Mountain Biking in Salzburg – Best Spots & Local Tips

Salzburg's mountain biking terrain is spread across alpine zones, pre-alpine ridges, and glacial valleys. One of the most renowned areas is Saalbach-Hinterglemm, a bike paradise offering over 400 km of marked trails, including downhill, enduro, and flow lines. With lift access and purpose-built tracks like the Hacklberg Trail, it’s a favorite for technical riders and freeride enthusiasts. Nearby Leogang Bike Park (technically in Salzburg state) hosts international competitions and has multiple lines for all skill levels.\n\nIn Zell am See-Kaprun, bikers enjoy stunning lake views and glacier scenery. The Maiskogel trails provide flowy loops, while the more advanced Kitzsteinhorn glacier trail offers high-altitude challenges. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is also popular among e-MTB riders, offering long-distance climbs with rewarding descents.\n\nFor cross-country and tour riders, the Gastein Valley delivers quiet gravel routes and forested climbs, with access to alpine pastures and panoramic ridgelines. The Tennengebirge and Dachstein West areas offer off-the-beaten-path trails through high meadows, pine forests, and traditional alpine farms.\n\nCloser to Salzburg city, the Untersberg area and trails around Hallein provide accessible rides with elevation and views, ideal for short adventures or afternoon loops. The Tauernradweg MTB variants allow for longer gravel-based tours linking towns and cultural sites.\n\nSalzburg also supports MTB tourism with bike-friendly hotels, certified MTB guides, bike transport on regional trains, and a robust network of GPX-mapped routes via apps like Komoot and Outdooractive. Many alpine huts offer food, repairs, and charging for e-MTBs, making multi-day tours practical.\n\nThe riding season typically runs from late May to mid-October, depending on snow cover and elevation. Lower trails near lakes and towns are accessible earlier, while high mountain trails open in early summer. Autumn riding is especially scenic and quieter.\n\nWhether you're hitting gravity lines in Saalbach or cruising alpine roads in the Gastein Valley, Salzburg’s MTB scene is one of the best in the Alps — adventurous, well-organized, and packed with variety.

Top Ways to Find Certified Guides in Salzburg for mountain biking: Crion.org to book experienced MTB guides in Saalbach, Zell am See, and Gastein. Bike schools offering technical coaching, flow trail tours, and multi-day trips. MTB associations with group rides and event calendars. Tourist offices and hotels providing vetted guide contacts and packages. Certified instructors in bike parks for skills training and intro courses.

Best Places to Rent & Buy Mountain Biking Equipment in Salzburg: Rental centers at Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Leogang, and Zell am See offering full-suspension MTBs and e-MTBs. Bike shops in Salzburg city and Bischofshofen for apparel, parts, and repairs. Resorts with rental fleets and bike garages. Online services delivering rental bikes to accommodations. Alpine huts and tour operators offering essential tools and charging for e-MTB riders.