Winter
Winter hiking on Salzburg’s Sonnenterrasse
Enjoy the white of winter and in so doing feel the warming sunshine on your face. Over 100 km of cleared winter hiking trails await in Salzburger Sonnenterrasse. Our hiking paths are easy to walk on and the towns are very well connected to one another via the Sonnenterrassen bus. A stop-off in a warm snug ought to feature during extended winter hikes in Salzburger Land. Impressed by the fantastic, heavenly panorama, you can for instance then enjoy a stop-off in the cosy and traditional Meislsteinalm.
The loveliest winter hikes in Pongau are of course available on Salzburg’s Sonnenterrasse. Our three sunshine towns: St. Veit, Schwarzach and Goldegg, await with both leisurely and totally sporty tours, on paths that are always well cleared. Here are a few of our favourites for romantic and challenging winter hikes in Salzburger Land:
This leisurely walk through the region starts at the Kinderalm car park, at the silent monastery in St. Veit. During the tour, which takes around one and a half hours, numerous relaxation oases await, tempting to you to take a rest and pause for thought. Perfect for enjoying the wonderful natural surroundings to the full.
The starting point is the picturesque Kinderalm, located at 1,280 meters above sea level. From here, a well-marked and maintained trail leads to the summit of the Hochglocker (1,586 meters). After a moderate ascent, hikers are rewarded with a stunning 360-degree panorama, stretching from the Tennengebirge mountain range to the Großglockner. The return follows the same path. This tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts who want to experience the serene winter beauty of the Salzburger Sonnenterrasse.
The leisurely hike along the groomed winter trail takes you through a serene, snow-covered winter wonderland. Starting from the parking area at the Irrstein farm, you’ll enjoy a moderate ascent of about 50 to 60 minutes before reaching the Shepherd’s Chapel – a picturesque plateau offering an impressive view: from the majestic Hochkönig massif to the peaks of the Hohe Tauern, the breathtaking panorama unfolds before you. On your way back, the Meislsteinalm invites you to take a well-deserved break and indulge in homemade regional delicacies. A winter experience that combines tranquility, natural beauty, and culinary delights—perfect for nature lovers and connoisseurs!
Even outside the Salzburger Sonnenterrasse area there are all kinds of fantastic routes of varying difficulty levels that await. We can particularly recommend the St. Johann / Alpendorf region. You can on the following paths, among others:
Along both banks of the Salzach in St. Johann im Pongau there are several paths which head to Schwarzach and Bischofshofen. In total, 25 km of cleared winter hiking paths along the river banks await. Numerous rest stations and guesthouses have everything you need for a pleasure-filled stop-off in between times.
Start in St. Johann town centre and enjoy a leisurely stroll to Knoten Nord. Via Stefflmoosstraße, you pass chapels and farmsteads then proceed across the family piste in the Hahnbaum ski area before heading back to the town centre. Just before you arrive at the finish there is a stairway with around 200 steps – what a final spurt!
Apropos family ski area – this moderately difficult winter hike which takes around two hours, proceeds from the centre of St. Johann via hilly terrain right through this small but perfectly formed winter sports region. The hiking path towards the Hahnbaumalm passes several picturesque farmsteads. Incidentally, you can speed back to the centre on a toboggan, free of charge. The route is also partially floodlit at night time.
