Zwölferhorn

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The Zwölferhorn is a 1522 meter high mountain in the state of Salzburg in Austria, which is ideal for excursions with its many hiking opportunities. But the Zwölferhorn is not only suitable for exploring in summer, because in winter you can also explore the Pillstein circular hiking trail or cross-country skiing at 1500 meters. The mountain got its name because exactly at noon the sun is between the peaks.

The trail of history

As early as 1957, the pioneering days of alpine tourism, a cable car carried passengers almost 900 meters in altitude from the valley station in St. Gilgen on Lake Wolfgang to the viewpoint on the Zwölferhorn. The original cable car was in operation until 2019 and was completely renewed due to changed regulations and requirements.

The cable car, which was completed in 2020, now also offers barrier-free access and comfortably brings visitors to the mountain station at 1476m in just under 10 minutes. The 28 new eight-person panoramic gondolas, which, like the old cable car, are painted 14 red and 14 yellow each, will climb 908 meters in altitude.

Useful information

The car park located directly under the valley station building has space for up to 85 vehicles on three levels. There are also disabled-accessible parking spaces on each level, as well as parking spaces for charging electric vehicles. Use of the parking spaces is free for up to four hours when you buy a cable car ticket. All you have to do is scan the barcode of the ticket when paying the parking fee at the machine provided for this purpose.

Dogs are also allowed on the Zwölferhorn. Only when transporting with the gondola it is necessary for the safety and protection of the animals and other passengers that the four-legged companions are kept on a leash and equipped with a dog muzzle.

The mascots Zwölfi and Zwölfine have been accompanying little hikers on the Zwölferrunde along the Pillstein circular hiking trail since 2021. There are twelve stations integrated into the landscape at which exciting natural phenomena and local traditions are conveyed in a playful way.

Further information can be found on the official Zwölferhorn website. There you can also check the weather and the view via the webcam.

How to get there?

Getting there is easy with your own car. Coming from the Austrian autobahn, take the exit at Mondsee and follow the main road to St. Gilgen. There are several chargeable parking spaces directly at the valley station, but also in the immediate vicinity. These are also suitable for mobile homes.
The valley station of the cable car can also be easily reached by public transport. The ship stop of the Wolfgangsee ships is only about five minutes walk away and the bus to St. Gilgen even stops right next to the building.

Conclusion:

Even if the price of the tickets is a bit expensive, a trip to the Zwölferhorn is definitely worth it. The hiking trails are maintained even in winter and invite you to go on ski tours. Along the hiking trail there are several huts with hot and cold meals and drinks. The beautiful view speaks for itself.