Salzburg is one of Austria's most stunning federal states, renowned as the birthplace of Mozart and home to the UNESCO-listed historic city of Salzburg. The state encompasses alpine landscapes, glacial lakes, and some of the best ski resorts in the Alps.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Kapuzinerberg Circular Walk
A gentle forested hill walk right from the Old Town, rising 130m above the right bank of the Salzach. The Kapuzinerberg is crowned by Capuchin Monastery (1602) and offers beautiful viewpoints over Salzburg's rooftops, the Fortress, and the Alps. A 5-minute walk from Getreidegasse.
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2
Mönchsberg Walk
A pleasant promenade along the clifftop ridge above the Old Town, connecting the Museum of Modern Art to the southern end near Festungsberg. Shaded paths through forest with occasional cliff-edge viewpoints. A favourite lunchtime walk for Salzburg office workers.
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3
Festungsberg and Nonntal Loop
Walk from Kapitelplatz via the Nonnberggasse path up to Nonnberg Abbey, then around the Festungsberg hillside to the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Return via Festungsgasse to the Old Town. Combines history, fortress views, and a pleasant hill walk.
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4
Gaisberg Summit Trail
The full ascent of Gaisberg (1,288m) from Salzburg's eastern suburbs. Multiple trail variants connect the lower suburbs to the summit with its panoramic restaurant. Bus 151 runs to the summit in summer if you prefer to hike down only.
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5
Untersberg via Grödig
The challenging foot ascent of Untersberg (1,853m high point) from the base. Multiple trail variants lead through forest, alpine meadows, and rocky sections to the summit plateau. Most visitors use the cable car—but the foot ascent offers a genuine alpine hiking experience.
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6
Untersberg via Cable Car + Summit Walk
Take the cable car to 1,776m then explore the summit plateau on foot. Easy-to-moderate walking on the plateau with magnificent views of the Salzburg basin, Bavarian Alps, and Grossglockner on clear days. Wildlife including marmots and golden eagles.
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7
Krimml Waterfall Trail
A well-maintained trail alongside Europe's highest waterfall (380m), ascending through spruce forest past three spectacular waterfall stages. The mist from the falls creates rainbows and a refreshing microclimate. One of Austria's most impressive nature walks.
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8
Hohe Tauern: Zittelhaus Circuit (Grossglockner Area)
A high-alpine hike from the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe viewing platform (2,369m) with spectacular views of Austria's highest peak Grossglockner and the Pasterze glacier. Walk to the Zittelhaus observatory and back via different routes.
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9
Hallstatt–Echerntal Valley Walk
A beautiful valley walk from Hallstatt village up into the Echerntal gorge, passing waterfalls and eventually reaching the Waldbachstrub waterfall. The Hallstatt salt mine and Skywalk viewpoint can be included as extensions.
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10
Schmittenhöhe Ridge Walk (Zell am See)
Take the cable car to Schmittenhöhe summit (1,965m) then hike the panoramic ridge walk above Zell am See. Views span from Grossglockner to Kitzsteinhorn glacier. High-alpine meadows and resident marmots.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.