Hiking in Salzburg, Austria – Best Spots & Local Tips

Salzburg's diverse geography offers a huge range of hiking experiences, from high-altitude routes in the Central Alps to serene lake circuits and historical ridge walks. The Hohe Tauern National Park in southern Salzburg is home to Austria’s highest mountains, including the Grossglockner and Grossvenediger, and features dramatic glacier views, wildflower meadows, and wildlife such as ibex and marmots. The Krimml Waterfalls, among Europe’s tallest, are accessible by a scenic trail and serve as a gateway to longer hikes in the Venediger Group.\n\nThe Salzkammergut Lake District, straddling Salzburg and Upper Austria, is one of the region’s most loved hiking areas. Trails around Lake Wolfgang, Lake Fuschl, and Lake Hintersee offer a mix of forest walks, ridge hikes, and lakeside promenades. The Zwölferhorn and Schafberg peaks are accessible by foot or via cable car, making them ideal for panoramic half-day hikes.\n\nCloser to the city of Salzburg, the Untersberg and Gaisberg mountains provide excellent options for urban-accessible hiking. These peaks offer views over the city and into the Bavarian Alps, with well-marked trails ranging from easy loops to full-day ridge traverses. The Tennengebirge and Dachstein West ranges, near the towns of Abtenau and Werfenweng, are less frequented and great for hikers seeking solitude and alpine character.\n\nAnother standout destination is the Rauris Valley, a quiet gem in the Hohe Tauern that offers everything from gentle family paths through pine forests to ambitious climbs to peaks like Hocharn. The valley is known for its gold-mining history, birdwatching, and protected landscapes.\n\nMany trails in Salzburg connect to alpine huts offering meals, accommodation, and cultural immersion. Popular hut-to-hut treks include segments of the Alpe-Adria-Trail and Via Alpina, which pass through Salzburg’s southern ranges and connect with neighboring regions.\n\nHiking season typically runs from late May to mid-October, though lower-elevation walks in the lake districts and city surroundings are accessible year-round. Spring and autumn are especially beautiful, offering wildflowers or golden larches with fewer crowds.\n\nWith a combination of alpine grandeur, lakeside charm, and cultural landmarks, Salzburg offers one of the most complete and rewarding hiking regions in the Alps.

Top Ways to Find Certified Guides in Salzburg for hiking: Crion.org for booking professional hiking guides across Salzkammergut, Hohe Tauern, and Tennengebirge. Local tourism offices in Zell am See, Werfenweng, and St. Gilgen connecting visitors with certified mountain leaders. Alpine clubs offering organized hikes, cultural tours, and multi-day treks. Hut networks and nature parks with affiliated guides for educational or themed walks. Local guesthouses and tour providers offering private hikes and transfers.

Best Places to Rent & Buy Hiking Equipment in Salzburg: Outdoor gear shops in Salzburg city, Zell am See, and Bad Hofgastein selling footwear, poles, backpacks, and layers. Rental services at cable car stations like Schafberg and Zwölferhorn for day hikers. Tourist centers providing trail maps and emergency gear. Mountain huts and refuges with limited gear available for rent or purchase. Online suppliers shipping hiking gear directly to hotels or apartments in the region.