SalzburgerLand in Summer
Holidays between Alpine pastures, lakes and waterfalls

Crystal-clear lakes and waterfalls, Alpine meadows, forests, and an enchanting mountain world: SalzburgerLand feels close to nature, airy and light.

A summer holiday in SalzburgerLand feels like … a light and breezy day by the lake, … a hearty snack at a mountain hut, … a picnic in the countryside with your loved ones. In SalzburgerLand, nature takes centre stage. The warmest season even has its own name here: Almsommer. It’s all about activity, sports, and enjoying the outdoors – a pure alpine lifestyle! The people of SalzburgerLand love all kinds of outdoor activities in the fresh air. And how could they not, with such an abundance of lakes, forests, mountains, and alpine pastures?

Take, for example, Hohe Tauern National Park: Austria’s largest national park is the star when it comes to biodiversity, alpine landscapes, and waterfalls. Salzburger Seenland is loved for its crystal-clear lakes, while the Salzkammergut has lived up to its reputation as a picturesque summer retreat for almost 200 years.

Quick info about the SalzburgerLand
Capital city:Salzburg
Area:7.156 km²
Population:approx. 571,500 (as of 2024)
Percentage of forest:51,9%
Highest mountain:Großvenediger (3,674 meters)
National park:Hohe Tauern
Nature parks:3
Spas:6

SalzburgerLand Card
The all-inclusive card for a summer holiday with many attractions and excursion destinations in SalzburgerLand and the city of Salzburg.

Events in SalzburgerLand
Traditional and modern highlights can be found in the Calendar of events

Meet the SalzburgerLand

Top highlights

Protected nature in SalzburgerLand

The Hohe Tauern National Park

The largest national park in the entire Alps exceeds even the boldest expectations: The protected region boasts over 250 peaks above 3,000 metres and 342 glaciers in pristine nature. At its heart is the Großglockner. Standing at 3,798 metres, it is Austria’s highest mountain, towering over the massif. The famous Großglockner High Alpine Road offers a thrilling, winding drive up to Austria’s highest viewing platform.

The homeland of eagles, ibex, and marmots can also be explored with national park rangers out in the wild. And the National Park Museum in Mittersill creatively showcases the park’s highlights under one roof.

Regions

Cities and places

Salt Worlds in Salzburg

Experience 2.600 years of salt history with all senses

The salt deposits in Dürrnberg near Hallein, close to the city, led the Celts to settle there as early as the 6th century BC. However, the name "Salzburg" was first documented around 755. From 1190 onwards, the thriving salt trade brought wealth and influence to the Salzburg archbishops – the baroque buildings inspired by Italian architecture still bear witness to this today. The Salzach River was the most important transport route for salt.

However, the annexation to the Habsburg Monarchy in 1816 brought an end to the trade, as the Habsburgs favoured the salt mines in Hallstatt and Bad Ischl. The Hallein saltworks in SalzburgerLand were finally closed in 1989. Today, visitors can still experience the salt mine on an impressive guided tour.

Sights in SalzburgerLand: For everyone with a love of music, art and nature

Top events

Famous personalities

Food and drink in SalzburgerLand: Experience the creative, enjoy the traditional!

Recipes

Unique places to stay

Climate Protection Info

Why is alpine farming so important?
  • Alpine farming helps preserve the cultural landscape and ensures the safety of valleys, as managed alpine pastures protect against avalanches and mudslides.

  • It prevents overgrowth, which promotes biodiversity.

  • Up to 70 different herbs can grow per square metre on alpine meadows (compared to an average of just seven in the valley). This biodiversity is crucial for nature.

  • Alpine farmers and herders produce valuable dairy products from cows, sheep, and goats.

  • Alpine pastures offer an energising retreat in a beautiful mountain landscape, embodying simplicity and authenticity.

FAQs

  • Alongside rivers cycle or pedal high up into the mountains

  • Hiking over alpine pastures to the summit - with a well-deserved panoramic view of lakes and glaciers.

  • Swing your golf club in front of mighty mountain ranges and lakes.

  • Wind for surfing, white water for rafting: In SalzburgerLand, you can easily get into every kind of water sports.

  • Saalbach Hinterglemm

    The valley in the middle of the Pinzgau grass mountains is a meeting point for mountain bikers and families.

  • Hochkönig

    The royally mighty mountain at 2,181 metres is extremely tranquil for many activities.

  • Gastein Valley

    The magnificent Art Nouveau houses of the Belle Époque give the valley its special charm.

  • Zell am See-Kaprun

    Another wonderful mix of glacier, mountains, and lake.

  • Oberstauern

    Views at up to 2,500 metres above sea level inspire hiking in the magnificent Alpine region.

  • Lungau

    From 1,000 metres above sea level, peaks, alpine pastures, and mountain lakes are best explored on foot or by bike.

  • Hohe Tauern National Park

    The region boasts over 250 three-thousand-metre peaks and 342 glaciers in protected natural surroundings.

  • Wolfgangsee: A picturesque lake in the Salzkammergut, surrounded by the mountains of the Dachstein massif.

  • Lake Zell: A large lake near Zell am See, popular for water sports such as sailing, windsurfing and swimming.

  • Lake Fuschl: Another beautiful lake in the Salzkammergut, known for its clear water and tranquil atmosphere. Fuschlsee is a popular destination for swimming, boating and walks along its shores.

  • Hintersee: A picturesque mountain lake in the Tennengebirge mountains, surrounded by impressive rock formations.

  • Wallersee: Famous for water sports such as sailing, surfing and fishing.

  • Mattsee: Popular for its clean water and charming surroundings, Lake Mattsee is a popular destination for water sports such as swimming, sailing and windsurfing.

  • Lake Obertrum: Part of the Trumer lake district in Flachgau, Lake Obertrum is a popular destination for water sports such as sailing, surfing and stand-up paddling.

The SalzburgerLand Card is an all-inclusive pass that grants free entry to around 180 experiences and attractions in the city and region of Salzburg, available for 6 or 12 days. Many offers can be enjoyed multiple times, while thermal baths, cable cars, and a few other attractions can be visited once during the 6 or 12 days.

  • Lakes and swimming pools

  • Castles and palaces

  • Museums and exhibitions

  • Show mines

  • Nature experiences

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