Walking in the footsteps of Empress Sisi

Royal hiking fun in Annaberg-Lungötz in the Lammertal

What would the history of Austria be without the legendary Empress Sisi? Definitely some stories and scandals poorer! As many of the television films are known, Princess Elisabeth married the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph in 1854 at the age of 16. The nature-loving Sisi, as she was lovingly called by her family, came to Schönbrunn Palace, where she did not necessarily feel very comfortable in the story. In order to escape from the confines of the Habsburg court in Vienna, the young empress repeatedly undertook excursions, travels and hikes.
Sisi also came to Tennengau. In the beautiful hiking area Dachstein-West Annaberg-Rußbach-Gosau, she forgot her everyday worries while hiking and stayed here even. From middle of July, this event will be followed in more detail:
Join us in the footsteps of Empress Sisi!

The hut already appears ©TVB Annaberg-Lungötz

Empress Sisi once slept on the Zwieselalm hut ©TVB Annaberg-Lungötz

Enough wood for a cozy night ©TVB Annaberg-Lungötz

Hiking group in front of the hut ©Sylvia Schober

Exclusive insight on the hut

A guided hike following in Empress Sisi’s footsteps takes place every Wednesday from July 8 to September 9, 2026. The meeting point for the tour is at 9:45 a.m. at the valley station of the Donnerkogel cable car in Annaberg/Astauwinkel. After ascending together, the route leads across the Riedlkar, where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding mountain landscape—one that Sisi herself once appreciated.

From the imposing Dachstein across to the Niedere and Hohe Tauern, and on clear days even Austria’s highest mountain, the Großglockner, can be seen—along with the mystical Untersberg near the city of Salzburg. A breathtaking panorama, yet an easy and pleasant hike!

The journey then continues to the Zwieselalm Hut, where the Empress once stayed overnight. Could it be this very window behind which the imperial chamber was located?

The owner of the hut shows the once imperial sleeping chamber to the hiking group. The owners cared for the memory and left the room, that the Empress lived in, in its original state. This special is only offered as part of the guided tour and makes the hike an exclusive experience!

View from the Zwieselalm ©TVB Annaberg-Lungötz

Panorama to impressive Dachstein Glacier and refreshing Lake Gosau

Strengthened with delicious alpine products from the Tennengau, wonderful impressions and interesting stories about Empress Sisi and the area the hike continues.

The so-called Imperial Monument was erected by veterans from Annaberg and Gosau to mark the 40th anniversary of the reign of Emperor Franz Josef I on a magnificent viewpoint.

The view on the way to the Dachstein Glacier and Gosausee is also impressive before you go back together to the starting point.

Numerous hikes await you in Annaberg-Lungötz ©TVB Annaberg-Lungötz

Hiking with exclusive insights

The following points are included in the tour:

Tour every Wednesday at 09.45 am at the valley station Donnerkogelbahn Astauwinkel / Annaberg
Joint ascent with the Donnerkogelbahn and guided hike to Zwieselalm hut
Guided hike in groups
Exclusive insights into the stay of Empress Sisi in the hut
Trip to the "view" with the imperial monument
Wonderful view to Dachstein Glacier and Lake Vorderer Gosausee
Joint, organized return journey

The price is €40.00 per person (€28.00 for children). For guests with a Tennengau Guest Card, the price is only €32.00 per person (€20.00 for children).

Please note: Payment to the hiking guide is only possible in cash.

Registration: by 4:00 p.m. on the day before, by phone at the tourist office +43 6463 8690 or Georg Bergschober +43 664 5059509.

Zwei & Mehr Steiermark

Adults and children receive an additional 10% discount on the guest card price.

Book now

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Empress Sisi hike (interactive hiking map)
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