SalzburgerLand in Summer
Alpine summer with hiking, cycling, bathing lakes and family excursions
Introduction
A summer holiday in SalzburgerLand feels like a light and breezy day by the lake, a hearty snack at a mountain hut, or a picnic in the countryside with your loved ones. In SalzburgerLand, nature takes centre stage. The warm season even has its own name here: "Almsommer" or Alpine Summer. It’s all about active days and enjoying the outdoors – 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?
Around 1,740 alpine huts open their doors in summer. These welcoming mountain huts serve regional specialities and drinks, and sometimes host lively alpine festivals. Families will find themed hiking trails, nature playgrounds and child-friendly rest areas throughout the region. Those using the SalzburgerLand Card enjoy additional benefits at many attractions, from cable cars and museums to adventure parks.
The Hohe Tauern National Park is a highlight for nature lovers, with waterfalls, alpine landscapes and rich biodiversity waiting to be explored. The Salzburger Seenland invites visitors to swim, try stand-up paddling or simply relax by its crystal-clear lakes. The Salzkammergut, partly located in SalzburgerLand, has been a popular summer retreat for almost 200 years, combining gentle alpine scenery with historic towns such as Salzburg.
Whether it is luggage-free hiking, mountain bike tours, guided alpine walks or wellness in the mountains, summer in SalzburgerLand offers experiences for families, couples and anyone who enjoys nature, outdoor activity and regional cuisine.
SalzburgerLand Card
This visitor card gives you access to attractions and excursion destinations in the province of SalzburgerLand and the city of Salzburg.
Events in SalzburgerLand
Find highlights during your stay in SalzbugerLand's calendar of events.
Meet SalzburgerLand
Top highlights
Hohe Tauern National Park
The Alps' largest national park exceeds even the boldest expectations: The protected region boasts over 250 peaks above 3,000 metres and 342 glaciers in the midst of 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 be explored with the guidance of national park rangers, while the National Park Museum in Mittersill creatively showcases the park’s highlights.
Regions
Cities and places
Top day trip: Salzwelten salt mines
As early as the 6th century BC, Celts were settling in Hallein near Salzburg due to local salt deposits. However, the name "Salzburg" (literally, "Salt Fortress") wasn't documented until around 755. From 1190 onwards, the thriving salt trade brought wealth and influence to Salzburg's 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.
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.
Top events
Famous personalities
„The Sound of Music“
Few musical films have left such a lasting global impact as The Sound of Music. Filmed in Salzburg and throughout SalzburgerLand, it brings together music, landscape and the true story of Maria Augusta Trapp and her remarkable singing family in a timeless cinematic experience. What began as a personal story grew into a worldwide success that has shaped generations.
Many of the film's locations can still be visited today: Hellbrunn Palace, the Mirabell Gardens in the city of Salzburg, the Basilica of Mondsee, and St Gilgen on Lake Wolfgang. These are places where film scenes and real landscapes overlap – and where the music still seems to echo.
Recipes
Unique places to stay
Why is Alpine farming so important?
Alpine farming helps preserve the cultural landscape and ensures the safety of valleys, as managed Alpine pastures prevent avalanches and mudslides.
It prevents overgrowth, which in turn 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 the milk of cows, sheep, and goats.
Alpine pastures offer an energising retreat in a beautiful mountain landscape.