Sports in Salzburg – an Overview

Sport is one of the best ways to promote health: Regular physical activity strengthens the cardiovascular system, improves blood circulation, and increases oxygen supply to the body. Additionally, the immune system is boosted, especially when the exercise is done outdoors. Alongside the physical benefits, sports also have a positive impact on the mind: Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, the so-called “happiness hormones,” making us feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and happy. Regular activity also enhances concentration and boosts self-confidence. Furthermore, sports activities offer opportunities to build social connections and strengthen the sense of community, which positively impacts mental health as well. In Salzburg, there are plenty of opportunities to stay active throughout the year. Here’s an overview.

Sports clubs in Salzburg

In the state of Salzburg, there are over 380 sports clubs covering a wide range of sports. Here, you can not only be a fan, but also actively participate in sports. On the websites of ASVÖ Salzburg (General Sports Association of Austria) or ASKÖ (Association for Sports and Physical Culture in Austria), you can find information about sports clubs, get in touch directly, and join in. For the city of Salzburg, there is also an interactive website where you can learn about sports opportunities, search for sports facilities, and get general information about sports in Salzburg: Sport in Salzburg.

For those new to Salzburg and looking to get involved in sports, the project “A Second Home through Sports” is worth checking out: With this project, SPORTUNION aims to reach people who have come to Salzburg and are not originally from Austria – such as professionals in fields like healthcare, technology, and science.

A Dream in White

The state of Salzburg is known for winter sports: Depending on the snow conditions, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, as well as winter hiking, snowshoeing, or ice climbing. When temperatures drop below freezing and the noise of everyday life is muffled under a soft blanket of snow, it can be very refreshing to move outdoors – warm winter clothing and sturdy footwear are, of course, essential.

An overview of possible winter tours in the state of Salzburg can be found here: Winter tours in Salzburg.
An overview of ski areas in the state of Salzburg and their opening hours can be found here: Ski resorts in Salzburg.
Important note: Depending on the weather conditions, avalanches can occur in winter. Avalanches are masses of snow, ice, and debris that slide down a mountain slope. They often occur due to instabilities in the snow and are dangerous because they crash downhill at high speed, carrying everything in their path – trees, rocks, and people. Therefore, anyone venturing off prepared slopes should always keep an eye on the current avalanche situation – websites like this one are helpful: www.lawinen.at
Additionally, official information is available from local tourism associations and the Alpine Club.

Special tip: the longest illuminated toboggan run in the world
From the Wildkogel in Pinzgau, it’s a 14-kilometer descent down to Bramberg – especially in the evening, this is an unforgettable experience. All you need is a helmet, goggles, gloves, and sturdy footwear; the toboggan can be rented. All important information, including opening hours, can be found here.

Free outdoor sports

Free outdoor sports are possible in many places in Salzburg, but of course, they depend on the weather: Once the snow has melted and temperatures rise again, there are plenty of opportunities to stay active outdoors.

In the parks of the city of Salzburg, it’s great for playing ball – football, volleyball, streetball, and basketball are all available for free in the various parks. Additionally, there are free-to-use workout stations and fitness areas, such as those in Lehener Park, Müllner Schanze, Franz-Josef-Kai, and Hellbrunn Palace Park. You can also go climbing at Müllner Schanze and Kapuzinerberg. However, the via ferrata at Kapuzinerberg is closed from March 1 to June 20 to protect nesting birds.
You can find more information about outdoor sports offerings in public spaces here.

One of the most popular sports that can be practiced in any season with the right equipment is running. Running has one main advantage: you can simply start running, without much preparation or cost. Here are some exciting running routes in and around Salzburg: Running in and around Salzburg.

Hiking is also very popular. The surrounding mountains, such as Untersberg, Gaisberg, and the city mountains of Salzburg, are perfect for both short and long hikes. For those who are now interested, we have gathered some hiking ideas here: Hiking in and around Salzburg.
By the way, winter hiking is also extremely popular in Salzburg. Moving through the snowy nature refreshes both body and mind and is quite accessible: wintery Salzburg can be easily explored without special equipment. Ideas for winter hikes can be found here: Winter hiking in the Salzburger Land.

Cycling off the road

Cycling in Salzburg is a dream! Not only for getting around the city but also for those with a sporty ambition in the surrounding mountains: In Salzburg, cycling enthusiasts will find a wide range of bike paths and trails for all skill levels. However, there’s a catch: Cycling in the forest is generally prohibited in Austria (unlike in Germany, for example). Anyone riding on forest roads and trails is committing an offense and can be penalized. Therefore, cycling and mountain biking are only allowed where officially permitted – and this is often not easy to identify. To enjoy every cycling tour stress- and penalty-free, it’s a good idea to rely on official sources for bike tours during the planning stage – these can be found, among other places, here: Mountain biking tours in Salzburger Land.

To ensure the outdoor experience doesn’t bring any unpleasant surprises for flora and fauna, there are the so-called Fair Play rules – practical tips for cycling in the forest. It’s worth reading these and adhering to them.
In the city of Salzburg, there are also bike parks where both young and old bike fans can let off steam, such as the BikePark Süd and a mobile pump track in Itzling.

More ideas for outdoor sports in the city of Salzburg

For those who prefer to get around on four wheels, Salzburg offers skate parks with ramps, obstacles, and pools, such as ‘The Cage’ below the Hellbrunner Bridge, and a smaller one in the Schallmoos district.
But even more unusual sports can be practiced in Salzburg – for example, on Gaisberg, there’s a takeoff point for paragliders with a breathtaking view of the city of Salzburg and the Alps. Surfing enthusiasts will find a surf wave in the Almkanal that is free to use year-round (exception: every September, the surf wave is unavailable due to maintenance work). In Liefering, at Salzachsee, there’s also a free-to-use frisbee course and a Ninja Warrior course.

Taking a plunge

In the state of Salzburg, there are around 180 lakes that invite you to be active in the summer: Whether you want to sunbathe, go boating or SUP, surf, sail, or swim, the high water quality and picturesque surroundings make the lakes an ideal destination for a sporty yet relaxing trip. An overview of the well-known swimming lakes in Salzburger Land can be found here: Lakes in Salzburg