Großer Sonnstein

The Grosse Sonnstein rises 1,037 metres above Ebensee on the western shore of Traunsee in Upper Austria. Its summit commands sweeping views across the deep blue waters of Traunsee, the rugged Totes Gebirge and the jagged Höllengebirge. The mountain is a favourite among walkers who climb for the wide panorama rather than any technical challenge. A marked trail numbered 13 starts in Ebensee and leads steadily upward to the Grosse Sonnstein and onward to the neighbouring Kleine Sonnstein. At the summit ridge a fine stand of snow-heath pine forest grows, where Scots pines shelter warmth-loving plants such as bloody crane’s-bill. The contrast between the dry, sunny summit slopes and the shady forest floor creates a small but striking habitat. The path itself winds through mixed woodland before breaking out onto open rock slabs for the final metres. Walkers feel the wind strengthen as they near the top. Once on the summit visitors find themselves on a broad, grassy dome with 360-degree views. On clear days the peaks of the Dachstein massif appear to the south-west, while the Traunsee stretches far below to the north-east. The rocky outcrops around the highest point offer places to sit and study the changing light on the surrounding ranges. The descent retraces the same route, returning through the pine woods back to Ebensee.