Holidays in Saalbach Hinterglemm

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Each day, a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as your like. 

Why we love walking in Saalbach Hinterglemm

With around 400 kilometres of marked walking trails and routes that cater for all abilities, there's a lot to explore and the scenery is superb. Getting to the best viewpoints is easy, with a fantastic network of lifts which opens up the walking area. The best bit - with the Joker Card, lifts and public transport are free of charge!

In your down time, there's plenty of other activities to enjoy too, plus many of our hotels offer fantastic spas, perfect for rest and rejuvenation.

Inghams guided walks

Don't forget, you have the option to join two included Inghams guided walks per week, with a local, professional guide. Get to know our favourite walking trails with insider knowledge and the company of other guests. Pre-booking is essential - scroll down for more information.

Saalbach Hinterglemm is made up of two neighbouring villages - Saalbach and Hinterglemm - and has a great network of public transport and lifts that make getting around the area really easy.

Lifts

There are up to six lifts open during summer and they’re included in the Joker Card, which is given to you at your hotel. 

• H1 and H2 Kohlmais, Saalbach (normally open 26 May to 15 Oct)
• D1 Reiterkogel, Hinterglemm (normally open 26 May to 15 Oct)
• B1 and B2 Zwölferkogel, Hinterglemm (normally open 2 Jun to 1 Oct)
• A3 and A4 Westgipfel, Hinterglemm (normally open 2 Jun to 8 Oct)
• A1 and A2 Schattberg X-Press, Saalbach (normally open 16 June to 24 Sept)
• A6 Schattberg Sprinter, Saalbach (normally open 16 June to 24 Sept)

There's also the Asitzbahn and the Steinbergbahn in Leogang which is another small town in the next valley to Saalbach Hinterglemm.

Postbus Hiker’s Bus

The Postbus route 680 runs from Lengau at the end of the valley, through Hinterglemm and Saalbach and down to Zell am See. It runs frequently throughout the day and your Joker Card gives you free access.

Inghams guided walks - included with your holiday

We’ve included two full-day walks per week in Saalbach & Hinterglemm, just for Inghams guests. Join a small group and be led by a professional mountain guide on some of their favourite trails. It’s a great way to get to know the area. The walks in Saalbach Hinterglemm are run by Paulina Hradil.

The days of the walks will vary each week and will allocated to you by your rep. Details will be given during your welcome meeting. You can add them onto your holiday at the time of booking, through My Booking or by calling us on 01483 319 652.

Routes may vary from week to week but as a guide you can see our planned routes below:

Almhutten

Starting from the Talschluss Hinterglemm Mitterlengau bus stop, this is a lovely, easy walk around the end of the Glemm Valley. The scenery is lush and green, with alpine meadows, shady forests and fantastic views of the surrounding mountains of the Staffkogel, Tristkogel, Gamshag and Schusterkogel.

• Grade: Easy (a reasonable fitness and sure-footedness are required)
• Distance: 8km
• Duration: 6 hours (walking time around 3.5 hours)
• Ascent/descent: 300m
• Terrain: Mainly forest trail, gravel road or footpath (can be quite uneven in places)
• Useful information: There will be a stop at the Ossmannalm Hut where you can buy lunch and the hikers' bus is required to and from Talschluss - the bus is included with the Joker Card. Please bring suitable walking shoes and clothing, sun cream, sun glasses, rain jacket, a warmer layer, rucksack, drink, snack and your Joker Card. You may find walking poles useful.

Kohlmaiskopf

You can see for miles on this scenic walk. It follows a panoramic forest path from the Kohlmais cable car to the the Wildenkarhütte mountain hut, which is a welcome lunch stop with pretty mountain lake, and impressive limestone peaks in the distance. On the way, look out for marmots and wildflowers.

• Grade: Moderate (a reasonable fitness and sure-footedness is required)
• Distance: 10km
• Duration: 6 hours (walking time approx. 4 hours)
• Ascent/descent: 300m ascent and 600m descent
• Terrain: Mainly forest trail, gravel road or footpath (can be quite uneven in places)
• Useful information: There will be a stop at the Wildenkarhütte where you can buy lunch. Use of the Kohlmais cable car is included with the Joker Card. Please bring suitable walking shoes and clothing, sun cream, sun glasses, rain jacket, a warmer layer, rucksack, drink, snack and your Joker Card. You may find walking poles useful.

Reiterkogel

Get up to 1,819 metres on this interesting walk from the Reiterkogel cable car to the peak of the Reiterkogel Mountain. Take a picture with the summit cross, and enjoy the spectacular mountain views from the top. The route follows a network of forest trails and paths through alpine meadows to the Reiteralm Hut, where you can explore the herbal garden which contains over 80 local herbs and plants.

• Grade: Moderate (a reasonable fitness and sure-footedness is required)
• Distance: 8.5km
• Duration: 6 hours (walking time approx. 4 hours) 
• Ascent/descent: 400m
• Terrain: Mainly forest trail, mountain path or footpath (can be quite uneven in places)
• Useful information: There will be a stop at the Reiteralm Hut where you can buy lunch. Use of the Reiterkogel cable car is included with the Joker Card. Please bring suitable walking shoes and clothing, sun cream, sun glasses, rain jacket, a warmer layer, rucksack, drink, snack and your Joker Card. You may find walking poles useful.

Spielberghaus

The lift does most of the uphill for you on this walk, which starts from the middle station of the Kohlmais cable car and follows forest paths and gravel roads to the Spielberghaus Hut before dropping down into Saalbach. On the way you'll get great views of Saalbach from above and the surrounding forests and meadows.

• Grade: Easy (a reasonable fitness and sure-footedness is required)
• Distance: 7km
• Duration: 6 hours (walking time approx. 3.5 hours)
• Ascent/descent: 380m descent
• Terrain: Mainly forest trail, gravel road or footpath (can be quite uneven in places)
• Useful information: There will be a stop at the Spielberghaus where you can buy lunch. Use of the Kohlmais cable car is included with the Joker Card. Please bring suitable walking shoes and clothing, sun cream, sun glasses, rain jacket, a warmer layer, rucksack, drink, snack and your Joker Card. You may find walking poles useful.

Stemmerkogel

It's all about the views on this walk, and you can spot the snow-capped peaks of some of Austria's mountain giants - the Grossvenediger and the Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain - in the distance. You walk along mountain paths from the Westgipfel cable car up to the Stemmerkogel Mountain at 2,123 metres, before dropping down to the Hacklbergeralm Hut. The views are incredible and look out for wildflowers on the way.

• Grade: Moderate (a reasonable fitness and sure-footedness is required)
• Distance: 7km
• Duration: 6 hours (walking time approx. 3.5 hours)
• Ascent/descent: 150m ascent and 700m descent
• Terrain: Mainly mountain path, dirt road or forest trail (can be quite uneven in places)
• Useful information: There will be a stop at the Hacklbergeralm Hut where you can buy lunch. Use of the Westgipfel cable car is included with the Joker Card. Please bring suitable walking shoes and clothing, sun cream, sun glasses, rain jacket, a warmer layer, rucksack, drink, snack and your Joker Card. You may find walking poles useful.

Zwölferkogel

On this walk you'll be able to make the most of mountain views and alpine meadows as you gently ascend from the middle station of the Zwölferkogel lift to the top, at 1,983 metres altitude. The terrain is generally wide gravel paths with a steady incline but it can be a little steeper in places. An optional extension up to the neighbouring peak of Hohe Penhab (2,113 metres) is possible to maximise the views. On the way back, you return via lift, stopping off at the middle station where you can buy lunch at the Genuss Restaurant. 

• Grade: Moderate (a reasonable fitness and sure-footedness is required)
• Distance: 8.5km
• Duration: 4 hours
• Ascent/descent: 450m ascent
• Terrain: Mainly gravel rounds (can be quite uneven in places)
• Useful information: There will be a stop at the Genuss Restaurant where you can buy lunch. Use of the Zwölferkogel cable car is included with the Joker Card. Please bring suitable walking shoes and clothing, sun cream, sun glasses, rain jacket, a warmer layer, rucksack, drink, snack and your Joker Card. You may find walking poles useful.

For every walk you will need: suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, sun cream, sun glasses, rain jacket, a warmer layer, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a snack and cash for mountain huts/transport. You may find walking poles useful.

Early booking is strongly recommended as spaces are limited. All walks are subject to availability of local guides, weather conditions and maximum numbers. Planned routes are subject to change. Any times, distances and ascents/descents stated are approximate. Full details of the walks with the meeting points and routes will be provided to you on arrival. In some instances there may be a small charge for local transport that is payable locally. In resorts where the walks run over more than two days, the day of the walk will be allocated to you by your Rep in your welcome meeting. Where we cannot confirm your preferred option in resort, we will endeavour to offer an alternative subject to the above conditions.

Please ensure you are comfortable with the grade of walk, planned distance covered and terrain before booking. The decision of the guide on the suitability of the walk for you is final and no compensation will be paid where the guide believes, in their professional opinion, that it is not suitable. Please ensure you are well-equipped for the walk have suitable clothing and footwear. Walks are not recommended for guests under 12 years. Any guests under 18 years will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Tourist Office guided walks

There’s also an option to join guided walks through the tourist board. They're included in the Joker Card and you can book through your hotel's reception.

The walking around Saalbach and Hinterglemm is so good that many of the routes could be classed as favourites, but here are just a few routes that we really love:

Alpine Herb Trail

• Very easy walk
• 1.8km with 92m height gain
• The walk takes around forty minutes but it's easy to extend if you wish

A great walk for nature lovers, this route starts at the top of the Reiterkogel lift. Learn about over 200 different herbs and alpine flowers from the area and enjoy the views.

Kohlmais Panorama

• Moderate walk
• 9.9km with 164m height gain
• The walk takes around three and a half hours (plus stops for delicious food and lots of photos)

This walk offers stunning views of the surrounding area. You begin at the top station of the Kohlmais lift and take a shady forest path to the Schönleitenhütte, where you can stop for lunch on the sunny terrace. Afterwards, descend on the Güterweg to the Hochwartweg and catch the Kohlmais lift back down from the middle station.

Forest Wellness Trail

• Relaxing, easy walk
• Spend as long as you like

Science tells us that the outdoors have a positive effect on our well-being. On the forest wellness trail at the Reiterkogel in Hinterglemm, you can fill your lungs with fresh air and relax in the woodland. The forest here is over 200 years old and contains over 1,000 spruce trees. There are places for yoga, a forest library, picnic areas and hammocks and sun loungers to relax in. A circuit of the trail takes around 20 minutes to walk round, but you can stay as long as you wish.

Saalbach Hiking Challenge

Earn yourself a trophy by completing the three long distance walks of the Saalbach Hiking Challenge. Each are special in their own right, but together they become the ultimate bucket-list item for experienced hikers with good fitness:

Pinzgauer Spaziergang

• Challenging hike
• 18km with 650m height gain
• Expect to take six to eight hours
• No mountain huts on route so pack a good picnic and plenty of snacks and water

From Schattberg to the Schmittenhöhe above Zell am See, this hike is a beautiful journey with panoramic views the entire way. Begin with the Schattberg X-Press (ideally get the early-morning lift around 7.30am, only possible on weekdays) and then follow the route via the Marxtensharte, Seetörl, Klinglertörl, Klammscharte and Rohrertörl to the Schmittenhöhe. Then you catch the Schmittenhöhe lift down into Zell am See and Postbus 680 back to Saalbach and Hinterglemm. 

Seven Summits

• Very challenging hike
• 24km with 1,450m of height gain
• Expect to take nine to ten hours
• Sturdy hiking boots (not trainers) and plenty of food and drink are essential
• This hike requires excellent fitness and sure-footedness

Prepare well for this challenging and rewarding hike which takes on the seven summits of Saalbach. The route takes you from the top of the Schattberg X-Press lift (early lift around 7.30am on weekdays) and covers the Stemmerkogel, Hochkogel, Hochsaalbachkogel, Bärenstiegkogel, Manlitzkogel, Mittagskogel and finally the highest mountain of the Glemmtal, the Geißstein which stands at 2,363m. The descent via the Birgel is difficult and will also require energy. 

Home of Lässig Walk

• Very challenging hike
• 22km with 1,700m height gain 
• Expect to take eight to ten hours
• Sturdy hiking boots (not trainers) and plenty of food and drink are essential
• This hike requires excellent fitness, sure-footedness and good preparation

You'll get spectacular views every step of the way on this panoramic walk. In German, lässig means cool, and this rewarding challenge is definitely that. Be sure to keep a look out for chamois and marmots, and if you're lucky you may even catch a glimpse of a golden eagle. You'll also get to take in five summits from the Schusterscharte ridge to the Mittagskogel on to the Teufelssprung, Gamshag, Tristkogel, Saalkogel and finally the Staffkogel. There'll be no shortage of peace and tranquillity along this route, so you'll come back feeling like a new you!

Family-friendly walks in Saalbach Hinterglemm

Families will love Saalbach & Hinterglemm not just for the great hotels and activities on offer, but also for the amount of great family-friendly walks that will keep young adventurers interested.

The Wildlife Trail

This new and exciting trail is at the end of the Glemm Valley. Wooden carved animal figures lurk in the woodland, teaching children about the wildlife they share the mountains with. Have a look through the large binoculars at the Ossmannalm to see what you can spot in real life. If you complete the wildlife quiz, you can pick up your medal at the Ossmannalm, too.

Montelino's Adventure Path

• Approx. 3km from the top of the Kohlmais lift to the middle station
• Expect to take around 90 minutes
• Huts with special offers for children on the way

There's lots to explore on this route, helping Montelino the clown find his friends and toys and rediscover his smile. Pick up the game pass at the bottom of the lift before you head up, then follow the owl through the woods and meadows which have various activity stations to entertain the whole family.

Kid's Hiking Challenge

Collect a kid's hiking challenge pass from the Tourist Office and start collecting little stamps as you explore the themed trails. When you've got enough stamps, young adventurers should present their pass for a little reward.

More great walking route inspiration

You can view lots more recommended routes and view tour maps from Saalbach Hinterglemm Tourism.

Recommended equipment

Comfy walking boots, waterproofs, rucksacks and walking poles are useful for walking around Saalbach Hinterglemm. There are plenty of places to buy walking equipment in both villages, or if you stay at the Hotel Glemmtalerhof you can borrow rucksacks and walking poles from reception.

Walking maps

We recommend Kompass Map number 30, which has a scale of 1:25,000 or 1:50,000. The maps show the walking routes which are numbered and match the yellow signposts around the area. They will have a key which will help you understand the nature of the trail before you set out on your walk.

Walking guidelines

The mountains are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help it stay that way, and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

• Plan your route well and don't overestimate yourself
• Check the weather forecast
• Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
• Take all the recommended equipment
• Make a note of emergency numbers:
  • Austrian Emergency Services: 112
  • Mountain Rescue: 140
• Don't leave the marked trails or go onto a glacier without a guide
• Let nature stay wild by not picking alpine flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
• Always leave gates as you found them
• Leave no trace

Explore bustling villages

Saalbach Hinterglemm is made up of two pretty villages - Saalbach and Hinterglemm. Explore the pretty, pedestrianised village centres with a selection of shops, cafés and restaurants. There's a friendly, energetic atmosphere in the summer that extends out into the mountains where you'll find authentic mountain huts. You can easily walk between the villages along a path that follows the Saalach River, or hop on the walker's bus (free with the Joker Card).

Head out on a bike

Saalbach Hinterglemm is part of Europe's best biking region - test your endurance on the Big-5 challenge, which links Saalbach Hinterglemm with Leogang across five mountains, six gondolas and 5,000 metres of descent. With over 80 kilometres of the finest downhill biking trails, plus hundreds of kilometres of mountain bike and gravel bike routes of varying difficulty, it's safe to say bike enthusiasts will be happy here. If you don't fancy straying too far off-road, there are plenty of tarmac and gravel cycle trails, and the mountain roads are great for road cyclists.

Exciting summer adventure activities

Head through a canyon course that offers rockpool jumping, waterfall slides, zip lining and abseiling. Test your head for heights on Europe's largest high ropes park or experience the ultimate flying experience - the Flying Fox is 120 metres high and can get to speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour. The Golden Gate Bridge of the Alps is a huge suspension bridge and treetop walk with incredible views, and there's mini-golf and tennis courts in both villages of Saalbach Hinterglemm. You can also test your head for heights on a panoramic paraglide, or feed your need for speed on the go-kart track - there's so much to cram into a Saalbach Hinterglemm holiday that you'll need to come back again and again.

Visit Sigmund-Thun-Klamm

The wooden walkway through the Sigmund-Thun Klamm is a spectacular journey through a deep rocky gorge and over impressive waterfalls. It's the other side of Zell am See so use public transport to get there. Hop on the bus from Saalbach Hinterglemm to Zell am See and then take the connecting service to the gorge. 

We also recommend a day trip to the high mountain reservoirs of Wasserfallboden and Mooserboden or the Krimml Waterfalls - the highest waterfalls in Europe and fifth highest in the world.

Take a day trip to Zell am See

On the edge of the picturesque Lake Zell, is the bustling town of Zell am See, with pretty streets and lots of shops to explore. Watch a fountain show from Elisabeth Park, or take a boat cruise along the lake, rent a paddleboard or take the children to the lido on the edge of the water to play and swim. There's also plenty to do, and lots of beautiful walking trails, on the Schmittenhöhe mountain - the view from the top is worth the trip and the Franzl hut serves up delicious local food on the panoramic sun terrace.

Every day is a new adventure in Saalbach Hinterglemm, which is an enormous outdoor playground for all ages. There's lots of options and the Joker Card makes exploring a lot of them easy and free. Some do have local charges and restricted opening dates to cater for school holidays so we recommend checking the opening times for specific activities.

Golden Gate Bridge of the Alps

Probably one of the most famous sights in the area, the Golden Gate Bridge of the Alps is a fun suspension bridge and treetop trail that appeals to all ages. Take your camera, but hold it tightly - the views are stunning as you make your way round the various platforms, with fun puzzles to keep children entertained along the way.

Jump and Slide Park

The world's first jump and slide park is paradise for teenagers who can jump from towers into soft airbags, throw some shapes on the trampolines or whizz down slides in sturdy rubber dinghies.

High-ropes and adventure trails

Test your head for heights on Europe's largest high-ropes course - swing in the treetops and whizz along the zip lines. Or, keep things closer to the ground on the Motor Skills Path - 24 stations of challenges that are fun for all ages and test agility and balance. Walk along beams, test your control on a swinging ball maze or practise your throwing skills. 

Younger children will love Montelino's adventure trail on the Kohlmais mountain - help Montelino the clown get his smile back by finding his lost toys.

Adventure playgrounds and swimming pools

There's a playground for every type of little adventurer in Saalbach Hinterglemm, from the family park in Hinterglemm with it's swings, climbing tower and big adventure slide, to the Peak Playgrounds on the Schattberg and Zwölferkogel mountains. Enjoy panoramic views while the children test their climbing and slackline skills at the Zwölferkogel playground or try the pendulum swing at Schattberg, there's hammocks here, too if you just want to hang out. 

Waterbabies will love the waterslides at the Käpt’n Hook adventure pool in Saalbach, a refreshing splash around on the mountain at Montelino's water playground, or the pools and wooden play features at the Devil's water.

Mini-golf and ball tracks

Unleash your inner child and take on the family for a game of mini-golf - there's a course in Saalbach, one in Hinterglemm, and on the Zwölferkogel mountain, which is a unique wooden themed mini-golf course played with wooden balls. Can you get your ball through all the challenges to be crowned winner of the family? Keep hold of your wooden ball - you can also use it for Kodok's ball tracks at the top of the Reiterkogel lift and follow your ball along the trail of wooden tracks as it weaves through the forest.

Learn to bike park

The children's bike park at the bottom of the Kohlmais lift is great for young bikers who can improve their skills on corners and small wooden obstacles. Saalbach Hinterglemm is a biker's paradise and the children's bike facilities here are among the best in Austria - it's a fantastic place to learn and get the biking bug.

Family-friendly walking trails

Getting the children outside and interested in the world around them is easy in Saalbach Hinterglemm, with a range of child-friendly trails to capture their interest and imagination. Learn about local wildlife on the Wildlife Trail or look out for gnomes and fairies in the Fairytale Forest which has fun challenges and games along the way. 

For children who are up for a bit of a challenges, the Kid's Hiking Challenge is a fantastic introduction to walking in the mountains - see the walking tab for more details on this and other family-friendly walks.

Pre-book your excursions online or give us a call

Grossglockner from £42/28 per adult/child (full day)

This spectacular journey takes you over the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, an incredible feat of engineering with stunning views. From the Franz-Josef's Höhe you'll see the Pasterze glacier and maybe catch a glimpse of 3,798-metre summit of the Grossglockner. Keep a look out for the wild marmots and Ibex too - they love the high alpine conditions. You can visit the free museums and exhibitions to learn about the National Park or enjoy a walk round the area and a tasty Austrian mountain meal.

Departs: Tuesdays

Salzburg from £42/26 per adult/child (full day)

Salzburg is a city full of culture, history and music. Visit Mozart’s birthplace, enjoy the view from the Hohensalzburg Fortress, or wander the famous Getreidegasse shopping street. Immerse yourself in history as you explore the medieval Old Town, discover museums and Baroque churches or visit the Salzburg Residenz Palace - the DomQuartier. There is an optional guided walking tour which is a great way to see more of the city (payable locally, approx. €12 per person).

Departs: Thursdays

Berchtesgaden from £42/26 per adult/child (full day)

There's a few options for you to choose from on this interesting trip to Berchtesgaden. Spend the day discovering the pretty Bavarian town of Berchtesgaden itself, or choose one of the optional extras that you can add on to your day.

The most famous is the Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest). Explore the historic building and surrounding area, with spectacular views on a clear day over the King's Lake. The house is famous for being Nazi-constructed and was used for government and social meetings by Hitler and the Nazi Party. Alternatively, head underground to see the Salt Mines. A network of tunnels and slides take you on an underground adventure discovering this once very important industry (optional add-ons are payable locally - Eagle's Nest approx. €30.80 per person, Salt Mines approx. €22.50 per person).

Departs: Fridays

Bookable Locally

Liechtenstein Gorge and Hochkönig Pass from approx. €39/21 per adult/child

This is an exciting half day excursion which combines adventure and sightseeing. First visit the dramatic Liechtenstein Gorge and see the power of nature from the platforms that are suspended over the plummeting waters that have carved a mountain into two (please note: a local additional charge of around €12 per person is payable to access the Gorge Walk). Next, you cross over the scenic Hochkönig Pass, where wide-open, grassy hillsides provide uninterrupted panoramas of impressive peaks. Enjoy an ice cream in the chocolate-box village of Maria Alm, which was once voted the most beautiful village in Austria.

Departs: Wednesdays

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.