Active Holidays in Austria

In the summer, Saalbach Hinterglemm transforms into Austria’s number one bike destination - 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. If you haven’t been cycling ‘off-road’ before, why not give gravel biking a go and head off the tarmac into beautiful alpine landscape, perhaps on the Glemmtal cycleway that connects Saalbach Hinterglemm to the town of Maishofen.

Every summer, Hinterglemm hosts the Glemmride Bike Festival, usually in July, where mountain bike enthusiasts come together for four days of celebrating the sport, with rides, festival events, demonstrations, trade stands and live music.

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.

Image: (copyright saalbach.com Moritz Ablinger)

There’s more to Lake Zell than swimming and boat trips. Spend a sunny afternoon exploring the lake by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or simply take to the water and enjoy the spectacular mountain views from a different perspective. With watersports and equipment available at various spots around the lake, you can make a day of exploring its shores and trying something new together.

Hiring a pedalo is another great way to enjoy the lake, whether you’re looking for a leisurely trip across the water or a little more fun with the slide at the back. It’s a lovely choice for couples looking to spend a relaxed afternoon outdoors, while families will love the easygoing fun and chance to spot fish beneath the crystal clear water.

Image: (copyright Zell Am See Kaprun Tourismus)

For climbers, Ischgl is a fantastic central location to visit with easy access via public transport to indoor bouldering centres at either the Alpinarium Galtür or Boulder Gym Flirsch. You can also test your strength ability with more advanced outdoor challenges on the multi-pitch and via ferrata climbing routes.

Image: (copyright TVB Paznaun Ischgl)

Fancy taking your mountain adventure up a level? Mayrhofen’s via ferrata routes offer an exhilarating way to experience the mountains, with the popular routes to Zimmereben Hut offering options for different abilities. Climb your way up the rock face, with spectacular views opening up around you as you go, before rewarding yourself at the top with a well earned strudel and coffee – or perhaps a cold beer.

If you enjoy the Zimmereben routes and fancy taking on something longer, try the Gerlosteinwand. It’s a longer, more challenging route with plenty of fun along the way and equally impressive views from the top. Just remember to pack your own treats – there’s no mountain hut waiting at the end!