Imagine a summer in Austria filled with the thrill of exploration. With its diverse range of hiking trails, Salzburg is the perfect destination for such an adventure. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly hike or a more challenging trek, Salzburg’s natural beauty and varied terrain offer something for everyone.
This article is your gateway to a summer of unforgettable hiking experiences in Austria! So, without further ado, let’s look at the best hiking trails in Salzburg to quench that thirst for adventure. But, before i forget, if you would like to know more about this beautiful country and everything you could do there, be sure to visit Austria’s official tourism website here!
Here are the Top Hiking Trails in Salzburg
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Krimml Waterfall Trail
This moderate, 8.2-kilometre hiking trail is a gem among the best hiking trails in Salzburg. Prepare to be enchanted by a kaleidoscope of wildflowers, a panoramic showcase of Austria’s finest vistas, captivating wildlife encounters, serene forest strolls, and a majestic cascading waterfall. From April to October, this trail opens its arms to hikers of all levels. With a manageable elevation gain of 461 metres, it’s a perfect choice for families and beginners, instilling confidence in your hiking abilities.
The Krimml Waterfall Trail is located within the Hohe Tauern National Park. This park boasts some of the largest waterfalls in Europe, and it’s no wonder! These waterfalls have a 380-metre drop, and because of this, they are a tourist hotspot. The Krimmler Wasserfallweg leads from the WasserWunderWelt in the valley along well-paved and regularly maintained walkways past the lower and middle falls to the upper fall.
Within 10-15 minutes, you can access the lowest waterfall, where the tallest waterfall comes into view at the one-and-a-half-hour mark. However, these durations all depend on your walking speed. Note that the trail is accessible from mid-April to the end of October, and there is a fee payable if you want to hike this trail. But, like all things of beauty, it is worth it.
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Untersberg Trail
Well, the Untersberg trail is the hardest out of the hiking trails in Saltzburg. It is, however, a shorter trail. This trail is considered challenging for its 5.3-kilometre point-to-point length. It must be the trail’s elevation gain of 1,393 metres. Damn! The Untersberg trail is situated near Grödig, a trendy area for hiking. Moreover, the ideal months to embark on this route are July to October. It’s the perfect summertime activity! During this walk, you’ll encounter a cave, a forest, some incredible views, and more! Unfortunately, this trail is not suitable for kids.
A cable car can take the load off if you do not want to walk back down. But let me first mention that Unterdberg is a table mountain situated between Berchtesgaden and Salzburg. What makes this trail so unique is the numerous caves that could be explored. One of the caves to explore is the Riesendinger shaft cave, known as Germany’s longest and deepest cave! Don’t venture too deep, and don’t get lost. Caves are not a joke.
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Lake Promenade Trail
Embark on a hiking trail unlike any other. This popular loop trail begins at the Zell am See train station, which takes you around the jaw-dropping Lake Zell. Along the lake promenade, spectacular panoramic views of Kitzsteinhorn and Grossglockner emerge. This trail is perfect for running, walking and hiking. Moreover, this trail is partially paved and one hundred per cent stroller-friendly. Lake Promenade is gorgeous, with large mountains in the distance, trees all around, and glittering waters reflecting the open blue skies above. It’s a magical trail.
Furthermore, the Lake Promenade trail boasts gorgeous views of the Kitzsteinhorn and Grossglockner. This is an easy trail with only a 143-metre elevation gain. But the trail is 11 kilometres and takes about two and a half hours to complete. The best time to tackle this trail is from March through September.
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Kapuzinerberg from Mirabellplatz
Short and sweet, that is what this trail is all about! This 3.4-kilometre loop trail takes about one and a half hours to complete. So, not so short and sweet for a trail of under 5 kilometres after all. The trail has an elevation gain of 233 metres and it stands out because of its accessibility throughout the year, making it among the best hiking trails in Saltzburg!
Be sure to wear the proper footgear. This is because you’ll need to navigate over tree roots, rocky sections, and uneven terrain. The trail network is extensive, with only one way in and one way out, so be sure to explore once you’re settled on the trail. Kapuzinerberg from Mirabellplatz is easily one of the most adventurous hiking trails in Slatzburg due to its display of fortresses and castle views.
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Moenchsberg in Salzburg
The easiest out of all the hiking trails in Salzburg is the Moenchberg in Salzburg hike. It is a 5.8-kilometre loop trail and is considered an easy route suitable for the entire family. You must set aside at least 2 hours to complete the route. Not only is this trail open to hiking all year long, but it also boasts unbelievable views of Salzburg, making it the most magical of all the hiking trails in Salzburg.
It’s difficult to imagine that this trail from the Bärenwirt to the Mönchsberg is in the city’s bustling heart. Walking through an almost mystical, sage-green forest won’t feel like you are in modern society. You can enjoy the beautiful displays of the city’s past, present, and future. You can also bask in the greenery that envelops you as you conquer the panoramic path.
You may also feel the urge to explore the Museum of Modernity from the outside and within. If you continue along the route, you stumble upon the gorgeous Pallottinr monastery church. These historical sights, panoramic views and paths, and the naturalistic feel of the journey make the Moenchsberg trail among the easiest yet most beautiful hiking trails in Salzburg. So, the only question remaining is when will you hike it?
If you enjoy this article, be sure to read about the best ski resorts in Austria
Top Hiking Trails in Salzburg Promise Only Adventure
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Every hiking trail in Salzburg offers something exceptional to treasure, even if the trail itself has long ended. From marvelling at the cascading beauty of the Krimml waterfalls to conquering the heights of the Untersberg Mountains, Salzburg is the ideal backdrop for your hiking adventures. So, if you’re craving to see Austria’s beauty, these hiking trails in Salzburg are the perfect place to start!
