What to do in the Alps around Salzburg?

Are you thinking about staying in the Austrian Alps? Have you considered the Salzburg region?

Typically, travelers planning their stays in the Austrian Alps start looking for information about the Tyrol. It is certainly an excellent choice, but the Austrian Alps are not limited to Tyrol and its capital Innsbruck.

Salzburg, another capital of the Alps

When arriving in this region, you cannot miss a visit to the city.

First, visit Salzburg

Salzburg, nestled between the peaks of the Alps and the undulating banks of the Salzach, is a symphony of culture, history and landscapes, a city where every alley, every square and every building tells a story. The birthplace of Mozart, the city still resonates with the music of the prodigy, its notes floating in the air during the many festivals that enliven its streets and concert halls, a living tribute to the genius who was born there. The baroque facades of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the majestic Salzburg Cathedral and the dominant and protective Hohensalzburg Fortress, provide a theatrical backdrop to this living tableau, where art and architecture meet in perfect harmony. The Mirabell Gardens, with their orderly paths and silent statues, are a haven of peace, a place for strolling and contemplation where the beauty of the flowers and the view of the fortress invite you to dream. The local gastronomy, with its specialties such as Salzburger Nockerl or craft beers, promises taste discoveries that delight the palate, an immersion in the authentic flavors of Austria.

The Salzburg Alps and the Salzkammergut

But Salzburg is also the gateway to the natural wonders of the Alps, where crystal-clear lakes, lush green mountains and hidden caves await nature lovers for unforgettable adventures, hiking through breathtaking landscapes or peaceful sailing on shimmering waters.

Around Salzburg, two Austrian regions are particularly interesting for you who love the mountains. The Salzburg Alps, and the region of Salzkammergut, to which an AlpAddict page is entirely dedicated.

The Alps south of Salzburg, on the edge of the Hohen Tauern range, are home to some unmissable gems. Here the villages are at low altitude, but the snow holds well because the climate is very cold in winter, and the mountains themselves are over 3000 meters high. So no need to worry, these are beautiful alpine landscapes that you are going to discover.

Zell am See, its lake and its mountains

The Zell am See region is a green paradise in summer, and a succession of ski areas in winter. The village of Zell am See, set on the edge of a lake that changes tone by playing with the color of the sky, welcomes you in a warm environment. Water activities in summer, skiing in winter and always beautiful and high mountains as a backdrop.

If you want a bit more challenging skiing, head to Kaprun, on the other side of the beautiful plain that separates the lake from this pretty resort. About twenty kilometres up a side valley you will also find the Saalbach resort and the Glemmtal ski area.

More distant discoveries will take you on the unmissable Grossglockner road, one of the highest in the Alps, but above all one of the most spectacular.

Badgastein and its thermal baths

The second major destination in the Salzburg Alps is undoubtedly Badgastein. A renowned spa town in the heart of the Hohen Tauern, Badgastein surprises you with its imposing Belle Epoque architecture, which is also common to many spa towns. In summer, the village is immersed in greenery, and in winter, covered in snow. Magical! Badgastein is definitely a wellness resort: you can enjoy a unique experience in the hot springs of the Felsentherme, especially after a day of skiing.

All these destinations as well as other ski resorts like Wagrain, the very snow-covered Obertauern or Schladming are less than an hour from the beautiful city of Salzburg which you should not miss for anything in the world.

A few kilometers from Salzburg, you can also discover the Berchtesgaden Alps, with the magnificent Königsee. It's no longer Austria, it's already Bavaria, all the more reason to go and discover new horizons.

The Salzburg Alps allow you to combine your desire for a mountain holiday with a cultural discovery of the city of Salzburg. This is often the case in the Alps, because mountain areas have often played an important role in the political history of countries, and large cities have developed there, far from the central power.

Things to do in the Salzburg Alps

Above all, don't forget to visit Salzburg
Take the road in summer Grossglockner
Stroll along the lake in Zell am See, and watch the sound and light show le soir
Take height at Schmittenhöhe, from Zell am See
From Kaprun, venture into the world of glaciers with the Gipfelwelt 3000 cable car.
Strolling around the spa town of Badgastein
Take advantage of warm waters Badgastein thermal baths for a relaxing stay, for example at the Felsentherme!
Feel the adrenaline rush on the suspension bridges in the void while enjoying the view of the Stubnerkogel site
Do a foray into Bavarian land to visit discover Berchtesgaden and the Königsee
A day trip to the Salzkammergut