Hiking the Salzburgerland Alps, Austria

This holiday is a combination of our one week holiday in Maria Alm and our one week holiday in Bad Hofgastein.

One of Austria’s best kept secrets, Maria Alm is in the Hochkönig region of Austria, in the Salzburgerland close to the border with Germany. The valley is dominated by the rocky peaks of the Hochkönig Massif which provide the awesome backdrop for much of the walking. There is a wealth of walking, from strolls through flower-filled meadows to more challenging walks to peaks over 2000m. You'll cover much of the 45 miles of the Königsweg long distance trail. Trails throughout the valley will appeal to those interested in butterflies and flowers. You'll use the local Wanderbus which travels along the valley throughout the day and stops at all major walking trails and in all the villages. 

Just an hour south of Salzburg lies the charming spa town of Bad Hofgastein. There is a well marked system of paths both above and below the tree line whilst mountain rail and cable ways, combined with an efficient Post Bus network, enables you to wander up into this mountain region. Bad Hofgastein is located at the confluence of several valleys, so there are many and varied walks. Several of the walks take you along the ‘Salzburger Almenweg’, a long distance trail linking picturesque alpine farms where local cheeses and hams are produced. Peaks well over 2000m, such as the Hüttenkogel, can be reached as well as panorama paths and impossibly picturesque mountain lakes. At the end of the day we return to the spa resort of Bad Hofgastein with its vast spa complex of pools and green areas to relax in.

The rustic mountain huts are one of the area’s particular charms, these are magical places which provide welcome rest stops along the way with beer, coffee and apple strudel.