Why hikers need to make a trip to Saalbach Hinterglemm

Get a taste of the high life in the mountains of Saalbach Hinterglemm, where hundreds of kilometres of bike and hiking trails take you past some of the finest scenery in Austria’s SalzburgerLand. Helped by cable cars that run all summer long, you can get to know the craggy peaks and lush valleys of the Hohe Tauern mountain range and the Kitzbühel Alps.

You’ve got 400km of hiking trails to explore – with something to suit all ages and abilities. Hardcore hikers can take the Saalbach Hiking Challenge – three long-distance walks totalling 64km and going uphill 3,800m. Once you’ve mastered the Pinzgau Walk, the Seven Summits of Saalbach Hinterglemm and the Home of Lässig Walk, you’ll receive a special trophy for your efforts.

If 64km seems a bit ambitious, pick and choose among the three hikes. Seven Summits takes you across 24km to the highest mountain in the Glemmtal, while the 22km Home of Lässig Walk is a new long-distance trail covering five breathtaking summits. The Pinzgau Walk, although a mere 18km in length, is still an exhilarating workout as you trek from the Schattberg above Saalbach to the Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See.

But hiking in Saalbach Hinterglemm has its softer side too, with adventure trails and mountain playgrounds that are perfect for families. Soar above the ground on Europe’s largest high rope walk, which takes kids across 8km on 200 different stations. Take the treetop trail for fabulous views – especially the one from the Alpine Golden Gate Bridge spanning the valley where the source of the Saalbach river runs below.

Don’t forget to collect your Joker Card from your accommodation, so you can enjoy free use of the cable cars, as well as other attractions and activities.

With 400km of bike trails to discover, cyclists will find a slice of mountain heaven. Choose from hair-raising single tracks and exhilarating freeride downhill routes, as well as gentler valley trails for family outings. Let the cable cars do the uphill work for you while you whizz your way back down.

Test yourself to the limit by taking the BIG-5 Bike Challenge, a day-long tour that takes you as far as neighbouring Leogang.

However you make your way around the mountains, you’ll need to stop for lunch. Your only problem will be choosing from at least 40 huts, where you can revel in the knockout beauty of the peaks while filling up on hearty Austrian food. Don’t leave without trying the local speciality of cheese dumpling soup, followed by a generous slice of apple strudel.

Visit austria.info/summer, salzburgerland.com and saalbach.com to find out more about Austria’s SalzburgerLand