We stumbled upon Loser quite by chance. We were relaxing on the grassy beach by Lake Altaussee when I spotted a gondola lift heading high up into the mountains.

Looking at the map, I realised that the toll road, the Loser Panoramastraße, also leads up there.

View accommodation near Loser

During the day, the road is closed to cars and transport is provided by the cable car. However, when the cable car is not running (plus approx. 30 minutes before and after), the road is open to the public.

The views from the top were magnificent. The Augstsee mountain lake is also well worth a quick visit; it’s a 15-minute walk from the car park.

Next time, I’d definitely set off for Loser in the morning and spend the whole day on the hike.

Driving along the Loser Panoramastraße

The Loser Panoramastraße is 9 km long and ends at a large car park by the Loseralm. The road is tarmacked, wide and easily manageable by a standard car.

You can only drive up when the gondola is not operating. The following times apply for most of the summer season:

• Drive up: 16:00–8:30
• Drive down: at any time

At the start and end of the season, the barrier may open as early as 15:30. Please check the road and gondola timetables before setting off.

If you want to spend the whole day at the top, you must pass through the barrier before 8.30 am. You can then return down at any time, even whilst the cable car is operating.

The road is usually open from spring to autumn. It may remain closed in the event of snow or bad weather.

Tolls, payment and parking

The toll for a car is 26 eur for the entire vehicle. Motorcyclists pay 16 eur and cyclists pass through free of charge.

You can buy a ticket from the ticket machine in front of the barrier, where you canonlypayby contactless card.You don’t even have to get out of your car.

A camera at the entrance will automatically read your number plate, and you don’t even need to stop at the barrier when exiting. The camera will recognise your car and the barrier will open automatically.

There is a large, free car park at the top, near the upper cable car station.

Overnight stays in a motorhome

You can stay overnight in the car parks at Loser. You’ll pay 16 eur and an additional 3 eur per adult.

On top of that, you’ll need to add 26 eur for the toll on the panoramic road.

Two adults with a campervan will therefore pay a total of 48 eur. Access to the top is only possible when the gondola is not running.

You must register your overnight stay. A form will be left by your vehicle in the morning; please hand it in, once completed, together with your payment at the ticket office at the lower station or in the postbox next to the ticket machine at the barrier. Expect a simple parking space in the car park, not the facilities of a traditional campsite.

Current conditions can be found on the Loser website.

Is driving there cheaper than taking the cable car?

Yes, even for a trip for two, travelling by car works out significantly cheaper.

A return ticket for the gondola costs 30 eur per adult, whilst the road costs 26 eur for the whole car.

So two adults will pay 60 eur and will save 34 eur.

Travelling by car is cheaper even for a single adult. Families and larger groups will notice the biggest difference.

The gondola has the advantage of flexibility. You can arrive at any time of day and don’t have to worry about the barrier opening in the morning or afternoon. For a short evening trip, I’d choose the car again.

Augstsee

It’s a 15-minute walk from the top car park to Lake Augstsee. This small mountain lake lies amongst rocky peaks and, in calm weather, the surrounding mountains are reflected on its surface.

An easy circular walk around the lake takes about 45 minutes and involves an ascent of just 80 metres. You can manage it even without being particularly fit for hiking, though sturdy boots are advisable.

If you set off by car after 4.00 pm, Augstsee offers the perfect short outing before returning to the valley.

Hikes on the Loser

From the Loseralm, you can choose between a short walk and a mountain hike lasting several hours:

• Augstsee – an easy circular walk taking about 45 minutes
• Bräuning Alm – a leisurely one-hour route
• Loserfenster – a rock window about an hour’s walk away
• Loser summit – the ascent takes about 1½ hours one way
• Bräuningzinken – about 1.5 hours one way
• 4 Peaks – 1 Lake – an 8.5 km mountain circuit taking 4 to 5 hours

To reach the summit of Loser and Loserfenster, you’ll need sturdy walking boots and a sure footing. The climb to the summit covers just over 300 metres in altitude, but part of the route leads over rocky terrain.

For a full-day outing, I’m most drawn to the 4 Peaks – 1 Lake circuit. It links the peaks of Loser, Hochanger, Greimuth and Bräuningzinken with Lake Augstsee and the Loserfenster rock formation.

• Routes and maps for trips to the Loser

How to get to the Loser

From Hallstatt, it takes about 40 minutes by car to reach the Loser Panoramabahn valley station. Parking at the valley station is free.

If you don’t have a car, you can take the train to Bad Aussee and then continue by bus 955 via Altaussee to the lower station. This route is slower and is mainly worthwhile if you’re planning to take the gondola.

Where to stay near Loser

For an early morning drive or the first gondola ride, the AlpenParks Hagan Lodge Altaussee is ideally situated. The chalets are right next to the lower station and are also suitable for families or larger groups.

If you’d like to combine a visit to Loser with a swim and a walk around the lake, take a look at Seevilla Altaussee, situated right on the shores of Altausseer See.

Find accommodation in Altaussee

What facilities are there at the summit?

At the top station of the cable car, you’ll find the small Loseralm restaurant, which is usually open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.

Free toilets are available 24/7 right at the top station of the cable car.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Hallstatt.