3 Autumn Hikes to Fall in Love With
1. Spielberghorn – Views for Days
For summit lovers, panorama seekers & everyone who enjoys a little challenge.
At 2,044 metres, the Spielberghorn is one of those hikes where every single step is worth it. At the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the Leoganger Steinberge, the Hohe Tauern and far across the Glemmtal. Especially in autumn, when the air is crisp and clear, the view feels almost endless.
The hike starts directly in Saalbach and first leads towards the Spielberghaus, then continues to the Spielbergtörl and along a scenic ridge up to the summit. Plan around 4 to 5 hours for the full tour. Sure-footedness and a good head for heights are important on the final sections.
And then comes perhaps the best part: heading back through the autumn mountains and stopping for a well-deserved break at the Spielberghaus.
Kaspressknödel soup, warm autumn sunshine on the terrace and one last look back at the summit you just climbed.
eva, Insider Tip:
Start early. When the first light hits the mountains and the forests below slowly turn golden, you’ll catch that very special sunrise feeling here too.
Perfect Match: Summit + endless views + mountain hut indulgence.
2. Wetterkreuz Loop – Right Through Golden Autumn
For panorama lovers & relaxed hikers.
If you could paint the perfect autumn day in Saalbach Hinterglemm, it would probably look something like this.
Golden meadows. Glowing forests. Deep blue skies. And right in the middle, a small reservoir reflecting the surrounding mountains.
Take the Reiterkogelbahn up and start your hike from there, passing the Reiteralm towards the Wetterkreuz reservoir and continuing uphill in the direction of the Sunliner. In autumn, this route is one of the most beautiful panoramic hikes around Hinterglemm. From the high trail, you’ll enjoy views across the Glemmtal, towards the Spielberghorn and the mountains around Fieberbrunn.
And this is exactly where you understand why autumn hiking in Saalbach is so special: the light gets softer, the colours become more intense and the visibility on clear days is simply spectacular.
And on the way back, there’s one thing you definitely shouldn’t miss:
Mountain hut time.
Stretch out your legs, turn your face towards the sun and stay just a little longer.
3. Talschluss – Mountain Hut Bliss between Saalalm & Lindlingalm
For food lovers, nature fans & everyone who likes to take it easy.
Not every perfect hiking day needs a summit.
At the very end of the valley in Saalbach Hinterglemm, autumn feels wonderfully peaceful. Forests, alpine meadows, little streams and the impressive peaks of Tristkogel, Staffkogel & Co. all around you.
One particularly beautiful route starts in Lengau and leads towards Forsthofalm and Saalalm before continuing to Lindlingalm. A similar guided mountain hut hike covers around 8.6 kilometres, 495 metres of elevation gain and about 3.5 hours of walking time.
The best part?
The hike almost becomes secondary.
Because along the way, cosy mountain huts, sunny terraces and exactly the kind of food you crave after a few hours outside are waiting for you.
Kaspressknödel. Kasnocken. Kaiserschmarrn. Maybe even a little schnapps.
That’s autumn in Austria.
Especially in autumn, the Talschluss becomes wonderfully quiet. The alpine season slowly comes to an end, the forests change colour and the warm midday sun is perfect for lingering on a hut terrace.
eva, Insider Tip:
Plan your hike so you reach one of the mountain huts around lunchtime. Hiking in autumn without a hut stop? We could. But why would we?
