Surfers at the Almkanal wave | © Stadt Salzburg/Johannes Killer

Beach Vibe in the City of Mozart

Salzburg in summer – what a dream it is! With the Festival, countless outdoor restaurants and the downtown historical district basking in the sunshine, it’s practically impossible to stay indoors. And surprisingly, perhaps, even for beach fans the city has lots to offer as well: Whether beach volleyball in the park, surfing the famous Alm Wave, or taking a sun bath at the Salzach river, the city is sure to make a big “splash” with you, too!

Salt Beach in the Volksgarten

You might find it hard to believe, but there actually is one: a “real” beach right here in Salzburg. It’s known as “Salt Beach”, aptly, and it entices guests from May until September with Caribbean sounds and a beautiful sandy beach. Areas for beach soccer, beach-volleyball courts, the Active Zone including a running trail along with a Chill Zone on the northern edge of the pond guarantee all the action and relaxation you can handle.

The Salzach

Things along the banks of the River Salzach are at least as colorful as the Volksgarten. Salzburg’s very own river flows sedately through different parts of the city, past idyllic stretches of forest, beautiful homes and, of course, through the heart of the world-famous historical district. Countless squares, bridges and gentle hillsides invite you to get the most out of summer. Just a few minutes’ walk from the Volksgarten, on warm summer days you’ll find locals and visitors stretched out and soaking it all up. Whether musicians performing on the Überfuhrsteg, folks jogging alongside the river with views of the fortress, or simply relaxing in a café: The city is a bustling hive of activity at every time of day. In the evening especially, many tourists and Salzburgers like nothing more than to sit along the Salzach embankment, admire the sunset and allow their faces to be caressed by the day’s last rays of sunshine.

The Almkanal and the Standing Wave

If you are in the mood for something a bit sportier, we’d suggest hopping on to your bike and pedaling south on the unique bike path next to the Almkanal. The Almkanal is actually a manmade canal dating back to the 13th century, though you’d probably never notice at first glance. Once a vital supplier of fresh water to central Salzburg, today’s Almkanal is a great excuse for an excursion. But funnily enough, the Almkanal doesn’t just attract bike riders and people in the mood for a refreshing dip: Ever since the area of a standing wave was opened to the public, even those with a taste for added adventure are in for a real treat. Every day, passionate surfers gather here to indulge their passion far away from the ocean. What goes on there on the banks of this narrow canal is the absolute epitome of what we like to call the “urban beach feeling”.

The Königssee Ache

If you like the Almkanal, you’ll love the Königssee Ache. As you students of all things German might guess, the Königssee Ache flows from Lake Königssee in neighboring Bavaria, gradually making its way across the border into Salzburger Land here in Austria. Nowhere is it more beautiful than in Rif/Niederalm. Its glistening, crystal-clear water comes from the mountain world of the Watzmann, which makes it especially refreshing in summer. Sun worshippers love to spread out their beach blankets in small bays, others lose themselves in daydreams on sandbanks close to the cooling river. Here, flanked by green forests, everybody finds a peaceful spot to escape.