Salzburg beyond Mozart and High culture

The journey is the reward

According to the motto: “There is nothing good unless you do it”, we set out to explore the sporty side of the city of culture. Whether by public transport, by bike or on foot. If you want to do something good for yourself and the environment, leave the car behind and discover the beauty of nature in the city.

The city from above

An excursion to one of Salzburg’s city mountains, the Mönchsberg, the Kapuzinerberg or the Gaisberg leads to nature on our doorstep in no time. On the way over the Mönchsberg you will find some “hidden” treasures, such as various art projects of the “Salzburg Foundation” or the Buddhist Stupa, with a magnificent view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress.  The Kapuzinerberg, also named after a monastery, offers different perspectives of the city and fresh forest air along the Basteiweg. If you are lucky, you will even meet one of the chamois that are settled there for landscape conservation. The Gaisberg offers a variety of recreational opportunities from paragliding to climbing, or you can simply enjoy the breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding mountains on the circular hiking trail. And in winter, when the snow in the city has melted away, you can often still go tobogganing, cross-country skiing or ski touring here.

A Walk in the Park: for those who like it easy

With its zoo, a baroque garden with playground, picnic area and Kneipp facility, Hellbrunn Palace attracts not only tourists to the southern edge of the city. Running enthusiasts can be found here all year round, and if winter does suddenly wrap the city in white, this is where the “Stodinger,” as the city’s population is called in Salzburg dialect with a wink, can be found with cross-country skis. A shady avenue connects the castle grounds and park with the city.

The mythical mountain

Those who feel the need for greater challenges and can provide fitness, alpine equipment and surefootedness may climb the legendary Untersberg. If there is not enough time for this demanding tour, there is also the possibility to start the ascent comfortably with a cable car. At the top there is a restaurant and via the Reitsteig you may hike to the 1,853-meters high Salzburger Hochthron and get rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view, which on clear days reaches as far as the Watzmann. In winter, if snow and skiing skills are available, you can ski 1,400 meters downhill. Or in case of doubt, you may safely return to the valley in the funicular. No matter how you explore the Untersberg, be sure to keep an eye out for Emperor Charles, who, according to legend, sleeps in the Untersberg awaiting his resurrection.

Built by the water

Not only the nearby Salzkammergut with its numerous lakes is ideal for water sports fans of all kinds. In Salzburg, there are numerous retreats on and around the water. Whether it’s riversurfing on the artificial wave in the Almkanal, rowing on the Salzach and the Königseeache, or an excursion into geological prehistory in the Glasenbachklamm canyon. Or you may simply cycle upstream along the Salzach, for example to Hallein and have an ice cream.

Flexing your muscles

Climbing can be practiced in various places in the city. The Müllner Schanze climbing wall on Mönchsberg is open to the public and may be used free of charge. In the climbing garden, various climbing routes are available, ranging from easy to moderately difficult to very difficult. The Citywall is a fixed-rope route on Kapuzinerberg, which allows a breathtaking view of the famous old town. The offer includes difficulty levels A to E. You can use the via ferrata with your own equipment after prior registration and in appropriate weather conditions. In the high ropes course at Waldbad Anif you can combine your climbing trip with swimming and beach volleyball. In addition, climbing enthusiasts can use the 20-meters high climbing tower at the University Sports Center Rif. The routes are all set up for lead climbing and are very well secured. At the Klettersportzentrum Itzling climbing courses are offered on a 2,500 m2 outdoor and indoor facility. Those who prefer to climb close to the ground can let off steam in the boulder bar.

Tip from our editors:
Sunrise or sunset tour on the Schober mountain

For both, night owls and early birds among the mountain enthusiasts, we recommend a hiking tour on the Schober, located on the border between Upper Austria and Salzburg.

The tour can be completed in one hour and is ideal for an early start before the office day or as a finish afterwards. With the right timing, you may admire the sunrise or sunset on the summit, which is just over 1,300 meters high, and be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Salzkammergut region with the Lakes Irrsee, Mondsee, Fuschlsee and Wolfgangsee.