Top 20 Mountain Passes around Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer
Best mountain passes around Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer offer access to the Austrian Alps, providing routes for scenic drives, cycling, and hiking. The region is characterized by its diverse mountain passes, including high-alpine routes, historical border crossings, and scenic driving roads. These routes connect different valleys and provide views of surrounding mountain ranges, such as the Berchtesgaden Alps and the Hochkönig massif. Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer is known for its natural landscapes and varied outdoor activities.
Best mountain passes around Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer
- The most popular mountain passes is Großer Hundstod, a summit that is the main summit of the Steinernes Meer and lies on the German-Austrian border. From the top, it offers panoramic views.
- Another must-see spot is Hirschbichl Inn, a restaurant and facility located at the pass. It serves as a popular stop for refreshments and is a starting point for various tours.
- Visitors also love Hirschbichl Pass, a mountain pass known for its steep ramps with gradients up to 30%. This route offers scenic views and is a test of endurance for cyclists.
- Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer is known for high-alpine routes, historical border crossings, and scenic driving roads. The region offers a variety of mountain passes to explore, catering to different interests and activity levels.
- The mountain passes around Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer are appreciated by the komoot community, with 50 upvotes and 69 photos shared across 6 highlights.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
Großer Hundstod
Highlight • Summit
The Große Hundstod is with 2593m the main summit of the Steinerne Meer and lies on the German-Austrian border. From the top you have on beautiful days an impressive panoramic view.
According to the Watzmannsage, a cruel king ruled the area and one day he was cursed and turned to stone. His dogs are said to have crashed during the big dog death.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Hirschbichl Inn
Highlight • Restaurant
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Hirschbichl Border Crossing
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Hirschbichl Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
View of the Watzmann
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more mountain passes around Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer
Cross-country skiing in the heart of the Austrian Alps – Saalfelden Leogang
Hiking the Saalach Valley Ridge Way in Austria – Wild nature and mighty peaks
The Arnoweg – a circular hike through the province of Salzburg
6 days in the Steinernes Meer – hiking over waves of rock
By bike through sport's history – Tour de Champions in Austria's largest cycling region
Leisure and Family Tours – MTB in Saalfelden Leogang
Sweat, trails & views: MTB for the ambitious in Saalfelden Leogang
Gravel, rocks and dust – gravel riding around Saalfelden Leogang
Find your flow – trail running in Saalfelden Leogang
Mountain views and alpine cuisine – hiking in Saalfelden Leogang
Other adventures around Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer
Tips from the Community
Dreamlike view with a subsequent climb.
1
0
Warning: Extremely steep. I should have read the comments here. It's almost impossible to ride up here on a road bike from the German side when the ground is wet. Extremely beautiful, but even as a climb fan, I probably won't be back.
1
0
A beautiful place to pause and simply enjoy the view.
0
0
The MTB tour from the Wimbach Bridge up to the Kührointalm and further to the Archekanzel is very steep, but the view from the Archekanzel down to the Königssee is an absolute highlight that makes you forget all the effort. The food and drink at the Kührointalm is great, but the pagers are a bit annoying when it's busy and they're constantly beeping. The descent on the forest road is steep again, but not dangerous.
1
0
Hirschbichl is a particular challenge with a racing bike, around 600m with an average gradient of 26%! Push if necessary, because you will be treated to a fabulous idyll in the Hirschbichl National Park.
1
2
The Hirschbichl pass lies at an altitude of 1,183 meters. From Weißbach, you have to climb around 500 meters in altitude. Anyone who makes it here without a motor can be truly proud.
2
0
The climb is challenging, but if you manage it and treat yourself to a little reward, you can do it again 😉
0
0
The border between Germany and Austria is in the town of Hirschbichl. Shortly afterwards you reach the Hirschbichl pass.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some notable mountain passes in the Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer region?
The region offers a variety of passes, each with unique characteristics. The Hirschbichl Pass is known for its exceptionally steep gradients, challenging cyclists. The Filzensattel and Dientner Sattel are part of the scenic Hochkönigstraße, popular for touring and offering beautiful views. For history enthusiasts, Pass Strub features historical border fortifications.
What kind of activities can I do at Hirschbichl Pass?
The Hirschbichl Pass is a significant challenge for cyclists due to its demanding ramps, with gradients up to 30%. Hikers and mountain bikers also frequent the pass for its beautiful scenery. The Hirschbichl Inn at the pass height is a popular stop for refreshments.
Are there any historical sites among the mountain passes?
Yes, Pass Strub is a historically significant valley pass with ruins of a former border fortification dating back to 1282. It was fiercely contested during the Napoleonic Wars, and a monument commemorates battles from that era. The Hirschbichl Border Crossing also has a rich history as a salt trade route and military stronghold.
What are the best mountain passes for scenic drives and motorcycling?
The Filzensattel and Dientner Sattel, both traversed by the B164 Hochkönigstraße, offer picturesque and curvy drives through the alpine landscape. These routes are particularly attractive for touring drivers and motorcyclists, providing beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, including the towering Hochkönig.
Are there family-friendly options among the mountain passes?
Yes, the Hirschbichl Inn at Hirschbichl Pass is considered family-friendly and serves as a popular excursion destination. The route from the German side of Hirschbichl, through the Klausbachtal, is accessible via an "Alm-Erlebnisbus" from May to October, making it easier for families to enjoy the scenery.
What natural features can I expect to see around these passes?
The passes offer diverse natural beauty. The route to Hirschbichl Pass through the Klausbachtal features lush meadows, dense forests, and dramatic views of the Ramsau Dolomites. The Filzensattel and Dientner Sattel provide views of the Hochkönig region. You can also find the Great view of the Ramsau Dolomites, an impressive viewpoint with rugged rock formations.
What outdoor activities can I do near these mountain passes?
The region around Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous Mountain Hikes, including challenging routes to summits like Großer Hundstod. There are also extensive Road Cycling Routes and MTB Trails available for all skill levels.
Are there options for winter activities near the passes?
Yes, the areas around Filzensattel and Dientner Sattel are suitable for winter hiking, with routes offering snowy forests and panoramic views. The Grießenpass area is also popular with cross-country skiers in winter, making it accessible and scenic during the colder months.
What is the difficulty level for cycling the Hirschbichl Pass?
The Hirschbichl Pass is known for its extreme difficulty, particularly from the Austrian side, with gradients reaching up to 30%. It is often described as a "form test" for cyclists due to its demanding ramps.
Can I access the Hirschbichl Pass by public transport?
From the German side, the route through the Klausbachtal within the Berchtesgaden National Park is closed to private motor traffic. However, it is accessible via an "Alm-Erlebnisbus" from May to October, which runs from both sides of the pass.
What makes the Grießenpass unique?
The Grießenpass is a lower mountain pass that forms a natural dividing line between the Kitzbühel Alps and the Leogang Mountains. It is characterized by a relatively gentle incline, and while it offers pleasant mountain views during the drive, its moderate elevation means you might hardly notice it's a pass without signage. It's also popular for cross-country skiing in winter.
Where can I find refreshments or accommodation near the passes?
The Hirschbichl Inn, located directly at the Hirschbichl Pass, is a popular spot for refreshments and a starting point for various tours. The surrounding towns and villages near the passes, such as Saalfelden, Maria Alm, and Dienten am Hochkönig, offer various accommodation and dining options.
Most popular routes around Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer
Most popular attractions around Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
See even more epic mountain passes by checking out these guides around Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer:
