Our Personal Hiking Tips
27. September 2026
In the fall, the mountains around Mühlbach reveal a particularly serene side. The days are often clear, the temperatures are pleasant for hiking, and the landscape looks almost as if it were freshly painted, with golden meadows, dark forests, and the Hochkönig as a striking backdrop.
For us, this is exactly the right time for hikes that aren’t just about reaching a destination, but also offer something along the way: beautiful views, short breaks, a stop for refreshments, or simply a spot where you’d like to linger a little longer.
There are three hikes we particularly recommend to our guests in the fall, each with its own unique character.
For what is perhaps the most beautiful view of the Mandlwand
Hike to the Hochkeil and the Spiegelsee
Starting point: Arthurhaus
Walking time: approx. 2 hours
Distance and elevation gain: approx. 3 km and approx. 300 hm
From the parking lot at the Arthurhaus, the trail leads up to the Hochkeil. With every meter of elevation gain, the view opens up further: to the striking Mandlwand, the Hochkönig massif, and across the Austrian mountain landscape to the surrounding peaks. Especially on clear autumn days, a special tranquility hangs over this vast landscape.
In calm weather, the striking mountain scenery is reflected in the waters of the Spiegelsee—one of those sights that automatically makes you stop for a moment.
Our Tip
In September, the region even offers guided sunrise hikes.
Mitterfeldalm
Starting point: Arthurhaus
Walking time: approx. 2 hours
Distance and elevation gain: 4.9 km and 265 hm
We would recommend this hike to guests who want to experience the Hochkönig massif up close, not just from a distance. From the Arthurhaus, the trail first leads to the Schweizerhütte alpine dairy and then follows Trail No. 430 along the base of the Mandlwände toward the Mitterfeldalm at about 1,670 meters. The farther you walk, the closer the rock faces of the Hochkönig come into view.
The landscape changes noticeably along the way: alpine meadows, rock, scattered larch trees, and towering above it all, the mighty Mandlwand. Especially in the fall, a beautiful contrast emerges here between warm colors and gray limestone.
Our Recommendation
This tour is ideal for guests who want to get up close to the Hochkönig without planning the long summit ascent to the Matrashaus.
Wandern im Riedingtal
One of our most beautiful hikes around Mühlbach
Starting point: behind the Stieg'nhaus
Hiking time: approx. 4 hours
Distance and elevation gain: approx. 10 km and approx. 500 hm
The hiking trail begins behind the Stieg'nhaus. After just a few minutes, it passes the old red beech a natural monument in the UNESCO Erz der Alpen Geopark.
The trail then winds through the forest, climbing somewhat steeply at first. The trail continues toward Aldiana and Kopphütte. Higher up, the path widens and becomes more peaceful: alpine meadows, open woodlands, and views of the mountain landscape surrounding the Hochkönig accompany you along the way.
The longer loop continues to the alpine pastures above the Riedingtal valley. The Molteraualm and the Brandstätthütte are lovely spots for a break or a stop for refreshments. The trail then descends into the Rieding Valley via a narrower path.
Here, a detour to the Riedinger Waterfalls is especially worthwhile. The water cascades down several tiers into the valley and, a little further down, becomes the Schrammbach. Afterward, the trail leads out of the valley toward the Riedingalm. It’s situated peacefully in the valley and is, for us, a particularly lovely spot to stop for a bite to eat or a short break.
For the return trip, the route leads from the Riedingalm back to the Kopphütte via forest and alpine trails. From there, a wide forest road which is used as a toboggan run in winter—leads through the beech forest, past the Aldiana, back to Mühlbach and the stieg’nhaus. Alternatively, you can take the hiking bus from the Kopphütte back to the village.
The more relaxed option: Riedingalm and waterfalls
Starting point: Kopphütte parking lot or bus stop
Hiking time: approx. 2 hours
Distance and elevation gain: approx. 5.6 km and approx. 200 hm
The hiking bus runs directly across from the Stieg'nhaus to the Kopphütte bus stop. Alternatively, you can park there for free.
From the Kopphütte, a pleasant trail leads first through the forest to the Lettenalm. From there, the trail climbs gently across alpine meadows to the Riedingalm. It’s situated in a quiet spot in the valley and is a lovely place for a first break or a stop for refreshments.
From the Riedingalm, the trail becomes narrower and more rustic. It continues deeper into the Riedingtal valley, past the former ski jumps and across the Schrammbach stream. After a short while, you’ll reach the Riedinger Waterfalls a particularly beautiful spot to stop and enjoy the tranquility of the valley.
The return route follows a loop trail back to the Kopphütte. From there, you can take the hiking bus back to Mühlbach in comfort. We’d be happy to provide you with a hiking map and offer personalized advice for this shorter loop as well.
And after that?
Take off your hiking boots. Put on your bathrobe.
After a few hours outdoors, there’s hardly anything better than the warmth of the sauna and the view back at the mountains.
At the stieg’nhaus, you can spend the afternoon at the Rooftop Spa, enjoy a wellness treatment, or simply return to your suite and unwind.
In the evening, a delightful way to end the day awaits. As part of our half-board package, you’ll enjoy a 4-course meal from our award-winning kitchen finely balanced, seasonally inspired, and paired with a fine glass of wine.
Because for us, a perfect fall day at the Hochkönig isn’t just about being out and about.
It’s just as much about arriving, savoring the moment, and unwinding afterward.
The exact route depends on the tour you choose, your fitness level, and current conditions. We’d be happy to advise you in person at the front desk on which hike best suits your plans for the day and provide you with a suitable hiking map to take with you. This way, you can explore the mountains around Mühlbach at your own pace and well-prepared.
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