August 2, 2025, 12:35 pm | Read time: 8 minutes

A highlight of my childhood visits to my grandparents? Clearly, Grandpa’s hiking stick! My Grandpa Siegfried and Grandma Irmgard were a couple who, for their generation, traveled quite a bit: Italy, France, but especially Austria captivated them. Grandpa’s hiking stick, proudly adorned with silver badges, was a testament to their travels. Places like Krimml, Zell am See, Bad Gastein, and St. Gilgen were frequently represented—hardly a place in the Austrian Salzburg region that my grandparents hadn’t explored. And me? I follow in their footsteps today with growing enthusiasm.

The forests, so enchanting that you might wonder if trolls live there, the wild animals you can observe on hikes, and the hearty food that would likely make any nutritionist shake their head at the amount of saturated fats. Speaking of food: I personally find it tastes best when I’ve worked up a good appetite beforehand—and that’s easily achieved on an active vacation in Austria. Whether you’re on challenging hiking trails, riding a bike (high-quality e-bikes are easy to rent in many places), or cooling off in a crystal-clear mountain lake, there are countless ways to be active here. I noticed this on my last trip through the Salzburg region. Here, I share my tips for an active vacation in the Salzburg region, between mountains, water, and airy heights.

Hiking Route 1: From Neukirchen to Wildkogelalm

The hike begins in the charming town of Neukirchen am Großvenediger and initially follows paved bike paths uphill. Passing Gasthof Schütthof, the path heads toward the Untersalzbach Waterfalls and becomes quite adventurous: In places, the trail is quite steep and leads directly through the forest. After about an hour and a half, you reach Stockeralm, a rustic hut at about 1,600 meters above sea level. Time for a well-deserved snack!

Snack Tip: Stop at Stockeralm

Stockeralm is everything you could wish for in a genuine alpine hut: sitting on rustic wooden benches in the sun while the scent of fresh bread and smoked bacon wafts over the terrace. For a light snack, there’s fresh buttermilk with fruit; otherwise, the portions are hearty. The food ranges from savory cheese dumplings with sauerkraut to homemade curd strudel with vanilla sauce. Plus, the view is as refreshing as the food.

From here, continue to Wildkogelalm, a sprawling high plateau with panoramic views of the Großvenediger. If you like, hike the additional 45 minutes—or simply relax on the alpine meadow. The return trip is conveniently made with the Wildkogelbahn, which takes you directly back to Neukirchen. For children (and all “Peter Pans” who have stayed young at heart), the “Slide Hiking Trail” starts just a few meters below the Wildkogelbahn. Here, you slide down a total of ten stainless steel slides ranging from 22 to 53 meters in length back to the valley.

Hiking Route 2: To Schmittenhöhe – 1,220 meters elevation, 40 peaks over 3,000 meters

If you’re ready for a longer, more athletic tour, the ascent to Schmittenhöhe near Zell am See is a real highlight. The hike starts directly at the base station of the Schmittenhöhebahn and stretches over about 17 kilometers with 1,220 meters of elevation gain.

The route initially takes you through wooded switchbacks, then across meadows, and finally over rugged paths to the mountain station at over 1,900 meters. During the six hours of pure walking time, you’ll repeatedly enjoy breathtaking views—such as of the Zeller Basin, the Steinernes Meer, or even across to the Großglockner.

At the highest point, you’re greeted with a true postcard view: the sight of around 40 peaks over 3,000 meters and the picturesque Sisi Chapel, a small church in honor of Empress Elisabeth. It’s a great spot for a break with landjäger sausages and pretzel rolls. The hike is best undertaken between April and October—provided you have surefootedness and good physical condition.

Bike Tour: From Krimml to Zell am See – on the Tauern Cycle Path

If you’re more inclined to explore the Salzburg region on two wheels during your active vacation, the Tauern Cycle Path is ideal. The section from Krimml to Zell am See is particularly beautiful. It’s about 70 kilometers long and offers a perfect mix of nature, enjoyment, and small adventures.

1. Section: Vorderkrimml – Krimml – Krimmler Waterfalls

The tour begins gently behind the Vorderkrimml train station, where the bike path runs directly along the Krimmler Ache. Shortly thereafter, you reach the impressive Krimmler Waterfalls—a true natural spectacle and, at over 380 meters, the highest waterfalls in Europe.

2. Section: Krimml – Neukirchen

You continue cycling through small hamlets, cross streams, and follow a pleasantly graveled bike path along the main road. Eventually, you reach Neukirchen am Großvenediger—a perfect spot for a break.

Ice Cream Tip: Soft Serve Stop at “Domizil Brugger”

Located right on the market street is Domizil Brugger, a cozy inn with a legendary soft serve window. The flavors—cinnamon, banana, strawberry, or vanilla—are homemade and taste better than any other soft serve you’ve had. Whether as a refreshment or a small reward: a must!

3. Section: Neukirchen – Mittersill

After the ice cream, the path leads through meadows, past ruins, and through small wooded areas. A scenic section where you can let the bike roll—with a magnificent view of the Hohe Tauern. Upon reaching Mittersill, a culinary break is worthwhile.

Pizza Break at Pizzeria Il Centro

Located in the middle of the town square is Pizzeria Il Centro, with a small guest garden and honest cuisine. The pizzas are airy, crispy, and generously topped. The hosts? Warm, humorous, with a genuine sense of hospitality.

4. Section: Mittersill – Kaprun

The tour continues along the Salzach River through Stuhlfelden, Uttendorf, and Niedernsill–past castles, quiet alpine pastures, and charming villages. The paths alternate between paved bike paths and quiet side roads. Particularly idyllic: the section along the river with picnic spots.

5. Section: Kaprun – Zell am See

To conclude, the route takes you on a flat section directly to Zell am See, where you can roll out along the lakeside promenade and reward yourself with a dip in the cool water. If you still have energy, take a lap around the lake—or treat yourself to an apple strudel with whipped cream.

The Most Beautiful Swimming Spot: Fuschlsee

Crystal clear, turquoise blue, and surrounded by wooded hills, Fuschlsee is one of the most beautiful swimming lakes in the Salzburg region. The water is so pure that it has drinking water quality. On warm days, you can relax at the natural beach in Fuschl am See on the large bathing pier or on the shady lawn. For those who prefer a quieter experience, there are secluded swimming spots around the lake for a peaceful dip in nature.

More on the topic

Travel Itinerary Featuring the Most Beautiful Places in the Country The Perfect Road Trip Through Austria

Carinthia, Tyrol or Vienna? Austria Vacation–The Perfect Destination for Everyone

Paragliding over Wildkogel

Looking for a bit of a thrill? In the Zell am See-Kaprun region or over the Pinzgau, paragliding is a popular sport. Tandem flights make the experience accessible even for beginners. The flight from Wildkogel, our first hiking route, not only offers a sense of freedom but also a spectacular view over the entire valley. Various providers offer flights with instruction included.

The Best Hotels for an Active Vacation in the Salzburg Region

1. Wanderhotel Gassner, Neukirchen

A family-run hotel with heart. In addition to the award-winning spa, over 1,200 square meters, the hotel offers guided hiking tours with its own guide from Monday to Friday. The hosts, the Gassner siblings, are happy to provide tips for hiking routes and pack landjäger sausages, rolls, and granola bars for a proper snack on the go.

Hadergasse 167, 5741 Neukirchen am Großvenediger, Austria

2. Hotel Krimmlerfälle, Krimml

Ideal for water lovers and mountain enthusiasts, this hotel offers views of the highest waterfalls in Europe. The hotel provides e-bike rentals and guided tours and is located directly in the Hohe Tauern National Park.

Oberkrimml 42, 5743 Krimml, Austria

3. Der Seehof, Zell am See

Located directly on Lake Zell, you can swim or set off on a bike ride. The in-house wellness area provides relaxation after your tour.

Salzmannstraße 3, 5700 Zell am See, Austria

4. Das Alpenhaus Kaprun

For adrenaline junkies: This active hotel partners with paragliding schools for an excursion over Zell am See. The hotel itself boasts modern amenities and panoramic views.

Schloßstraße 2, 5710 Kaprun, Austria

5. Hotel Lohningerhof, Maria Alm

A true insider tip for cyclists on their active vacation in the Salzburg region: The hotel offers in-house rental bikes and tour tips for every fitness level. It is also family-friendly and charming with a focus on sustainability.

Hochkönigstraße 29, 5761 Maria Alm, Austria