Das Europakreuz steht auf einem Felsvorsprung mit Blick ins Alpenvorland, der Himmel ist strahlend blau.

The Europe Cross

Hiking to viewing point Alberfeldkogel

The Europe Cross at the viewing point Alberfeldkogel is one of the most popular hiking destinations for hikers and mountain enthusiasts at the Feuerkogel, which offers a fantastic 360 degree panorama view of the lakes Traunsee, Langbathsee and the mountain summits of the Salzkammergut.

On the occasion of the Austrian Council Presidency of the European Union council in 2006 the Europe Cross was produced by more than 100 pupils in the workshops of the HTL Wels and handed over at at the dedication ceremony to ‘Naturfreunde Ebensee’ .

The Europe Cross can be reached on foot in about 1 hour from mountain station Feuerkogel.

Family standing at the viewing wall on the Feuerkogel, framed by a metal ring, Traunstein and Traunsee in the background.
Four people stand at the Europakreuz on the Feuerkogel and look out over the vast hilly landscape towards Lake Traunsee.
A family leans against a stone wall at the top of a mountain and looks out over the lake, fields and mountains in the distance.

Info: Europe Cross

The Europe Cross on the Feuerkogel was assembled using individual cubes, with each cube symbolising an EU member state.

It is an indication of the basis of equality and unity in the individual states in the European Union and the connections which the individual states have with one another. 

Facts:

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    Alberfeldkogel: 1.709 m

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    High Europe Cross: 5 m

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    Opening: 23.06.2006

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    Cubes: 27

You can find useful information on the Europe Cross and information on the individual cubes in the folder.

Milestones of the Europe Cross

  • 2006: Construction of the Europe Cross by students of HTL Wels during Austria’s EU Council Presidency

  • June 23, 2006: Official inauguration of the Europe Cross at Alberfeldkogel

  • 2007: Installation of lighting for the cross

  • 2025: Expansion with stones from Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia – now representing all EU member states

Tip: Europe Cross

Don't forget!

Leave a message in the summit book

What is a visit at the a summit cross without a logbook message in the summit book?

There is also a "summit book" at the Europe Cross and the post-hikers are happy about nice entries, so don't forget to write it in the summit book :-)

On a sunny day, a child with pigtails and a cap writes something in the summit book and looks out over the mountain landscape on the Feuerkogel.
Girl with a cap gives a thumbs-up at the summit, with Lake Traunsee and the striking Traunstein in the morning sun behind her.
Girl sits on the Feuerkogel with her summit book open and looks out over Traunstein and the vast mountain panorama.
Tip

Via ferrata Alberfeldkogel

On the Alberfeldkogel via ferrata, mountain adventurers and climbing fans can expect climbing fun at the highest level - great panoramic views included!

Climber with helmet and safety gear crosses a crevice with a wide straddle under a clear blue sky.
Striking white rock face of the Alberfeldkogel with a wide view of the hilly landscape, red berries and green branches in front.

Europakreuz Alberfeldkogel

The Europe Cross on Feuerkogel

A symbol of unity in Europe

High above on the Feuerkogel, on the Alberfeldkogel plateau, stands a remarkable landmark: the European Cross. It combines alpine tradition with a modern European idea—turning the mountain into a place of encounter, history, and shared values.

A structure with meaning

The European Cross is made up of individual cubes, each representing a country in Europe. Every cube contributes to the stability of the entire structure—just as each country contributes to the stability of Europe. The design is intentional and symbolizes key European achievements such as:

  • freedom of travel

  • free movement of goods

  • cultural exchange

  • cooperation in education, research, and training

Each cube is labeled with the country’s name in its native language and contains a stone from that respective nation. These stones represent cultural identity and the diversity of Europe.

Tip: Europe Cross

Some of the stones used tell remarkable stories:

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    Austria: A stone from a historic quarry in Burgenland—closely linked to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, one of Austria’s most iconic landmarks

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    Germany: An original piece of the Berlin Wall—a symbol of division and reunification

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    Latvia: A stone from the pedestal of the former Lenin monument in Riga, removed during the night of August 23–24, 1991—a sign of independence

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    Spain: Stone from the surroundings of the famous monastery-palace El Escorial, built under King Philip II

These elements make the European Cross a place where history becomes tangible.

Further information about the individual stones can be found in the European Cross brochure—simply download it here:

Folder Europe Cross

Expansion of the European Cubes 2025

In 2025, the European Cross was expanded: new cubes were added to complement the existing structure and reflect the ongoing development of Europe. Newly included are cubes representing Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Ireland, and Finland.

This expansion highlights the dynamic nature of the European Union and shows that Europe is a growing, evolving project. At the same time, the original message remains unchanged:

Message: Unity is built on diversity and shared values.

Tradition meets modern symbolism: Europe Cross

Summit crosses have long been part of Austria’s alpine culture. The European Cross on the Alberfeldkogel at Feuerkogel follows this tradition—while taking it a step further:

It stands not only for faith and history, but also for:

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    community

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    cooperation

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    peace

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    a united Europe

As a highly visible landmark, it connects the alpine landscape with a powerful idea: Europe as a shared home.

Junge Erwachsene mit EU-Flagge und #AT30EU-Schriftzug beim Gipfelkreuz am Feuerkogel unter blauem Himmel.
Family leaning at the viewing point- view of the Traunstein and lake.
Europe Cross is on the Alberfeldkogel - behind it hills and a wide horizon.
Enjoying the view - girls quench their thirst, parents gaze into the countryside.
Europe Cross - group looks into the wide hills and Langbathsee lake
Family on a viewing platform - view over the Traunsee to the Traunstein

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