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- Written by: Roger Fulton
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The most laid-back area in the Austrian Alps is a landscape of forests, meadows and lakes, topped by breathtaking panoramic views of rugged mountain peaks and snow-capped summits.
Sitting at 1,003m, in the SalzburgerLand region of Austria, the village of Saalbach Hinterglemm is the kind of place that floods your senses: breathe in the fresh air, smell the scent of spruce and freshly-cut grass, taste the local delicacies, listen to the forest breeze and the clank of cowbells, swim in the cool water and reconnect with and nature as you ride the 120km of bike lines and trails in Austria's largest bike region, trek your pick of 400km of hiking paths, visit some of the 40+ mountain huts and enjoy a wide range of family attractions.
Just look at what there is to do here:
Biking
Austria’s largest bike region combines the vast mountain bike area of Saalbach Hinterglemm with routes in Leogang and Fieberbrunn, to deliver:
- More than 120km of lines and trails
- Spread across seven mountains
- Up to nine cable cars to help get you to the starts
- Three large practice areas for kids and beginners
- Alpine gravel routes for every preference
- An extensive mountain bike network for all fitness levels
There’s great support, too, from the numerous bike shops, top-quality rental services, friendly bike schools, experienced guides, plentiful mountain charging stations for e-bikes and bike-friendly accommodation.
Go to saalbach.com for more info about biking in Saalbach Hinterglemm.
Hiking
Saalbach Hinterglemm is the perfect base for a leisurely mountain stroll or to access some superb long-distance hikes. Highlight hikes include:
- The Seven Summits of Saalbach Hinterglemm tour – a demanding nine hours of walking, 24km of trail, and 1,450m of elevation gain
- The Home of Lässig Walk, an incredibly scenic 22km long-distance hike at the head of the valley in Saalbach Hinterglemm, far away from lifts and bike trails
- Completing a trio of hikes in the Saalbach Hiking Challenge is the 28km Pinzgauer Spaziergang – do all three and your reward is a personal trophy!
Trailrunning
Saalbach Hinterglemm attracts many trail runners with its sunny slopes, and in August hosts a programme of trailrunning races, the Saalbach Trail & Skyrace. For runners as well as walkers, the Glemmtal valley offers the perfect terrain: demanding ascents and gentle ridgelines stretch across wide alpine meadows and spectacular crests. A vast network of well-marked routes brings this diversity together and, thanks to the cable-car infrastructure, makes it accessible for all skill levels.
Wellness
Summer in Saalbach Hinterglemm is not just about going flat out on a hike or bike ride. It’s also about going flat out on a hammock or forest floor. At the forest wellness area on the Reiterkogel, you can:
- Indulge in a spot of forest bathing – surrounded by spruce trees up to 200 years old at an altitude of 1,700m
- Relax on one of the wooden platforms beneath the treetops. The perfect place to listen to the birdsong and sounds of the forest
And what better way to end a long day in the mountains that with some calming time at a spa? Whether you want to take a relaxing dip in a pool, destress in a sauna/steam room or really unwind with a massage or wellness treatment, many of the hotels in Saalbach Hinterglemm have spa facilities, with day spa experiences also available at some locations.
Family-friendly activities
For families, there is a wealth of fun to get your teeth into. Try:
- Montelino's Adventure Path follows the story of Montelino - the clown who lost his smile. Starting at the peak of the beautiful Kohlmais mountain, you and the kids will follow the directions if a wise owl through woodland and meadows, having fun at 15 activity stations during your quest to help Montelino. At the end of the trail, you'll come to Montelino's Water Playground on the Kleeblatt meadow, which is the perfect place for a refreshing splash.
- Another exciting family trail is the new Kodok’s Educational Path at the Hochalm. Kodok, guardian of the Reiterkogel, has relocated to the Hochalm this year to find out more about the mountain railway and how it works. Join him and solve 19 varied puzzles to complete the trail.
- For a family adventure, head to Europe’s largest high ropes course, complete with mini kids parcour courses. The Tree Top Trail – a 200m Golden Gate Bridge of the Alps, followed by an 800m circular path made of solid larch wood leading high up into the treetops via stairs and bridges
- Fancy taking on the kids at golf? A new Adventure Golf park in Hinterglemm has 12 different courses to try – all totally free using your Joker Card (see below)
Play your Joker
The JOKER CARD is an absolute must to get the best value out of your stay in Saalbach Hinterglemm and is your passport to the peaks and many attractions in the area.
From the first to the last minute of your holiday, it offers free use of up to eight cable cars as well as access to the region’s most popular attractions, as well as up to 10 guided hikes per week run by the Tourist Board.
In addition, JOKER CARD holders receive a 20% discount on bike tickets in Austria’s largest bike region (with up to nine cable cars) when purchased on site at ticket offices in Saalbach Hinterglemm, as well as discounts with bonus partners throughout SalzburgerLand. The JOKER CARD is also available for your smartphone.
The JOKER CARD is included with all partner accommodations in Saalbach Hinterglemm for stays between 22 May and 26 October 2026.
7 Days in Saalbach Hinterglemm
With so much to do, you need the Ultimate Adventure Itinerary to make the most of your time here. So, here’s what seven summer days in Saalbach Hinterglemm could look like:
Day 1: Get the lie of the land
After arriving and settling into your accommodation, take short hike to kick things off and get an appetising taste of what the week holds in store. Take the 12-er KOGEL cable car from Hinterglemm up to the Penhab peak. Great views and it’s only a 3km round trip so you’re at the top in half an hour. Make sure not to miss the last gondola back down at 16:15.
Getting around on the mountain: In Saalbach Hinterglemm, getting from the village centre straight into an unforgettable mountain experience is easy and comfortable in summer. Up to six cable cars provide effortless access to the mountains for families, hikers, bikers, and nature lovers alike.
Top tip: With the JOKER CARD, the use of all lifts operating in Saalbach Hinterglemm is entirely free of charge for hikers.
Day 2: Classic Panorama Ridge Hike
Route: Schattberg West Summit - Stemmerkogel - Saalbachkogel
Start: Westgipfel top station
Distance: 7-10km
Time: 3-4.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (requires sure-footedness).
Kick off the week proper with a scenic high-alpine hike. This popular route in Saalbach Hinterglemm offers breathtaking panoramic views, ridge walking, and mountain lakes. By using the Westgipfelbahn lift, you can easily access the start of this particular route, which gives you the chance to stand atop three summits in one day.
From the Westgipfel, follow the ridge trail for about an hour to reach the Stemmerkogel peak, from where you get a spectacular 360-degree view. After a short, steep descent towards the Seetörl (saddle), take fork in the path towards the summit of the Saalbachkogel and admire the sprawling view of grassy mountains and meadows.
The next leg of the path heads toward the idyllic Hacklberg lakes, a perfect spot for a picnic break, before you descend the well-marked trail towards the Hacklberg Alm. The panorama path then leads you back towards the Westgipfel top station for your descent back down to Hinterglemm.
Serious refresh: For proper fuelling or refuelling, you'll find numerous, cosy mountain huts along the route.
Day 3: E-Bike Scenic Loop
Route: Saalbach - Hinterglemm - Talschluss - Saalbach
Start/finish: Saalbach
Distance: 23.4km
Difficulty: Easy/moderate
This scenic, easy level e-bike route starts in Saalbach, follows the Saalach river path to Hinterglemm, and continues to the Talschluss (valley head), featuring highlights such as the Teufelswasser (Devil's Water) water theme park. It is a well-paved, family-friendly tour with gravel paths and minimal traffic, easily accessible for all fitness levels, and an ideal way to take in the mountain scenery without extreme climbing.
For rest stops before heading back to Saalbach, the Lindlingalm, Saalalm and Ossmannalm are all popular mountain huts in the valley head area.
Don’t Miss: At the valley head, take time out to visit Europe’s highest treetop trail, including the Golden Gate Bridge of the Alps, a 200m suspension bridge linking two sides of the valley containing the source of the Saalach river.
Day 4: Escape Trail – Path of the Smugglers
What is the Escape Trail? ‘It's a bit like an Escape Room, only outside.’ That’s one intriguing way to describe this hugely popular attraction in Saalbach Hinterglemm. Also summed up as ‘the ultimate riddle challenge’, the Escape Trail is a mixture of outdoor adventure, scavenger hunt and puzzle, set around a rousing story.
What do you have to do? Take a hike.
Bit rude? No, really. The challenge is built around a hike.
Right. So how does it work? The whole thing takes place as part of a hike against the backdrop of the Saalbach mountains. The start is at the Tourism Service Centre, where the players receive their game set and can immediately set off on the first riddle. Along the way, players will find clues and information that will help them solve puzzles, pick locks and make the contents of the game set accessible piece by piece. On a path of roughly 5km and with 170m height gain, you will gradually come closer to solving the puzzle as you become immersed in a rescue mission set in 1765.
Who’s it aimed at? The game is played in groups of two to eight people, so it's perfect for families, couples or groups of friends.
How long does it take? You should plan about 3-5 hours for the game, so pack yourself something to eat and drink.
OK, I’m interested. How do I get involved? Your personal Escape Trail adventure can be booked online, via email or in person at the Tourism Service Centre, subject to availability.
Day 5: Big hike day
Route: Gaisstein Summit (2,363 m) from Talschluss
Distance: 10-12km (round trip)
Duration: 4.5-5.5 hours
Difficulty: Demanding
Every trip needs a summit hike, and this is well worth the effort. First, take the bus or drive to the start point at Lengau in the Saalbach Hinterglemm Talschluss. The route ascends through the Vogelalpgraben (a beautiful alpine pasture area with old huts) to the Leitenscharte, very likely offering encounters with marmots and possibly sightings of golden eagles. The last stretch to the summit is pretty steep. The usual way down is via the Schusterscharte. Good fitness and sure-footedness is a must for this one.
What’s the view like? From the summit there are panoramic views from the Hohe Tauern, Wilder Kaiser to the Steinernes Meer.
Need to know: The Gaisstein is one of the highest grass mountains in Europe.
Day 6: Wellness - Easy nature
What’s on the agenda? Relaxation and renewal. After the previous day’s exertions, treat yourself to a relaxing spa and wellness day. Kick off with a visit to the forest wellness area at the Reiterkogel for a spot of forest bathing in a world of soft green moss and wild growing lichens. Stroll along the wellness trail designed to reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, and offer relaxation in gently swaying hammocks.
Spa time: Then head to the spa for some serious pampering and massage to revive those tired legs. There are several excellent hotels throughout Saalbach Hinterglemm that offer top spa facilities.
Day 7: Flexible finale
Depending on your homeward travel arrangements, it may be best to focus on getting an early start. Here are a couple of options:
Sunrise summit walk: Sunrise walks in Saalbach Hinterglemm are hugely popular and a great way to leave a lasting memory. They offer breathtaking alpine views, with top spots including the Saalkogel, Tristkogel, and Reiterkogel. Popular routes, often requiring early starts or headlamps, offer panoramic views of the Hohe Tauern. Guided sunrise hikes are also available via the JOKER CARD (extra charges might apply for transport).
Short morning bike ride: If two wheels is more your thing maybe you fancy a last dose of adrenaline before you go. Short, lift-accessible last-morning bike rides in Saalbach Hinterglemm include the flowing 12er SKY-LINE (blue, 12er KOGEL lift), the scenic Panorama-Line (blue, Kohlmaisbahn lift), and the family-friendly Glemmtal Valley Cycle Path. These trails offer scenic mountain experiences without requiring full-day commitments and are also a perfect way to sign off from your 7 days in Saalbach Hinterglemm.
Where is Saalbach Hinterglemm and how to get there?
Saalbach Hinterglemm is situated in the Glemmtal valley in the Austrian province of SalzburgerLand. The Glemmtal lies in the Kitzbüheler Alps and has a length of 30km. This is also where the Saalach rises, a beautiful alpine river about 110km long that flows into the Salzach. The highest mountain around Saalbach is the Geißstein (2,363m).
Salzburg (90km) and Munich (220km) are the most popular airports for UK visitors with regular flights to both from airports and operators throughout the UK. You can also book a convenient budget airport transfer directly from Salzburg or Munich Airport to your accommodation.
Since May 2025, all guests staying in the SalzburgerLand region receive the Guest Mobility Ticket upon check-in. Independent of the JOKER CARD, this ticket allows unlimited use of all public transportation throughout the province of Salzburg for the duration of your stay.
For more information about active holidays in Saalbach Hinterglemm, go to saalbach.com
