HIKING ABOVE THE CLOUDS

It will come as no surprise to hear that the area surrounding the Landhaus Bergner Alm chalet is filled to the brim with hiking routes and trails. The extensive network caters to all levels and abilities, ranging from easy walks in the valley, to more demanding treks that take you up to mountain peaks towering above 3 thousand metres. There really is something for everyone whilst on holiday here in the Bruck and Zell am See holiday region.

A hike that we absolutely love to do is from the Kaprun valley, which is just a 10 minute drive from the chalet, all the way up to the Heinrich-Schwaiger-Haus at 2,802m. The ascent is approximately 1,950m so it's not for the faint hearted, but it's an absolutely magical hike that takes you through Jurassic Park style scenery past two huge electric blue mountain dams - the Wasserfallboden Stausee and the Mooserboden Stausee.

The route covers diverse terrain, starting with gentle forested paths with a steady incline from the Kaprun valley, quickly progressing to steeper ascents as you serpentine up the mountain face passing waterfall after waterfall. After about an hour and a half of hiking you reach the first mountain dam, the Wasserfallboden Stausee. The waters are so insanely blue and the mountainous back drop is so dramatic, that it will literally take your breath away. It does for us every single time! We love to find a little spot here and tuck in to some snacks whilst soaking up the view.

The hike then continues along the edge of the Wasserfallboden Stausee and up to the second dam, the Mooserboden Stausee, which is equally as breathtaking. The scenery is so raw it really is as though you have stepped in to another world. The Bergrestaurant Mooserboden offers a mixture of traditional Austrian cuisine that can be enjoyed whilst enjoy the view over the sparkling lake waters.

You can stop easily your tour here if you're feeling tired and get the bus and funicular back to the valley, or perhaps test the water with a little bit of climbing in the climbing garden of the Höhenburg. There is even a Via Ferrata that runs along the walls of the reservoir!

We like to continue hiking up to the Heinrich-Schwaiger-Haus though which offer a totally different perspective over the two mountain dams. They also serve super tasty hot chocolate and Kaiserschmarren that can be enjoyed with a the incredible view. It's just dreamy!