Fabi's Day at Grünberg

“For me, the trip to Grünberg was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. All the trails were super accessible.”
Words that clearly show just how much joy mountain experiences with well-thought-out concepts can bring.

Fabi and his guide, Lauri, visited us on the mountain last week. We had the opportunity to film them and see just how accessible the Grünberg really is—from the entrance to the mountain railway all the way to the highest point on the Salzkammergut Tree Top Walk.

We meet Fabi as a young, lively man who has been in a wheelchair since birth and relies on assistance. He works at Lebenshilfe Ausseerland and enjoys seeking out adrenaline rushes in his free time, whether through paragliding or volunteering with the fire department.

The paths from the parking lots to the ticket office and the mountain railway are wide and level, and the entrances are designed without steps. First, you take the elevator comfortably down to the valley station, and from there, continue on the cable car up to Grünberg. The ride itself is smooth and offers a sweeping view of the Salzkammergut and Lake Traunsee.

Once at the top, there is plenty of space to get off and get your bearings. The signage is clear, and the paths are easily recognizable. We head toward the treetop trail. A wide, easily navigable gravel path leads up to the start of the wooden trail at lofty heights. The inclines and declines along the various paths are always designed so that they can be easily navigated with wheelchairs and strollers. The path is wide enough to walk side-by-side comfortably, and there are several spots where you can stop for a quick breather. From the viewing platform to the entrance of the treetop walk, there’s plenty to discover, from different tree species to local forest dwellers.

With the wheelchair battery fully charged, we make our way up the steady 6% incline all the way to the top of the observation tower. From there, the view stretches across Lake Traunsee to the Dachstein—a moment that, for Fabi, is clearly more than “just” a beautiful view.

If you still have energy left after the Salzkammergut Tree Top Walk, you can extend your outing on the Grünberg: Laudachsee Lake is about an hour’s walk from the mountain station.

The trail runs mostly along wide forest roads, making it suitable for families with strollers, seniors, and experienced wheelchair users accompanied by a helper. Along the way, there are plenty of spots to take a break and enjoy nature. This makes Laudachsee a wonderful additional option for anyone who wants to extend their day on the Grünberg by the Traunsee a little further into the mountains.

After our trip to the Salzkammergut Tree Top Walk, we stop at the Grünbergalm. The path from the mountain railway to the hut is short, well-signposted, and step-free; the entrances are wide and level. This makes it easy for them to roll right up to the table in Fabi's wheelchair.

Whether inside or on the terrace, there’s plenty of room to maneuver, even when several families with strollers or grandparents with grandchildren are there. Over a cool drink in our lively group, Fabi and Lauri reflect on the day: the accessible ride on the mountain railway, the sweeping view from the Salzkammergut Tree Top Walk, and the easily navigable paths around the mountain station.

For the two of them, the Grünbergalm marks a peaceful end to an eventful day—and demonstrates how important it is to consider accessibility not only on the trails but also at mountain huts and places to stop for refreshments.

Safety is a top priority at Grünberg:

• The hiking trails around the mountain station are gently sloped and family-friendly.

• Huts and staff are nearby in case assistance is needed.

• On-site signage helps with navigation, even if you’re not familiar with the area.

This benefits not only people in wheelchairs, but also seniors, grandparents with grandchildren, and families hiking with strollers.