This family-friendly circular walk has some beautiful views. The highlight is the Einsiedelei Saalfelden, a hermitage overlooking Saalfelden. This fascinating place impresses children and adults alike. Located slightly above Schloss Lichtenberg castle, the hermitage and its tiny chapel appear to be carved into the mountain. Built in the 17th century, it remains one of Europe’s last remaining occupied hermitages.

Directions

The starting point for this hike is the Bürgerau-Saalfelden car park. Take the footpath across a little bridge to Schloss Lichtenberg castle, which was first documented in 1281. Continue through the woods up to the hermitage. Wooden stairs and platforms provide access to the individual buildings and scenic views of Saalfelden. Once you’re done exploring, continue to Bachwinkel, where an easy footpath leads back to the starting point. The circular walk takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete.

This hike is a real classic and equally popular with locals and tourists. The destination is the Peter-Wiechenthaler-Hütte mountain hut, owned by the Austrian Alpine Association, which offers fantastic views of the Salzburg mountains. The hut is not only popular for its sunny terrace but is also an important base for mountaineers keen to climb the nearby summits as well as long-distance hikers journeying across the Alps. The hut can either be reached via a regular footpath or by taking a detour via the Jägersteig path. The latter is for experienced hikers and mountaineers only.

Directions

The hike begins at the Bachwinkel car park in Saalfelden. Follow the signposted path through a thick forest, followed by some more difficult, rocky terrain. On sunny days, the heat makes this section across the rocks extremely strenuous, so don’t forget to bring sun cream and plenty of water. Continue along the path until you reach the hut. Here, take a moment to savour the spectacular 360-degree view, catch your breath and sample some of the local food. Once you’re recovered from the 2.5-hour ascent, make your way back into the valley.

There’s an alternative route to the hut for experienced hikers who are sure-footed and have a good head for heights. Half-way up, leave the regular footpath and take the demanding Jägersteig path. Allow 5.5 hours if you plan on taking this route and be prepared for a real challenge.

This hike takes you on a geological journey of discovery to the Birnbachloch, the 20-metre-wide entrance to a karstic spring. The shimmering, crystal-clear waters of the spring are like an untouched lake. Researchers believe the spring stems from an underground lake that could be a part of a vast hidden system of caves. Just a few hundred metres further you will find the Birnbachlochgletscher glacier, Central Europe’s lowest glacier.

Directions

The hike begins at the Steinbergstadion football pitch in Leogang. Follow the path through the Wetzsteinwald forest to the Leoganger Ullachtal valley car park. From there, the trail crosses a dried-up stream and lush meadows to the Passauer Hütte mountain hut. Follow the signposted trail to the northwest, leading you through rocky terrain that becomes more and more barren. The mountain pines growing on the limestone give this environment its distinct, rugged character. Shortly before you arrive at the Birnbachloch, we recommend you stop to take in the impressive view of the Birnbachgletscher glacier. In the 19th century, beer brewers from Munich used the ice from the glacier to cool their beer cellars on hot summer days. The ice was transported hundreds of metres on wooden sleds down into the valley.

You can either take the same way back or choose a different, slightly more exposed, route back to Leogang, provided you aren’t scared of heights. Take the suspension bridge at the Unterstandshütte hut to the inn of Gasthof Priesteregg and continue onto the signposted path towards your starting point.