From picturesque lakes to majestic mountains, SalzburgerLand has a landscape that encompasses both beauty and adventure in its natural glory.
SalzburgerLand packs the proverbial punch and is famed for birthing Mozart, baroque architectural masterpieces and, (who could forget?) the Sound of Music. However, it’s not all yodelling on a hillside; the real gems of Austria’s smallest province are its natural ones.
We present to you the eight best ways to experience SalzburgerLand’s natural highs.
GET THE DRIFT
SalzburgerLand has more snow adventures than the average Australian can handle. There are almost 2,000km of slopes in the region!
For the best views, opt for Kitzsteinhorn-Kaprun. For a freeride mekka, pick Saalbach-Hinterglemm with its numerous freeride routes with different levels of difficulty.
THE INSIDE TRACK
There is something about walking in the Alps that will make you burst into Sound of Music songs you didn’t know you remembered. There is no shortage of trails to sing-along on, with 30% of the region home to unspoiled nature reserves. Untersberg offers Salzburg’s most accessible trails, with a range of hiking lengths and challenges.
ALONG FOR THE RIDE
If hooning down a mountaintop passed landscape you’d usually see in a Red Bull ad then you’re in for a treat in SalzburgerLand. Whether you’re a novice white knuckling your brakes or are embracing a freeride adventure, the Alps are the playground you’ve been waiting for. Choose from four amazing bike parks or the epic multi-day Watzmann-Hochkönig Circuit.
JUST ADD WATER
SalzburgerLand’s lakes. Whether it’s fishing, swimming, or kayaking, the regional mountain lakes provide a sanctuary from any city touring. Reedsee Lake is picture-perfect and the secluded Prebersee Lake has restorative healing powers.
AHEAD OF THE GAME
Less party, more tee these days? Golf has been a long-standing hobby of Salzburg locals since the 1930s so you’re in luck, with 17 outstanding courses. The most central is at Schloss Klessheim Castle; the most on-the-map is the Jack Nicklaus-designed Gut Altentann. Golfclub Zell am See-Kaprun is favoured for its vistas.
THRILLED TO BITS
SalzburgerLand is not short on adrenalin activities. Paraglide across the Alps, go spelunking into hidden caves or scale the rocks like Spiderman – it’s adventure to the max! For water-based thrills, the whitewater rafting or kayaking is world-class. From May to October, you can even walk deep into the world’s largest ice cave.
PICTURE OF HEALTH
It’s not all about high heart rates and thigh-burning climbs. If you’re more at home on the sofa than the slopes, then visit Tauern Spa Kaprun, with 20,000m² of thermal pools, saunas, and treatment rooms. The glassed skyline pool with views of Kitzsteinhorn Mountain is most spectacular. As is the unique sauna where bread is baked while you sweat.
HEAVENLY BODIES
You might not find too much online about stargazing in SalzburgerLand but with little in the way to light pollution, the clear Alpine skies can put on a show. Astro-tourists favour Lungau, thanks to its crisp air, high altitude, and wide-open spaces. Wish upon a star with us?
To discover more about Salzburgland, head to the Austria Tourism website.
Written by Zoe McFarlane, a KARRYON contributor.