Autumn at Wurzeralm (2026) - Rakouská jezera

The summer season at Wurzeralm was particularly successful this year, so we couldn’t miss the last autumn weekend of the local funicular’s summer operation. It whisks you from the bottom station by the car park up to a hiking paradise at 1,400 meters above sea level in just a few minutes.

Thanks to a beautiful Indian summer, the lift stayed open until the first week of November, and anyone who headed to the Spital am Pyhrn area at the end of October, certainly didn’t regret it. And if you haven’t visited the picturesque Wurzeralm mountain resort yet, let today’s trip tip inspire you so you don’t miss out on the next summer season at Wurzeralm.

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Wurzeralm / Photo: Austrian Lakes

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Wurzeralm

The resort lies on the border of Upper Austria and Styria. If you set off from České Budějovice, the journey will take you about 2.5 hours. You’ll be driving on motorways, so don’t forget your Austrian motorway vignette. There is plenty of parking at the Wurzeralm bottom station, and in my opinion, there’s no reason to worry about not finding a spot in the morning during the summer season.

In the winter season, however, I’d definitely get up early. From 810 m above sea level, a stylish funicular takes you up to 1,400 m in 7 minutes. Many hikers head to the top station on foot, but for the experience, I recommend taking the ride at least one way. You’ll surely be interested to know that the Wurzeralm cog railway is the longest funicular in Europe.

Wurzeralm Standseilbahn | © CC-BY, HIWU/Daniel Hinter

At Wurzeralm, you can look forward to a variety of leisure activities every year. Natural beauty will surround you at practically every step, whether it’s the mountain moors, the ubiquitous rock formations, the crystal-clear Lake Brunnensteiner, and more. The summer season at Wurzeralm offers a choice of several educational and trekking trails.

All paths are, of course, well-marked with numbers, and for orientation, don’t forget to pick up a current trail map right at the ticket office. Another board awaits you after you exit the lift.

Wurzeralm / Photo: Austrian Lakes

2 Million Years in 2 Hours Trail

We chose the pre-planned “2 Million Years in 2 Hours” trail, which we combined with a shorter hike above the mountain lake Brunnsteinersee. Along the trail, many educational stops with boards await you, where you’ll learn lots of interesting facts about the fauna and flora, as well as local geology and the origins of Wurzeralm.

Believe me, many unforgettable views of the surrounding nature await you along the way. The mountain scenery here is truly impressive, and the best photos are taken in good weather during the golden hour, before sunset.

Wurzeralm / Photo: Austrian Lakes

Trail to Brunnsteinersee

After arriving at Lake Brunnsteinersee, we unpacked our snack. For most hikers, this spot is the main goal. However, we wanted to enjoy the wonderful view from above as well, so we headed further along a section of the trail towards the summit before returning and continuing on the original path, which took us longer than the mentioned 2 hours due to the stop above Brunnsteinersee.

The rest of the route is almost without any climbing, except for the last few hundred meters that you have to walk back up to the lift.

Wurzeralm / Photo: Austrian Lakes

Single trails for mountain bikes

The summer season at Wurzeralm also offers pleasant single trails for mountain bikes. Fans of this sport can look forward to a 4.5 km route from Almdorf to the bottom station. The route is rated as moderately difficult. If you are an experienced hiker and climber, you can plan an ascent via the local ferrata to the summit of Warscheneck at 2,387 m.

Wurzeralm / Photo: Austrian Lakes

Where to eat at Wurzeralm

We also expect you’ll get hungry during the trip, and the summer season at Wurzeralm wouldn’t be so perfect if we didn’t stop for something good at the local mountain pubs. The mountain huts here offer traditional culinary specialties.

Goulash soup or Germknödel are a given. On hot summer days, you’ll appreciate a freshly poured beer, which you can enjoy while sunbathing on the terraces of the wooden huts with breathtaking views of the monumental peaks.

Wurzeralm / Photo: Austrian Lakes

Right at the lift exit is the Bergrestaurant Wurzeralm, which offers an affordable menu and a sunny terrace. It’s an ideal option for families with children, even if you’re just waiting for the lift down. Opening hours are usually the same as the lift’s operating hours. Other mountain restaurants include Linzer Haus, Wiederlechmerhütte, or Sonnalm. You can also find the huts marked on the map.

The route to Lake Brunnsteinersee is not suitable for strollers or wheelchair users.

Summer season at Wurzeralm

Winter season at Wurzeralm

In winter, the resort prepares 22 kilometers of groomed slopes of various difficulties for you. Ski touring enthusiasts can look forward to their own route, and Wurzeralm also offers freeride opportunities.

More information on the Skisport.com website.

Wurzeralm accommodation

Directly in the Wurzeralm resort, there are a few guesthouses, but it’s good to book them well in advance if you decide to stay here. However, most tourists choose accommodation around nearby Hinterstoder and within the Spital am Pyhrn area. It won’t be far from Tauplitz either.