The best excursion tips in the Salzburg region

Your Gassner­ time

Whether planned or spontaneous, relaxing or active, city or countryside, mountain or valley – our region has something for everyone. As your personal holiday guide, here are places we love, activities that bring us joy, and ideas for when the weather isn’t playing along. Enjoy browsing and exploring our excursion tips.

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People shopping at a festively lit Christmas market stall in winter
People shopping at a festively lit Christmas market stall in winter

Advent Market

in Neukirchen am Großvenediger

At the start of winter, Neukirchen's Advent whisks you off into a world filled with tradition, customs and artisan crafts. Our favourite advent market, because it is small, lovely and super personal – always on the second weekend in December.

Two people holding sleds up in the snow during sunset
Two people holding sleds up in the snow during sunset

Tobogganing in the Wildkogel-Arena

Always a winner

Whether it is the longest floodlit toboggan run in the world, family tobogganing from the two intermediate stations, or our own Kühnreit toboggan run. Tobogganing is in our blood, or as we Pinzgauers say – ‘Bocka, ready, go!’ Are you ready?

Hunter explains antlers and wildlife calendar to visitors in mountain cabin
Hunter explains antlers and wildlife calendar to visitors in mountain cabin

Observe red deer

Freely roaming im Habachtal

Accompany a National Park Ranger to the exhibition feeding session in Habachtal. Head out via the forest road in a trailer pulled by tractor to the tucked away National Park lodge. There, with a professional hunter present, you can observe the red deer in their natural habitat through a panorama window. Registration is available at Reception. 

Person standing before frozen waterfall in snowy forest
Person standing before frozen waterfall in snowy forest

Krimml Waterfalls

See them frozen for once

Europe’s tallest waterfalls reveal their most romantic side in the winter and have atmospheric floodlighting every Wednesday until 21:30. Our tip: a guided hike by torchlight as part of the winter programme available at the National Park. 

Horse carriage with two horses on a snowy street in winter

Horse-drawn carriage ride

from Wald im Pinzgau

When Gotthard from Unterklaffau farm is telling a few jokes and a shot glass of some home-brewed schnapps surfaces, you know it’s time for a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Starting point: Bäckerei Schroll in Wald – available with or without a refreshment stop.

Snow-covered wooden houses in a valley beside a forest in winter
Snow-covered wooden houses in a valley beside a forest in winter

Winter hike to Steineralm

in Dürnbachtal

There are frequently guided hikes with our hiking guide Moni to the Steineralm, which is in a wonderful location. The journey there is rewarded with a unique view to the Großvenediger and of course with delicious traditional foods and a schnapps.

Family in winter clothes with snowy mountain and town in background
Family in winter clothes with snowy mountain and town in background

Kitzbühel

Experience it live once

Kitzbühel extends a welcome to you – chic and a little bit aloof. Cool shops, exclusive meals, the most difficult ski run in the world and VIPs as far as the eye can see. Amid Old Town style, Alpine chic and that jet-set feel, you experience a special blend of tradition and lifestyle – perfect for an excursion into neighbouring Tyrol.

Signpost for archery course in snowy forest area in Neukirchen
Signpost for archery course in snowy forest area in Neukirchen

Archery course Neukirchen

On target through winter

Bow, arrow, crisp snow. The 3D archery course at 1200 m altitude is open in the winter too and combines exercise, concentration and an enjoyment of nature. The perfect occasion to become immersed in the world of archery with your loved ones. 

Parents helping child ice skate on frozen lake outdoors
Parents helping child ice skate on frozen lake outdoors

Ice-skating and curling

Try it out in Neukirchen

The artificial ice rink in Neukirchen town centre invites you to practice a few laps, dance in pirouettes and enjoy some leisurely curling. Sled hire is available on site and entry is free. Guest curling sessions 1 x week – see the notice boards.

Person leaning on rock with red-white trail marker in alpine mountain scenery

Hikes in the valley

in the Hohe Tauern National Park

The marmots are leaving their winter quarters and can often be seen in the sunny Alpine meadows. The best place to see them is in Obersulzbachtal at Berndlalm, or in Habachtal at Enzianhütte.

Aerial view of golf course with water hazards and clubhouse

Golf at Hohe Tauern National Park Golf Club

in Mittersill

As a founder golf hotel, we are very well aware of the advantages of a relaxing golf holiday in the mountains – after all, the nearest golf course is not too far away. Want some tips? We are happy to help you find the most pleasure-filled combination of golf, nature and relaxation.

Mountain road along steep rock face with snow-covered peaks in background

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road

in Bruck/Fusch

Depending on the snow conditions, this famous road and its panoramic views re-opens from the start of May. A drive on it offers breath-taking views to the snow-covered mountain peaks and the lush, green valleys. In spring, as the road winds its way up, the high walls of snow are particularly impressive.

Gravel paths through a botanical garden with wooden houses and mountains in background

Hollersbach Herb Garden

in Hollersbach

In spring, the potency of over 500 plants unfolds in Hollersbach herb garden on an area spanning 8000 m². Carefully arranged and nestling in harmonious themed areas, the herb garden is not just a place that sends your senses on a journey, it also promises to be an educational experience.

Children climbing and sliding in a forest ropes course among trees
Children climbing and sliding in a forest ropes course among trees

Forest Playground right behind the Hotel

in the Gassner Forest

Right behind our hotel kids really get to let off steam, whether it is on the zipline, the nest swing, the low ropes course or the in-ground trampoline. In the Gassner woodland there’s quite a lot happening and, as an aside, you will also hear the rustle of forest inhabitants and the birds twittering. 

Old wooden house with flower boots and red umbrellas in the garden

Venedigerweg to the Berndlalm

in Obersulzbachtal

Furnished with your stamp book, head across the 60-metre suspension bridge, past various play stations and wild waterfalls until you reach our favourite inn, the ‘Berndlalm’. Your ascent here is rewarded with some really great refreshments and a little gift too.

Two children sliding down a double metal slide in the forest
Two children sliding down a double metal slide in the forest

Panorama- and Slide path

in the Wildkogel-Arena

To the slides, get ready, go! From the intermediate station, ten stainless steel slides in varying difficulty levels are there waiting to provide a special conveyance method to Gasthof Stockenbaum. Look forward to sliding fun like you have never experienced before! 

Family on wooden viewing platform with mountain view and eagle sculpture in nature
Family on wooden viewing platform with mountain view and eagle sculpture in nature

Stories about ‘Adler Toni’

in the Wildkogel-Arena

There is a new highlight at the end of the Slide Path – the ‘Adler Toni’ experience path heads back into the valley – with play and information stations, natural adventures and animal companions. A lovely finale for all nature lovers who still have enough energy. 

Two people searching with a sieve for minerals or gems in a mountain stream
Two people searching with a sieve for minerals or gems in a mountain stream

Emerald prospecting

in Habachtal

Did you know that you can find emeralds very near us? To do just that, take yourself to the Smaragd hiking trail in Habachtal first of all. At the Alpenrose you can hire some prospecting equipment for yourself and get going. And after a special experience like this you are guaranteed to return ‘filthy rich’. 

Two people riding mountain carts down a gravel mountain path
Two people riding mountain carts down a gravel mountain path

Mountain Cart Route

at Wildkogel

Those who brake, lose. Adrenaline guaranteed! On a twisting route of about 4 kilometres head from the mountain station to the intermediate station for Smaragdbahn in a mountain cart. Fun for all ages – Super Mario would have been pleased. 

Two marmots on rocks in a museum with a 360° display in the background
Two marmots on rocks in a museum with a 360° display in the background

National Park Centre in Mittersill

To discover and marvel at

A fascinating foray through the wonderful world of the Hohe Tauern National Park – with 360 degree cinema, ‘Adlerflug’ panorama, 3D experience cinema and impressive stations for explorers of all ages. 

Antique pocket watch hanging on an old typewriter
Antique pocket watch hanging on an old typewriter

Escape Room Sixty Minutes

in Neukirchen

In Sixty Minutes in Neukirchen a tricky adventure awaits - 60 minutes to find information, crack codes and find the way out together. Ideal for anyway aged 10 and over who enjoys puzzles and excitement. Reservation definitely required!

Large clear quartz crystals displayed in a museum with various mineral specimens

Local History Museum in Bramberg

For all those who love treasures

Insights into living history and sparkling precious objects. In the local history museum the biggest exhibition of emeralds and crystals in Salzburger Land awaits – a genuine highlight for anyone who adores treasures.

Vintage film projector emitting light and smoke in a dark setting

Cinétheatro in Neukirchen

Experience art and culture

The coolest cultural temple in town – with live music, theatre productions and film presentations. A creative space for special evenings and variety-packed events in a relaxed atmosphere.

Children playing laser tag in the dark with red beams and vests
Children playing laser tag in the dark with red beams and vests

Visorium leisure centre

in Mayrhofen, Zillertal

Escape Room, Adventure Golf and Laser tag – team spirit is what’s needed here! Without the assistance of friendly colleagues we would never have managed the ‘fiendish pact’ – a bonding experience!

Woman standing by summit cross with Alps in the background on a sunny day
Woman standing by summit cross with Alps in the background on a sunny day

Frühmesser Summit

in the Kitzbühel Alps

Everyone’s real favourite summit. It takes around an hour of walking to get to it and passes the picturesque reservoir at the Gensbichlalm. Once you get to the top, a superb panoramic view awaits so you’ll certainly forget about all the exertion.

Waterfall in forested mountain area with a house by the river

Krimml Waterfalls in Krimml

Perfect for hot summer days

At 380 metres in height,  the tallest and most impressive waterfalls in Europe, are always worth a visit. There are great ‘aerosols’ for your lungs here and for the most part, plenty of visitors too. Our tip – on the left side of the waterfall there is a secret path above the waterfall – lovely and peaceful.

Two kids with backpacks at glacier trail sign by mountain lake and snowy peaks
Two kids with backpacks at glacier trail sign by mountain lake and snowy peaks

Obersulzbachtal Glacier Trail

Nature trail in the Hohe Tauern

At the edge of the eternal ice. The educational path in the run-up to Obersulzbachkees reveals the glacier’s areas of contraction since 1850. Impressive moraines, glacier-polished rocks and the colonization of the scree areas by pioneer plants can be seen.

Two alpine lakes with fountain and mountain view under clear sky

Reservoir Circular Trail

in the Wildkogel-Arena

Leisurely and suitable for prams too – the circular path proceeds from the mountain station for the Wildkogelbahn to the Wildkogelalm, in so doing taking in two idyllic reservoirs and, via the north side of the Pfeifferköpfl, back again to the mountain station.

Top view of a narrow gorge with river and wooden walkways
Top view of a narrow gorge with river and wooden walkways

Sigmund Thun Gorge

in Kaprun

The relentless force of the water has shaped Sigmund Thun Gorge – an atmospheric, almost mystical place. A natural spectacle and excursion destination that ought to feature on your To-do list. Every Friday from the middle of June until the end of October the ‘Klammlichter’ (‘Gorgeous lights’ event) takes place (registration required).

Hand pinning clothes to a clothesline with clothespins outdoors
Hand pinning clothes to a clothesline with clothespins outdoors

Harvest Festivals

in the Region

An absolute must-do in autumn? Visiting one of the harvest festivals of course and marvelling at the festively adorned cattle during the Alpine cattle drive, as well as sampling proper, delicious Pinzgau food. The best thing to do is enquire at Reception for more information and details about dates.

Two men watching mountains using binoculars and a spotting scope on a tripod
Two men watching mountains using binoculars and a spotting scope on a tripod

Wild-Watching in Obersulzbachtal

With Hans-Peter Gassner

Kitted out with tripod and binoculars, we head out into Obersulzbachtal with landlord Hans- Peter Gassner to observe the ‘Big 5’ in the Alps. A ‘Hüttenschnaps’ in our Jagdhütte and a ‘Wilderer’ snack in Berndlalm afterwards is the perfect way to round out this expedition. It doesn’t get any more natural than this! 

Hands of couple wearing traditional costume and silver wedding dress

Get those Dirndls and Lederhosen

out of the wardrobe

We actually do this throughout the year, but in the autumn people just like to wear their favourite traditional garb a little bit more. If you would like to be suitably dressed for the next harvest festival too, then that is not a problem. You’ll hit the jackpot with Nindl’s Sport- und Trachtenmode in Neukirchen. 

Aerial view of green forest with river and viewing platform
Aerial view of green forest with river and viewing platform

Untersulzbach Waterfall

in Neukirchen

In Sulzau things are more contemplative and tranquil, so Untersulzbach Waterfall is also a real insider tip, very well suited to a spontaneous excursion. The lichen are very special, and the views  to the Großvenediger at the Venediger viewing pulpit really are impressive.

Woman serving food to two women outdoors in a mountain setting
Woman serving food to two women outdoors in a mountain setting

‘A guade Jausn’

in an alpine inn

At this time nothing tastes better than a wonderfully arranged snack platter served in an Alpine inn. Home-made bacon and fresh bread, a fully ripened Alpine cheese, with some lovely butter and fresh herbs from the farmhouse garden. And how about sharing some fluffy ‘Kaiserschmarrn’ pancakes with lingonberries – what do you say?

Couple sitting on rock by clear mountain lake with snowy peaks in background
Couple sitting on rock by clear mountain lake with snowy peaks in background

Blausee in Neukirchen

A genuine source of energy

A favourite place that is worth a visit at any time of the year and is just a 15 minute walk from Gasthof Siggen. Discover the amphibian biotope and observe the river trout and minnow in the lake. There are safe play areas, as well as toilets and rest points.

Hohensalzburg Fortress overlooking Salzburg city with blooming branches in foreground
View of Salzburg with Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzach River in the foreground

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Above the rooftops of Salzburg

Majestically enthroned above the city – the largest fully preserved castle in Central Europe. This impressive landmark in Salzburg provides you with a breath-taking 360-degree view across the city and the mountains – a real experience, particularly at the golden hour.

Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg with Austrian flag on yellow building
Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg with Austrian flag on yellow building

Mozart’s birth house

in Getreidegasse

In 1756, in the middle of charming Getreidegasse in Salzburg one of the greatest musicians of all times was born. Today Mozart’s birth house is one of the most popular museums in the state – full to the brim with stories and memories about this artist. 

Christmas market with decorated fir trees in front of historic building at dusk
Ancient fountain with water jets in front of a historic building in a garden

Hellbrunn Palace

and its water games

Situated a bit outside the city, near Anif is one of our absolute favourite places – Hellbrunn Palace. The architecture is impressive and the water games are simply magical. Expect the unexpected and you will have a really lovely time here. 

Three soufflés in brown ramekins with powdered sugar on wooden board, flowers and spoons
Three soufflés in brown ramekins with powdered sugar on wooden board, flowers and spoons

Eat wonderfully well

in Salzburg

Salzburg tastes outstanding – and in so many places. In Ikarus in Hangar-7 for instance, where top-level international cuisine is celebrated. In Senns.Restaurant in the former bell foundry – creative, award-winning, special. And of course during a visit to the city, sweet classics are definitely not to be missed either: ‘Salzburger Nockerl’ (a sweet soufflé)  – best enjoyed in St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, the oldest restaurant in Europe, right at the cathedral.

Arrival
Departure
Autumn break

Dear guests and friends, we are taking a short break and will be back for you just in time for the Neukirchen Advent weekend, starting on December 12, 2025. For matters close to your heart, suggestions, and vacation requests, you can reach us by phone or email from Monday to Friday mornings. We look forward to a quick chat, answering your questions, and planning your next vacation with you.

♡ Naturally connected and see you soon, 
Sonja and Hans-Peter Gassner with family and team