The Steinbergstein is a striking summit in the Kitzbühel Alps, offering sweeping views across the Brixental valley to the Kaisergebirge mountains. It's a rewarding destination for hikers who want a genuine alpine experience with well-marked trails but relatively few crowds.

Above the tree line, open alpine slopes stretch toward the summit, grazed by sheep, goats, cows and horses through the summer months — flocks of sheep are especially common right around the top. The terrain is open and rugged, with the Kitzbühel Alps' main ridge and the prominent peaks of Salzachgeier and Kröndlhorn visible to the south. In winter, the mountain becomes a popular and demanding ski touring destination.

How to reach the summit

• Kelchsau — via the Sonnblick snack bar to the Demmels Hut, then through the Lodron Alm to the summit of the Lodron (1,925 m), followed by a 1½-hour walk to the top — about 5 hours total, moderate difficulty
• Windautal valley — along the forest track to the foot of the Kröndlhorn, then on to the Steinberghaus and Gamskogel Hut
• The shortest but hardest route — from the Gamskogel Hut through the Ahornau Alm steeply up to the Lagfelden Alm, then across open, unmetalled terrain to the summit

Practical information

• A steel summit cross from 1978 stands at the top, along with a summit register and stamp
• All routes, especially the eastern flank, require sure-footedness
• A material ropeway runs from the Gamskogel Hut to the Lagfelden Alm

The view from the top stretches over the Brixental valley to the Kaisergebirge in the north — a fine reward after the climb.