration into Zell’s fairy-tale history starts, we’ve listed the most important facts about the “Mystic Forest” adventure trail for you:

difficulty: easy family hike
length: 1,2 km
duration: approx. 1 hour
elevation gain: 455 m
highest point: 1,830 m
start: below Sonnkogelbahn mountain station
finish: Schmiedhofalm
tips: take a break at Schmiedhofalm; wear sturdy footwear; parking available at Sonnenalmbahn

Artistic representation of eight legends from the Pinzgau

You’ll be amazed! Not only by the pristine natural setting and the stunning views but also by the artistic representation of the individual stations. Because every stop revolves around a specific mystical story. The respective representations and new experiences for the senses guarantee entertainment for the whole family.

Get excited about:

Tausend Stimmen (a thousand voices)
Die Wildfrauen (the wild women)
Zeitzeuge (witness to the passing of ages)
Der weiße Hirsch (the white deer)
Vom Schlag getroffen (hit by the blow)
Vom neugierig sein (to be curious)
Kundlkraut & Widirat (wild thyme & haircap moos)
Die wilde Musik (the wild music)

Did this spark your curiosity? Great! Look forward to a special hiking day on the Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See!

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The animal adventure playground on the Schmitten

The family-friendly fairy-tale representations along the path make the “Mystical Forest” themed trail well worth a visit. And the adventure playground "white deer" at the Schmiedhofalm is the icing on the cake. Why? That’s easy! It’s the only place where little explorers will find a playground in the shape of a stag’s antlers. So: Put on your hiking boots and up you go to the Sonnkogel! Grab a ticket for the cable car ride up the mountain right away!