Schmittenhohe: Panorama Platform "Kaiserblick" Officially Opened
The Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See has celebrated the opening of the new "Kaiserblick" panorama platform, which now offers guests unique views out and down at 2,000 m above sea level. Dr. Erich Egger, CEO of Schmittenhöhebahn AG, is proud: "The panorama platform with glass floor and its associated 20-meter-long walkway on the south side of the mountain station is a new, spectacular addition to our attractions.
It offers visitors new perspectives on the impressive mountain world around the Schmittenhöhe and Lake Zell, and is also a perfect photo point for guests and locals." The opening event, which was followed by a morning pint, was attended by, among others, Andreas Wimmreuter (Mayor of Zell am See), MMMag. Gertraud Salzmann (Member of the National Council), Christoph Bründl (Chairman of TV Kaprun), Franz Hörl (Member of the National Council, cable car spokesman), KR Heinrich Spängler (Bankhaus Carl Spängler), Bartl Gensbichler (President of the Salzburg State Ski Association) and many more.
An architectural masterpiece: panoramic platform with Sky Walk
Since Zell's local mountain was opened up by the Schmittenhöhebahn almost 100 years ago, hikers, nature lovers, skiers and sun worshippers have been able to enjoy the breathtaking panorama in a comfortable way. In order to make this view even more tangible, Schmittenhöhebahn AG, known for innovative projects and the highest quality standards, has expanded its offering with the new "Kaiserblick" viewing platform, a spectacular structure: a walkway, partly with a glass floor, extends 50 meters over the south side of the mountain edge and at the end offers a spacious platform with telescopes, viscopes and a photo point for the perfect souvenir photos. The view of the more than 30 three-thousand-meter peaks in the region is particularly impressive, as is the view of Lake Zell, which lies far below the walkway.
The "Kaiserblick" is dedicated to Franz Joseph I and commemorates the historic visits by him and Empress Elisabeth. The emperor himself stayed overnight in the summit house in 1893, while Empress Elisabeth, known as Sisi, climbed the Schmittenhöhe before daybreak in 1885 to experience the sunrise. In honor of these imperial stays, the Elisabeth Chapel was built in 1904/05. It is the destination and starting point of the Sisi circular trail and is located right next to the mountain hotel and the new panoramic platform.
The architects Elisabeth and Andreas Schmid won the architectural tender in 2011 and were ultimately commissioned to redesign the mountain station. The Kaiserblick viewing platform was the third and particularly challenging construction phase. The aim of this project was to offer visitors to the Schmittenhöhe a spectacular experience all year round: a 270-degree panoramic view of the impressive mountains and down to the mountain town and Lake Zell. For the design and construction of the footbridge, curved shapes of a shell construction were chosen, similar to a ship's hull, in order to offer guests generous and safe freedom of movement on the summit level.
At the same time, the streamlined and elegant shape of the footbridge ensures an unobtrusive and reduced appearance. Overall, the chosen design and construction of the footbridge should blend harmoniously into the structural and natural surroundings. Andreas Schmid emphasizes: "Restraint and elegance while still offering an impressive experience - that was the goal."
Festive opening act and musical accompaniment
The opening day began at 11:00 a.m. with an atmospheric drive up. After an aperitif and canapés, Schmitten board member Dr. Erich Egger welcomed the approximately 180 guests and gave an insight into the history of the mountain. At the official opening ceremony that followed, the platform was inaugurated by the symbolic cutting of the ribbon. Afterwards, visitors were able to view the new platform, enjoy the impressive view and take the opportunity to take a photo with "Emperor Franz Josef I".
