The path is the goal
There is an Austrian saying, “Es gibt nichts Gutes außer man tut es”, or “Nothing good happens until you do it”, and so we set out to explore the sporting side of our city of culture. Whether by public transport, by bike or on foot. If you want to do something good for yourself and the environment, leave your car behind and discover the beauty of nature in the city.
The city from above
An excursion to one of Salzburg’s urban mountains, the Mönchsberg, the Kapuzinerberg or the Gaisberg, can take you into nature on our doorstep in no time. On your way over the Mönchsberg you will see some “hidden” treasures, including various art projects by the “Salzburg Foundation” or the Buddhist Stupa, with a magnificent view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress. The Kapuzinerberg, also named for a monastery, provides different perspectives on the city and fresh forest air along the Basteiweg. With luck, you will even meet one of the chamois that have been introduced there to tend the landscape. The Gaisberg offers a variety of recreational opportunities from paragliding to climbing, or you can simply enjoy the breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains on the hiking trail. And in winter, even when the snow has long since melted away in the city, you can often still go sledding, cross-country skiing or ski touring here.
If you prefer relaxed times: fun in the park
With its zoo, extensive park with playground, picnic area and Kneipp hydrotherapy facility, it is not just tourists who are drawn to Hellbrunn Palace on the southern edge of the city. Running enthusiasts can be found here year round, and if winter does suddenly envelop the city in white, the “Stodinger”, as the city’s people are called in the Salzburg dialect with a wink, can be found here. A shaded avenue connects the palace complex and park with the city.
The local peak
If you are called to a higher purpose, you can also climb the legendary Untersberg if you have the fitness, alpine equipment and a sure foot. If you lack the time for this demanding tour, though, you can always start your ascent in comfort in the cable car. There is a restaurant at the top. On the Reitsteig, you then continue on foot to the 1,853-meter Salzburger Hochthron, where you are rewarded with a breathtaking panorama – on a good day you can see as far as the Watzmann. In winter, if snow is on hand and your skiing skills are sufficient, you can then plunge over 1,400 vertical meters into the valley. If in doubt, you can also float safely back down into the valley in the gondola. No matter how you explore the Untersberg, be sure to keep an eye out for Emperor Charles, who, according to legend, sleeps in the Untersberg awaiting his resurrection.
Built on the water
Not only is the nearby Salzkammergut with its numerous lakes ideal for water sports fans of all kinds – in Salzburg there are always retreats on and around the water. Whether it’s river surfing on the artificial wave in the Almkanal, rowing on the Salzach and the Königseeache or an excursion into geological prehistory in the Glasenbachklamm gorge. Or you can just cycle upstream along the Salzach, for example to Hallein for an ice cream.
Let your muscles play
Climbing practise is available in a number of places in the city. The Müllner Schanze climbing wall on the Mönchsberg is open to the public and can be used free of charge. The climbing garden features various climbing routes from easy to moderately difficult to very difficult. The Citywall is a climbing wall on the Kapuzinerberg affording a breathtaking view of the famous old town. Difficulty levels A to E are on offer. You can use the climbing wall with your own equipment after prior registration and in appropriate weather conditions. On the high ropes course in the Waldbad Anif you can combine your climbing excursion with swimming and beach volleyball. Climbing enthusiasts can also use the 20-meter-high climbing tower at the Rif University Sports Centre. The routes are all set up for lead climbing and are very well secured. The Itzling Climbing Sports Centre also offers climbing courses on a 2,500 m2 outdoor/indoor facility. If you prefer your climbing to stay close to the ground, you can let off steam in the boulder bar.
A tip from our editorial staff:
A sunrise or sunset tour on the Schober
For the night owls and early birds among the mountain enthusiasts, we recommend a mountain tour on the Schober, located on the border between Upper Austria and Salzburg. The tour can be completed in just an hour and is perfect for an early start before the office day or to unwind afterwards. If you time it right, you can admire the sunrise or sunset from the summit, just over 1,300 meters high, and be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Salzkammergut region with Lake Irrsee, Lake Mondsee, Lake Fuschlsee and Lake Wolfgangsee.
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