Überquerung Großer und Kleiner Sonnstein

Spring. Bright white on the mountains, the first tentative green in the valleys. If you fancy a little mountain hike, you should set off to cross the two Sonnsteine.

In addition to the alpine impressions with stunning views, you can also enjoy the blooming snow lily slopes.

The Großer Sonnstein and especially the Kleiner Sonnstein are extremely popular peaks and are therefore often climbed. Connecting the two mountains can make for an entertaining mountain tour. Whether you start in Ebensee or Traunkirchen is a matter of taste. You may prefer the south-facing ascent to the Großer Sonnstein, as the sun soon becomes a warming companion here and you can stop off at the Sonnsteinhütte after 2/3 of the tour. From the railway station "Ebensee Landungsplatz" you walk up to the church and the primary school and follow the markings on a road up to the edge of the forest. The path is a little steep in places, but not dangerous, and the views of the surrounding mountains become increasingly beautiful.
At the top of the Großer Sonnstein, there is a breathtaking view from the summit cross down to the Traunsee lake lying at your feet. Shortly before the summit is the start of the transition to the Kleiner Sonnstein (on the left). Via a path secured with a wire rope, the route descends through the well-stepped rock to a forest floor. Passing a prominent rock, you reach a forest flank, through which you descend to the path leading up from Traunkirchen.
The last ascent is steep and rocky and you soon reach the massive wooden cross of the Kleiner Sonnstein, passing the Sonnsteinhütte. Deep below Traunkirchen, opposite the Traunstein, marvellous impressions let us enjoy the rest. The path down to the Siegesbach car park is well laid out. Along the road you reach the centre of Traunkirchen and have the choice between train, bus or boat for the return journey.
OR you can walk along the banks of Lake Traunsee for 3 kilometres to the starting point in Ebensee, if you have left your car there.


How to get there:
on the Salzkammergut main road from Gmunden or by train

Characteristics:
beautiful mountain hike on marked paths, sure-footedness required at the transition from the Großer Sonnstein to the Kleiner Sonnstein, steep drops on both peaks

Refreshments:
Sonnsteinhütte from Easter to October at weekends, open all summer, inns in Traunkirchen and Ebensee

Maps:
Freytag & Bernd No. 5503, Compass No. 18, ÖK-BEV No. 3206