Hiking or snowshoeing through the winter landscape of the UNESCO Biosphere Park Salzburg Lungau

The snow falls softly from the trees. Snow crystals glitter in the sunlight. The white splendor exudes a contemplative calm. The only sound that breaks through the snowy mountain idyll is the crunch of the snow under your shoes.
Winter hiking is a welcome alternative for all those who want to discover and enjoy nature on a winter holiday away from the hustle and bustle on the slopes. Regardless of whether you opt for a winter hike on groomed paths through snow-covered side valleys or a snowshoe hike on the mountain, in Austria’s sunniest region you can leave everyday life behind you step by step.

Come to rest during winter hiking

The winter hiking paths in the Lungau extends over almost 195 km at various altitudes. The 15 picturesque places in the Lungau are all at 1,000 meters above sea level and more. Recovery begins as soon as you consciously inhale the crystal-clear mountain air, which also alleviates breathing difficulties.
In addition to short walks, there are also extensive circular hikes lasting several hours that invite you to slow down. The cleared paths lead along streams, through snow-covered forests and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains of the Lungau.
An impressive winter spectacle, for example, is the romantic “Bachweg” from the Großeck-Speiereck ski center to the historic market square in Mauterndorf. The path is illuminated. It offers a unique view of the castle of Mauterndorf with its imposing 44 m high defense tower. You might catch a glimpse of a falling star – or at least some of the 7,500 stars that can be seen with the naked eye.
The Lungau is one of the few regions in the world where the nights are really dark. Due to the low light pollution, a bright starry sky reveals itself.
Those who want to go high can enjoy the wonderful winter panorama on a ride up the “Sonnenbahn” gondola on the Großeck-Speiereck. Arrived at the mountain station at around 2,000 m, you can hike to the mountain station of the “Großeckbahn”. The wheelchair and pram-friendly “Sonnenhangweg” is 2.5 km long and is also a wonderful adventure for dogs.

Would you prefer to take your steps in pristine snow? Then snowshoeing is just right for you.

Feel infinite freedom while snowshoeing

Snowshoeing in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Salzburger Lungau is a special nature experience. Nestled between the “Radstädter Tauern” and Carinthian “Nockberge”, the Lungau is particularly sheltered from the wind and there is hardly any fog.
In contrast to winter hiking, you can explore untouched white splendor while snowshoeing – apart from fresh animal tracks. Snowshoes are strapped to normal footwear and prevent sinking deep into the snow. Guided tours are offered for both beginners and advanced. The right walking technique not only helps you move faster, it also saves a lot of strength.
Quaint huts and inns invite you to take a break while snowshoeing or winter hiking in Lungau. Let yourself be pampered by regional delicacies and wonderful views.
You will be rewarded with a wonderful panoramic view on the sheltered tour from Katschberg to Branntweineralm in the Katschberg-Aineck ski area. After a gentle ascent of around 1.5 hours you will reach the hut. Let your gaze wander over the Murtal with larch needle soup and pancakes with spruce jelly.
The tour from St. Margarethen along the Leisnitzbach to the Kösselbacheralm is ideal for experienced snowshoe hikers. Surrounded by untouched nature, there are 800 meters of altitude to conquer. The demanding ascent is rewarded with a breathtaking view. Regional delicacies strengthen the body.

Further tour tips can be obtained directly from the Lungau Tourism Association.

Come up to come down

According to the motto “come up to come down”, there are other special activities to discover in Lungau in winter. The so-called Echt.Sein.-partner companies have put together various holiday offers on the subject of decelerating and offer holidays that are grounded.
How many Echt.Sein.-partner companies are there in Salzburg’s Lungau? A total of 9 hosts guarantee deceleration for all senses. Whether baking bread together with farmer and blogger Christina Bauer, guided nature and forest exploration tours with treading water in the stream, wildlife observation in our own hunting ground during the rutting season or wild animal feeding live on the mountain – the possibilities to experience a break in the UNESCO Biosphere Park Salzburg Lungau couldn’t be more different.
Whether a comfortable hotel, cozy Lungau guest house, charming chalet village or spacious holiday apartment – there is something for every taste and budget in Lungau. The Lungau holiday region provides further information on accommodation and available rooms in Austria’s sunniest region.