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SalzburgerLand: A summer alpine playground

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Whether you are seeking an activity-filled holiday or a more relaxed break in the mountains, Hils Everitt discovers why SalzburgerLand is an ideal alpine escape for all.

One of the most famous songs from the evergreen musical The Sound of Music is the opening number The Hills are Alive, sung on a glorious summer’s day atop an Austrian mountain by Julie Andrews. Back in those days, tourists were pretty scarce and it was the onset of the Second World War. These days, in more peaceful times, those hills are still very much alive, but with the sound of hikers nattering, with trekking poles clicking on the rocks; mountain bikers laughing and whooping as they charge down the gravel tracks; paddle boarders screeching as they fall into the lake yet again; and the general buzz of holidaymakers enjoying themselves in a summer alpine playground.

Nowhere is this more apt then the stunning region of SalzburgerLand in western Austria, a stone’s throw from the magnificent city of Salzburg – famous for the setting of many scenes from The Sound of Music and the birthplace of the genius composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. And sitting so close to Salzberg makes this region easily accessible from the UK with direct flights and a ridiculously quick transfer into the mountains at 35-40 minutes. That makes it ideal for a long weekend. There is, however, so much to do around here you really need at least a week to make the most of it.

Salzburgerland consists of 16 summer regions – including Zell Am See-Kaprun, Saalbach Hinterglem, Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, and, of course, Salzburg, plus its numerous surrounding villages. The region is intersected by a number of stunning lakes. One of those is Lake Fuschl, where I was treated to a paddle boarding lesson by one of the excellent instructors at Wing Box. Unfortunately, the lake was not the ideal mill pond but a little lively, so it was quite challenging for those of us who dared to stand on our boards, and, inevitably, occasionally end up in the drink.

Paddleboarding/SUP is the new, most popular and fastest-growing water sport it seems and the Austrian mountains are an ideal place to learn, or hone your skills. Another attraction here but on dry land is the famous Fuschl Castle and its namesake Fisherei that has been trading here for generations. The café/restaurant serves fresh fish from the lake and has an incredibly beautiful vista of the surrounding mountains.


Another absolutely stunning lake that requires a visit is Wolfgangsee in St Wolfgang. As well as the incredible views offered, the lake is the ‘Control’ lake of Europe; by that we mean you can drink its water and the quality of the water in all other lakes is measured against it – the first fun fact of our trip. It also plays host to the Christmas market (which is actually afloat on boats) and there is a lakeside stage in the summer months – accessible by boat – that seats 800 people. There will be many concerts and musicals performed in 2025 after first opening last year.

Of the many picturesque towns and villages in this area, St Wolfgang stood out on my visit last year as it was celebrating the 1,100th anniversary of its naming. Like most Austrian towns there is a legend attached to its origins. This one concerns a German bishop who made a pilgrimage to the lake. The legend goes that he threw an axe from the top of the mountains and where it landed he built the church. His pilgrimage represents the first tourism to the area, which expanded over the centuries. St Wolfgang is now the second largest village in the area and boasts a population of 2800, and has 2800 tourist beds – tourists will never outnumber the locals; fun fact number two. 

There are numerous gorgeous hiking paths in the whole region – 10,000km of trails to be exact – 7000km of bike trails, 550 huts – 200 of which are Salzburger Almsommerhütte (summer trekking huts) – with no shortage of activities to keep the whole family happy in the lakes, mountains, forests and national parks, plus an abundance of attractions ranging from salt mines to castles. 

From 26 April to 4 May 2025 St Wolfgang plays host to the International Arts Festival with exhibitors from all over the world showing their talents. The newly renovated and impressive Hotel Seevilla showcases international artists all year round – the Polish ‘impressionist’ Bartosz Fraczek was featured during my visit. This lovely hotel also offers a superb spa area with various classes taking place to an imperious backdrop of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Another hotel worth a visit for those whose budgets aren’t tight is Rosewood Schloss on Lake Fischl. It’s a former castle frequented by royalty with a rich history. A splendid display of Rolls Royces for a launch was going on during our marvellous afternoon visit, which just shows the calibre of the place. It offers a sublime afternoon teat for residents and non alike. And, yes, the views are glorious. 

As well as walking, spa trips and SUP, cycling and mountain biking are highly popular activities around here in the non-winter months. SalzburgerLand was in fact the first region in Austria to promote ebikes; fun fact number three. So there are plenty of opportunities to hire these for those not inclined to rely solely on their own leg power.

Exploring Salzburg

If you need a break from active adventures, spending a day or two exploring Salzburg is highly recommended. Its most famous modern-day son is film star Arnie Schwarzeneggar – fun fact number four. Arnie and Wolfgang’s brithplace is a beautiful 16th century baroque city that oozes history and elegance. Make sure you make time to explore the Fortress on any visit. It was built to protect the Archbishop when the region was under siege in the 17th century. The views from here are just breathtaking.

Salzburg actually means ‘salt castle’ and the city got its name simply because salt was brought down the river Salzach on barges from local salt mines and the city grew up from the trade. St Ruper founded the abbey back in 714, and the church has the affectionate nickname of ‘onion’ because of the shape of its dome. While on the theme of food, make sure you visit the gingerbread shop, which has been run by 17 generations of the same family and has the distinction of being the oldest honey cake-making shop in Austria – fun fact number five. And if you fancy using a guide – I advise you do – then contact Austrian Guides and ask for Trudy. She is British, brilliant and brimming with fun facts and great stories. She even dresses in national costume and sings on request.

This incredible region has so much to offer; and being such an easy journey from the UK, while boasting a mere 35-40 minutes’ drive from Salzburg airport makes it perfect for those seeking activity holidays or a more relaxed break in the mountains. The hills are truly alive and kicking with a fun factor off the scale.

Travel Facts

Hils Everitt stayed in the Fuschlsee region of SalzburgerLand as a guest of the SalzburgerLand Tourist Organisation.

Hils stayed at Arabella Jagdhof Resort am Fuschlsee, owned by Marriott Hotels & Resorts. Doubles from approximately £126 per person per night (based on 2 sharing, B&B for 2 nights in May 2025).

Fly from London Gatwick to Salzburg with British Airways from £51 each way, based on a return fare in May 2025 www.ba.com/gatwick.

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