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City life & Nature at its best – experience nature in and around town

Seen from any one of the city mountains, Salzburg's Old Town can be observed in all its beauty with magnificent buildings embedded in a true oasis of green. There is a wide variety of nature experiences in town as well as in the surrounding villages. Join us on our journey of discovery.

Green oases in the middle of the town

A trip to Salzburg begins with sightseeing. Fortunately, the town centre is easily manageable on foot, and there are plenty of inviting green spaces to relax in. The more energetic visitor can explore a variety of walks over the city mountains and enjoy unique views of Salzburg. The surrounding regions of the Mozart Town offer even more nature experiences.

Rocky peaks on the Untersberg

The mystical mountain on the outskirts of the town is not only the subject of numerous legends – Emperor Charlemagne, for example, is said to rest inside the mountain – it is also a magical attraction for mountaineers. Fortunately, you don't necessarily have to brave the strenuous ascent on foot, you can also take the convenient cable car from Grödig. There is something quite unique about standing on the summit of the Untersberg and enjoying the fresh mountain air. The view extends far across the countryside to Berchtesgaden and only from up here does the impressive mountain massif become truly visible. However, even if you do take the Untersberg cable car to the summit: sturdy shoes, sure-footedness and a head for heights are of the utmost importance.

Cool refreshment in a ravine

Almost at the foot of the Gaisberg, another impressive natural experience awaits all those who want to escape hustle and bustle of the town for a while. Not far from town, in Elsbethen on the southern outskirts of Salzburg, lies the Glasenbachklamm ravine. A hiking trail leads along a mountain stream past small waterfalls and impressive rock formations. Information boards point out the numerous fossil finds of the area. If you are out and about in summer, don't forget your bathing suits – the cool water provides welcome refreshment.

Exploring the surroundings by bike

Whether on a city bike, mountain bike or e-bike, Salzburg's surroundings are an ideal place to discover on two wheels – simply rent the bike of your choice and off you go. One of the classic bike tours takes you along the tree-lined Hellbrunner Allee to Hellbrunn. Visit the magnificent grounds and palace, Salzburg zoo, Hellbrunn mountain with the 400-year-old Steintheater [stone theatre] and of course the famous Wasserspiele [trick fountains] – a day well spent.

To the north, you soon leave the residential area of the town behind, to cycle past green meadows, through shady woods, and along the former route of the narrow-gauge railway which – until the mid-20th century – used to take townspeople out to the countryside and as far as Bad Ischl. But you don't have to cycle all the way to the Salzkammergut; Eugendorf or the Wallersee are also excellent destinations for a day-trip.

Fields spread out to the west of the town – not without reason is the municipality of Wals known as Salzburg's vegetable garden. On the many paths meandering between the fields, cyclists almost forget how close they are to a world-famous cultural hub.
From Wals you can cycle on towards Großgmain (this is of course also reachable by bus or car), which is home to yet another excursion destination well worth a visit. The Salzburger Freilichtmuseum [open-air museum] brings to life the rural life of past centuries. 100 original buildings have been reconstructed on 50 hectares in the midst of a magnificent landscape. Like the Province of Salzburg, the museum is divided into five districts. You walk along a 7 km network of paths from Flachgau to Tennengau, Pongau, Pinzgau and finally to Lungau. Should you wish to rest your legs, you can take the historic heritage railway through the entire museum grounds.

Although not historic, the Lokalbahn [local railway] is a great way to explore the surroundings. It goes from Salzburg's main station to Lamprechtshausen in the north of Salzburg. This is an environmentally friendly and comfortable way to get to the Antheringer Au, a unique natural riparian recreation area. Here you might even be able to observe a family of wild boars. Alternatively, you could drive to Oberndorf and visit the famous Silent Night Chapel. By the way: You can also bring a bike on the local train and brave the bike ride back along the Salzach.

Salzburg and its surroundings have so much more to offer than just Mozart, the Festival and sightseeing.