Ready to explore Salzburg’s stunning landscapes? Strap on your hiking boots and join us as we uncover the best trails this iconic region has to offer. From easy walks to challenging climbs, Salzburg is a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts.
We’ve scouted the top spots that promise beautiful views and memorable adventures. Let’s dive into the trails that make Salzburg a hiker’s dream destination!
We’ve completed all of these hikes in Salzburg with our 1 year old son César while carrying him in his hiking carrier. So if you’re a family looking to do the same but you want to include some thrilling hikes and not just the boring ones then this article is exactly what you’ll need!
Below you can find an overview of all of the hiking trails in Salzburg Austria that we completed, including all the details that you need to prepare your trip!
The Most Beautiful Hikes in Salzburg
1. Arthurhaus to Erichhütte Hike – Hochkönig
Distance – 9.8km
Elevation – 314m
Duration – 3 hours
Starting Point – Arthurhaus, Mühlbach am Hochkönig
End Point – Erichhütte car park
Level – Easy to Moderate. Compared to other hikes in Salzburg the elevation gain is more gradually and the terrain itself isn’t too technical. I carried César on my back during the entire trail and felt confident doing so the entire time.
Parking – You can either park your car at the Arthurhaus parking lot or at the Erichhütte car park.
Best time to visit – June throught October, depending on the weather circumstances.
The trail from Arthurhaus to Erichhütte is a one way hike that is part of the Salzburger Almenweg. You can either park your car at the car park behind Arthurhaus (cash only parking) or at the parking lot below Erichhütte. Between these parking lots there’s bus #593 for which you can find the bus schedule here and which runs on an hourly basis.
We started hiking from Arthurhaus which I really liked, especially for the views! The only difference between both ways is that the parking lot at Erichhütte is free. Do know that if you choose to start at the Erichhütte parking lot you’ll start with a pretty descent incline.
This hike takes you along the base of the stunning Hochkönig mountains, through pine forests and to several of the cutest mountain huts. We decided to stop at one of the Four Huts, towards the middle of the hiking trail, and indulged in some local beer and kaiserschmarren.
After returning back to Arthurhaus you can either choose to return to your hotel or add the short hike up to Hochkeil to your day itinerary.
🎒 We did this hike with César in our Thule child carrier, and it honestly made hiking with him so much easier. We’ve used it on quite a few mountain trails now, and I really like how easy it is to adjust and how well it protects him from the sun, wind, and the occasional rain shower.
📖 READ MORE – Arthurhaus to Erichhütte Hike In Hochkönig
2. Hochkeil Hike – Hochkönig
Distance – 5.6km
Elevation – 288m
Duration – 2 hours
Starting Point – Arthurhaus, Mühlbach am Hochkönig
End Point – Arthurhaus, Mühlbach am Hochkönig
Level – Easy
Parking – Park your car at the Arthurhaus car park (cash only)
Best time to visit – June throught October, depending on the weather circumstances.
The hike up to Hochkeil gives you an insane view over the Hochkönig mountain range and is a must do hike in Salzburg. Especially if you’re a fan of big views for little effort!
Before you reach the top you can also make a very small detour to the right (before the last turn on the trail). Here you’ll find a very small pond which offers a stunning reflection on a clear day.
I would have loved this moment even more during sunset but oh well, I already feel very blessed that César was such a champ during all of the hikes!
🎒 We did this hike with César in our Thule child carrier, and it honestly made hiking with him so much easier. We’ve used it on quite a few mountain trails now, and I really like how easy it is to adjust and how well it protects him from the sun, wind, and the occasional rain shower.
📖 READ MORE – Hiking to Hochkeil – A Scenic Summit Trail in Salzburg’s Mountains
3. Hintersee Trail through the Schösswendklamm – Hohen Tauern National Park
Distance – 8km
Elevation – 350m
Duration – 2.5 hours
Starting Point – From Mittersill, drive in the direction of Felbertauern until you see a junction “Hintersee” on the right after a good 8 kilometers. Continue for another 300 meters until you reach a small parking lot on the left. The hike through the Schösswendklamm gorge starts from here.
End Point – This is an out & back hiking trail
Level – Easy
Best time to visit – June through October, depending on the weather circumstances.
While you can also reach the beautiful Hintersee by car, I highly recommend taking the scenic route up!
This outward and return route begins at the Schösswendklamm and always leads along a river until you arrive at Hintersee. You pass a tungsten mine and some scree fields, all the while gazing up at the most insane mountain ranges.
The Hintersee is located in the Hohe Tauern National Park and is a natural monument. At the lake itself there is still a nature trail where you can read a lot about the region and nature. If you are hungry, you can stop off at the Meilinger Alm which is open from May until October.
You can opt to hike the same way back down or simply follow the main road back down, which is what we did and a little bit faster.
🎒 We did this hike with César in our Thule child carrier, and it honestly made hiking with him so much easier. We’ve used it on quite a few mountain trails now, and I really like how easy it is to adjust and how well it protects him from the sun, wind, and the occasional rain shower.
4. Sigmund Thun Klamm – Hohe Tauern National Park
Distance – 3.1km
Elevation – 100m
Duration – 1 hour
Starting Point – The entrance to the Sigmund Thun Gorge
End Point – While you can still walk through the entire gorge, there is a part of the trail which is closed off due to flooding damage. So you can’t add the circulair trail around the Klammsee Reservoir. Instead you simply exit the gorge and then follow the exit route back to the parking lots.
Level – Easy
Best time to visit – The Sigmund Thun Klamm gorge closes down in winter.
Entrance fee – €7.5
Opening hours – From 9am until 5.30pm
The Sigmund Thun Klamm is one of the most stunning gorges in Austria! Carved by the force of the Kapruner Ache river over millennia, this 32-meter-deep gorge is accessible via a sturdy wooden boardwalk that allows you to safely explore its length.
As you walk along the path, the roar of rushing water and the stunning play of light through the narrow openings create an almost mystical atmosphere. The gorge is especially enchanting in the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight filters through the mist, illuminating the moss-covered rocks and crystal-clear pools.
🎒 We did this hike with César in our Thule child carrier, and it honestly made hiking with him so much easier. We’ve used it on quite a few mountain trails now, and I really like how easy it is to adjust and how well it protects him from the sun, wind, and the occasional rain shower.
📖 READ MORE – Visiting Sigmund Thun Klamm – A Complete Guide to Kaprun’s Most Scenic Gorge
5. Tappenkarsee Hike – Wagrain
Distance – 19.9 km lollipop-circuit
Elevation – 985m
Duration – 7 hours
Starting Point – To start the hike, drive or take a bus to Lake Jägersee in Kleinarl Valley. If the toll road is open, continue driving 3.6 km to Schwabalm car park. If the toll road is closed, park at the Jägersee Car Park. The hiking details above are for when the toll road is closed. Otherwise you can deduct 7.2km in hiking distance.
End Point – Schwabalm car park or Jägersee Car Park
Route – Jägersee – Schwabalm car park – Tappenkarsee – Tappenkarsee Alm – Tappenkarseehütte – Draugsteintörl – Tappenkarsee Alm – Schwabalm car park – Jägersee
Level – Moderate to Hard depending if the toll road is open or not and if you decide to continue hiking after you reach Tappenkarsee.
Toll Road Fee – €6 per vehicle
Best time to visit – June through October, depending on the weather circumstances.
Tappenkarsee is one of the highest mountain lakes in the Eastern Alps and only accessible by foot. This trail is definitely one of my favorites out of all the ones that we did in Salzburg. It just always feels so special to discover a place that is absolutely impossible to reach by car or public transport.
The Tappenkarsee is a favorite among the locals for swimming on a warm summertime ‘s day but I found the hike up to Draugsteintörl the most incredible part of the hike. It was literally view after view after view.
We started hiking from the Schwabalm car park and therefore deducted 7.2km from the total hiking distance. And honestly if you can, do it. The walk up from Jägersee to Schwabalm is pretty boring and you won’t miss out on anything special. The toll road is open from early June until early/mid October (depending on weather circumstances).
🎒 We did this hike with César in our Thule child carrier, and it honestly made hiking with him so much easier. We’ve used it on quite a few mountain trails now, and I really like how easy it is to adjust and how well it protects him from the sun, wind, and the occasional rain shower.
📖 READ MORE – Hiking to Tappenkarsee – A Stunning Alpine Lake Trail in Salzburg, Austria
6. Hofpürgl Hut to Sulzenalm Hike – Filzmoos
Distance – 12.9km circular loop
Elevation – 912m
Duration – 7 hours
Starting Point – Unterhofalm Car Park via Hofalm toll road
End Point – Unterhofalm Car Park
Route – Unterhofalm – Hofpürgl Hut – Rinderfeld – Sulzenschneid – Sulzenhals – Wallehenhütte (Sulzenalm) – Unterhofalm
Level – Moderate to Hard. Out of all the hikes in Salzburg that we did this one was by far the hardest. There’s two very steep inclines and from time to time the trail becomes pretty technical. Plus on a bright and sunny day nearly the entire trail will be exposed.
Toll Road Fee – €5.5 per vehicle
Best time to visit – June through October, depending on the weather circumstances.
Although difficult, this was also one of the most breathtaking hiking trails in Salzburg where for most part you’ll walk alongside the Gosaukamm/Dachstein range. The hike starts with a steep ascent up to the Hofpürgl Hut where you can already sit down for some refreshments if you want. We decided not to and continued on the trail towards Rinderfeld.
This part of the trail was definitely my favorite. You gradually gain and lose elevation and the views are absolutely out of this world. At Rinderfeld you’ll find a green pasture where you can sit and relax and a bit before continuing on towards the highest point of the trail called Eiskarlschneid, where you’ll also find a summit cross.
I won’t lie, it was a tough climb up in the harsh sunlight but again, the views are worth the struggle. From here the most technical part of the hike is over and you’ll steadily hike down towards Sulzenalm. Definitely take a breather on their terrace and indulge in a beer and some kaiserschmarren!
Afterwards it’s only 1 more hour to hike back down to the car!
🎒 We did this hike with César in our Thule child carrier, and it honestly made hiking with him so much easier. We’ve used it on quite a few mountain trails now, and I really like how easy it is to adjust and how well it protects him from the sun, wind, and the occasional rain shower.
📖 READ MORE – Hiking from Hofpürgl Hut to Sulzenalm – A Scenic Alpine Trail in Filzmoos, Austria
7. Krimml Waterfall Trail – Hohe Tauern National Park
Distance – 8.2km out & back trail
Elevation – 461m
Duration – 3.5 hours
Starting Point – Park your car at either P2/P3. From there it’s a short walk towards the start of the trail.
End Point – P2/P3 car park
Parking Fee – €5 per vehicle (cash only)
Level – Easy to Moderate. The only thing that makes this trail a bit moderate is the elevation gain. Therefore ‘s zero technical difficulties and the entire trail is even suitable for strollers.
Entrance Fee – €8
Best time to visit – The trail is open all day long from Mid-April to the end of October
With a drop height of 380 meters, the Krimml waterfalls are the biggest waterfalls in Europe and the fifth biggest in the world! Along the trail you’ll find numerous vantage points from where you can admire the power of the waterfall. Do know, the close you get, the wetter you’ll be!
This was the very first hike that we did during our time in Salzburg and even though that it’s one of the most touristic places in the region it’s definitely worth a visit!
A little over halfway to the top you’ll find a mountain hut overlooking the falls where you can enjoy lunch and some refreshments.
🎒 We did this hike with César in our Thule child carrier, and it honestly made hiking with him so much easier. We’ve used it on quite a few mountain trails now, and I really like how easy it is to adjust and how well it protects him from the sun, wind, and the occasional rain shower.
💡 TIP – The fee for the Krimml Waterfalls is included in the Hohe Tauern Sommercard.
📖 READ MORE – Visiting Krimml Waterfalls – A Complete Guide to Austria’s Tallest Waterfalls
8. Leitenkammerklamm to Zittauer Hut – Hohe Tauern National Park
Distance – 13.5km
Elevation – 910m
Duration – 6hours
Starting Point – Alpengasthof Finkau Parking Lot
End Point – Alpengasthof Finkau Parking Lot
Route – Alpengasthof Finkau – Leitenkammerklamm – Zittauer Hut – Unterer Gerlossee – Leitenkammerklamm – Alpengasthof Finkau
Parking Fee – €5
Level – Moderate. Be aware that if you have a fear of heights that there is a ridge line on this trail which is exposed on both sides, followed by a steel ladder across the steepest part of the mountain.
Best time to visit – June through October, depending on the weather circumstances.
Another favorite of ours was this particular hike in Hohe Tauern National Park! The first part of the hike leads you along the beautiful Leitenkammerklamm tucked away in a forest. Part of the hiking trail is also a mountain bike trail so be aware of cyclist going up and down the mountain as well.
Next up was a beautiful meadown leading us to the foot of the mountain range. We honestly felt like we had stepped on an Austrian movie set: snow capped mountains in the back, green pastures, pine trees and cows grazing next to the road. All to the sound of clinging cow bells and the enthousiast squeals of a 1 year old seeing his first Austrian cow.
In the back you can already see the Zittauer Hut perched on top of the mountain. A steep and rocky climb up later took us to said mountain hut which is picture perfectly located at a gorgeous turquoise mountain lake called Unterer Gerlossee.
On our way down we decided to skip the forest path next to the gorge and opted for the mountain bike trail. A faster option and a little less tiring on the knees!
🎒 We did this hike with César in our Thule child carrier, and it honestly made hiking with him so much easier. We’ve used it on quite a few mountain trails now, and I really like how easy it is to adjust and how well it protects him from the sun, wind, and the occasional rain shower.
📖 READ MORE – Leitenkammerklamm to Zittauer Hut Hike
💡 TIP – If you’re driving from Mittersill you’ll pass by the Gerlos Alpenstraße, a 12km toll road with a fee of €9 per vehicle. The fee for the Gerlos Alpenstraße is included in the Hohe Tauern Sommercard.
9. Glacier Trail Pasterze Circuit Trail – Hohe Tauern National Park
Distance – 7.8km circular trail
Elevation – 444m
Duration – 4 hours
Starting Point – Glocknerhaus Kärnten
End Point – Glocknerhaus Kärnten. We had to cut our hike short due to a sudden downpour. I was able to catch a ride with a lovely couple from the top of Franz-Josefs-Höhe back down, grabbed our car and drove back up to pick up Christof and César.
Route – Glocknerhaus Kärnten – Margaritzenstausee – Sandersee – Franz-Josefs-Höhe – Glocknerhaus Kärnten
Level – Moderate. Towards the end of the trail there’s a pretty steep part going up to Franz-Josefs-Höhe. But if you’re not feeling it anymore or it also starts raining heavily like with us you can take the funicular up. It doesn’t come cheap though and will cost you €16.5 per person. The Glacier Cableway operates from the end of June to the start of September.
Best time to visit – June through October, depending on the weather circumstances.
Although technically not in Salzburg anymore I could not leave out this spectacular hike located on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road! Plus it’s only located right across the border in the Carinthia region.
Your hike starts with a beautiful descend towards the Margaritzenstausee, a turquoise lake with a view over Austria’s highest mountain, Grossglockner (3798 m).
You can hike in either direction but I highly recommend starting from Glocknerhaus Kärnten and go clockwise from there. This way the best views will all unfold in front of you!
After walking around the Margartitzen reservoir you’ll hike up and be greeted by an incredibel view over the Sandersee and the Glacier Pasterze in the back.
You can continue hiking alongside the lake and river to get as close as possible to Glacier Pasterze.
🎒 We did this hike with César in our Thule child carrier, and it honestly made hiking with him so much easier. We’ve used it on quite a few mountain trails now, and I really like how easy it is to adjust and how well it protects him from the sun, wind, and the occasional rain shower.
💡 TIP – The last part of the trail is a lot busier cause this is where the Glacier Cableway can take you straight to the bottom.
📖 READ MORE – Hiking to Margaritzenstausee and Pasterze Glacier from the Glocknerhaus
10. Liechtensteinklamm Trail
Distance – 4km Out & back trail
Elevation – 80m
Duration – 1.5 hours
Starting Point – Liechtensteinklamm (Parkplatz)
End Point – Liechtensteinklamm (Parkplatz)
Level – Easy
Best time to visit – May to September. To make the most of your visit, arrive early (when it opens around 9:00 am) or go late afternoon—these are the least crowded times, ideal for photos and a peaceful walk.
Stepping into the Liechtensteinklamm gorge is like entering a hidden world carved by time and rushing water. This gorge stretches about 4 km in total, with roughly 1 km accessible via sturdy wooden walkways that guide you deep between soaring rock walls up to 300 meters high. Every step along the misty path feels alive as you pass through narrow slot sections, illuminated tunnels, and that now-iconic Helix spiral staircase, designed for both exhilaration and safety.
Most hikers complete the walk—out and back—in about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on pace and photo stops among the waterfalls. Although crowds can form mid-morning, hitting the trail early or late gives you those peaceful, rainbow-lit moments that stick with you long after the hike is over. If you’re after a dose of alpine drama with minimal effort, this gorge offers a wild encounter in under two hours—and no climbing gear required.
🎒 We did this hike with César in our Thule child carrier, and it honestly made hiking with him so much easier. We’ve used it on quite a few mountain trails now, and I really like how easy it is to adjust and how well it protects him from the sun, wind, and the occasional rain shower.
📖 READ MORE – Visiting Liechtensteinklamm – A Complete Guide to Austria’s Most Impressive Gorge
The best time to go hiking in Salzburg in Austria
Summer is the peak hiking season in Salzburg. The weather is warm and sunny, offering clear views and the full range of trails, from valley walks to high alpine treks. This is also the best time for high-altitude hikes, as most of the snow has melted. However, it’s also the busiest season, so popular trails may be crowded.
We visited Salzburg in the first week of September. Most schools started up again and the height of the touristic season is over. We were greeted by nearly empty hiking trails and sunny skies for pretty much the entire week.
Do keep in mind that every year the weather can be unpredictable and you can never know when the first snow will hit the ground.
Nationalpark SommerCard
In order to be able to enjoy the holiday region Hohe Tauern National Park with its diverse offer, the National Park SommerCard is available from 1 May to 31 October.
All guests staying at participating partner establishments receive the National Park SommerCard from their hosts. If you want to use the card before check-in, please contact your booked accommodation for the digital sending of the card!
60 attractions such as sights, museums and natural spectacles, leisure and sports facilities as well as cable cars can be visited and used with this card. In addition, the card offers maximum mobility.
It entitles you to use local public transport and includes a day ticket for the “Großglockner High Alpine Road” as well as a day ticket for the “Gerlos Alpine Road”.
Essential Tips for hiking in Salzburg
Hiking in Salzburg can be an unforgettable experience with the right preparation. Here are some essential tips to make the most of your hiking adventures in this scenic region of Austria:
Check the Weather – The weather in the Alps can change rapidly. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out and be prepared for sudden changes.
Wear Appropriate Gear – Good hiking boots are a must. They should be well-fitted, broken-in, and suitable for mountain terrain. Dress in layers to adjust to changing temperatures and bring a waterproof jacket in case of rain.
Pack Essentials – Bring a backpack with essentials like water, snacks, a map, a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and a hat. If you plan on long or remote hikes, consider a GPS device or a physical compass.
Start Early – To make the most of your day and avoid afternoon thunderstorms common in the Alps, start your hikes early in the morning.
Respect Nature – Stay on marked trails to protect the surrounding flora and fauna. Take all your rubbish with you, and respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance.
Cash is King – Compared to Switzerland, pretty much none of the mountain huts or parking lots accept payment by card. Make sure you have enough euros on hand to be able to eat or drink something on top of the mountain!
By following these tips, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable hiking experience in the stunning landscapes of Salzburg.
Best hikes in Salzburg Map
🗺️ How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.
Where to stay when hiking in Salzburg
If you want to follow this hiking guide I highly recommend booking two accommodations so you only have to drive a maximum of 1 hour to reach the start of a hiking trail.
🏨 The first 3 nights we based ourselves in Stuhlfelden, a very small town next to Mittersill and perfect to discover the hikes located in the Hohe Tauern National Park! We stayed at Hotel Flatscher, a cute little 3 star family run hotel that also offers dinner at a fair price.
🏨 For the other hikes we stayed in the valley of Wagrain at the 4 star Berghotel Alpenklang. Another family run hotel where both breakfast and dinner are included and a beautiful terrace with a view over the valley and surrounding mountains.
If you have any questions about how to visit Salzburg or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
More information on the Salzburg region in Austria
The Perfect Salzburg 1 Week Travel Guide
How To Visit The Grossglockner High Alpine Road In Austria – Tips & Epic Viewpoints
Visiting Sigmund Thun Klamm – A Complete Guide to Kaprun’s Most Scenic Gorge
Visiting Krimml Waterfalls – A Complete Guide to Austria’s Tallest Waterfalls
Visiting Liechtensteinklamm – A Complete Guide to Austria’s Most Impressive Gorge
Hiking from Hofpürgl Hut to Sulzenalm – A Scenic Alpine Trail in Filzmoos, Austria
Hiking to Tappenkarsee – A Stunning Alpine Lake Trail in Salzburg, Austria
Hiking to Hochkeil – A Scenic Summit Trail in Salzburg’s Mountains
Leitenkammerklamm to Zittauer Hut Hike
Arthurhaus to Erichhütte Hike In Hochkönig
8 Top Things To Do In Hohe Tauern National Park
All rights reserved © Charlies Wanderings. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.
Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
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