Best mountain passes around Schmitten are centered around the Schmittenhöhe, a prominent mountain at 1,965 meters high on the eastern edge of the Kitzbühel Alps. This area serves as the local mountain for Zell am See, offering diverse experiences. From its summit, visitors can experience panoramic views of Lake Zell and numerous three-thousand-meter peaks. The region provides a variety of activities for nature enthusiasts throughout the year.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
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Through the Krebsbachtal is more demanding
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A very nice little restaurant. Worthwhile
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The red cross marks a pass that was used by historic trade routes and was so important that the Romans built a fort to control it. The castle in Oberreifenberg later served the same function in the Middle Ages.
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Update May 2023: The restaurant business was discontinued by the tenants over half a year ago due to disagreements with HessenForst. The building is currently increasingly falling into disrepair. Soon another lost place in the Taunus 🥴
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I recommend a weekday visit beyond holiday periods.
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The Rotes Kreuz is a 688-meter-high pass in the Hochtaunus (not to be confused with the "Gasthaus zum Roten Kreuz"). It connects the Weiltal with the Vordertaunus and has been used since time immemorial (long before the Romans). The pass summit is marked with a red sandstone cross (which gave it its name)! More information: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotes_Kreuz_(Taunus)?oldformat=true
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The Rote Kreuz (Red Cross) is, on the one hand, a significant pass in the Hochtaunus (688 m above sea level). But here also stands a distinctive, historical landmark: A cross made of red sandstone! https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotes_Kreuz_(Taunus)?oldformat=true
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It's easier to drive in the other direction. 😉
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The region around Schmitten offers several notable mountain passes and viewpoints. The Großer Feldberg Summit is the highest peak of the Taunus, providing panoramic views from the Brunhildis rock. Another significant spot is Sandplacken Pass, which also serves as a starting point for exploring historical sites. Additionally, the Rotes Kreuz (Taunus) pass is a historical landmark with a distinctive red sandstone cross.
Yes, the Schmitten area is very family-friendly. The Großer Feldberg Summit is popular with day-trippers and offers facilities suitable for families. In summer, the Schmittenhöhe mountain features Schmidolin's World of Adventure, with activities like Schmidolin's Baptism of Fire and Austria's highest e-motocross park, Schmidolin's Wheels of Fire. Many hiking trails are also designed for various skill levels, including leisurely family strolls.
From the summit of the Schmittenhöhe, you can enjoy a stunning 360-degree panorama that includes Lake Zell, the town of Zell am See, and up to 30 three-thousand-meter-high peaks. The 'Kaiserblick' panoramic platform offers particularly impressive vistas. The area also features diverse landscapes, from open sunny slopes to tree-lined trails, especially during summer hikes.
Near Sandplacken Pass, you can explore the remains of the Roman fort 'Altes Jagdschloss'. The Rotes Kreuz (Taunus) is a 688-meter high pass that has been used since ancient times and is marked by a historic red sandstone cross. The Schmittenhöhe is also known as Austria's first 'art & culture mountain,' featuring various art installations along its trails.
The Schmitten region offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the moderate 'Anita's Fuchstanz – Großer Feldberg Summit loop'. For hiking, options include the 'Pferdskopf Observation Tower – View of the Großer Feldberg loop'. Cycling enthusiasts can tackle challenging routes like the 'View of Alte Heide – View of Neuweilnau loop'. You can explore more options on the dedicated guides for Running Trails around Schmitten, Hiking around Schmitten, and Cycling around Schmitten.
Yes, there are many hiking trails. For example, from the Großer Feldberg Summit, various trails lead over the peak, including an official flow trail. The Schmittenhöhe mountain offers a wide array of trails, from leisurely family strolls to challenging high-altitude tours, often providing breathtaking views of Lake Zell. The interactive hiking trail map helps visitors discover points of interest.
The Schmitten region is a year-round leisure paradise. In winter, it's an award-winning family-friendly ski area with 77 kilometers of pistes. In summer, it transforms into a hiking and family activity hub. The best time depends on your preferred activities, whether it's skiing and snowboarding or hiking and enjoying the panoramic views.
In winter, the Schmittenhöhe mountain is a popular ski area with 77 kilometers of pistes suitable for all skill levels. It features 27 lift facilities and offers challenging runs like the Trass Descent, as well as family-friendly options like the Funslope XXL. The sunny location of 80% of its slopes ensures enjoyable skiing, and there are cozy huts for refreshments.
Yes, several spots offer refreshments. Anita's Fuchstanz is a very popular restaurant and stopping point for hikers and bikers, open even in winter. At Sandplacken Pass, you'll find the Sandplacken restaurant. The Großer Feldberg Summit also has a restaurant and kiosks, though the main restaurant has been undergoing renovation.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning panoramic views, especially from the Schmittenhöhe summit, which overlooks Lake Zell and numerous peaks. The diverse range of activities, from thrilling winter sports to serene summer hikes and family-friendly adventures, is also highly appreciated. The historical significance of passes like the Rotes Kreuz (Taunus) and the art installations on the Schmittenhöhe add unique cultural appeal.
Yes, parking is available at several key locations. The Großer Feldberg Summit is easily accessible by car and has parking. Sandplacken Pass also offers parking, making it a convenient starting point for various routes. Additionally, there are many parking spaces in the immediate and nearby area of the Rotes Kreuz (Taunus).


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