Set in the heart of the Salzburg region (known as Salzburger Land), the Austrian Alps are one of Europe’s most scenic alpine regions — a mix of lakeside towns, dramatic Alps peaks, glacier views and endless hiking trails. This travel guide focuses on four of the area’s most beautiful spots: Kaprun, Maria Alm, Saalfelden and Zell am See, where you’ll find everything from wooden chalets and panoramic gondolas to serene lakes and high-alpine viewpoints. Below, you’ll discover the best things to do, where to eat and stay, practical travel tips, and easy day trips to help you plan your next Austrian Alps adventure. At the end of this post, you’ll also find a map to help you pinpoint all the locations mentioned here.

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Disclaimers:

• This post was written after my recent trip to the Austrian Alps in August 2025, when I visited the region for a friend’s wedding in Maria Alm and spent several days hiking, biking and exploring the surrounding alpine towns of Kaprun, Saalfelden and Zell am See.
• Please note that this post contains affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links included here. As always, all opinions are my own. In case you have any question about the companies advertised here or my status as an affiliate, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Explore Austria even further by reading these posts.

Austrian cities worth visiting (coming up soon)

Austria destination page

Summer road trip of 2002: exploring central Europe with our family RV (coming up soon)

Things to do in Vienna, my ultimate travel guide to the Austrian capital (coming up soon)

What to do in Salzburg, Mozart´s birthplace

🏔 Where are the Alps? (and why the Austrian Alps are so magical)

If you’ve ever looked at a map and wondered where are the Alps, here’s the simple version: they stretch for about 1,200 kilometers across Central Europe, touching eight countries, namely Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia and Switzerland, and covering an impressive 62% of Austria’s territory.

No surprise, then, that this part of the continent is filled with glacier-fed lakes, rugged summits, winding valleys and picture-perfect alpine villages. During my own summer trip, I kept finding myself slowing down to admire emerald meadows, icy-blue rivers and peaceful lakeside towns tucked beneath dramatic cliffs.

For this travel guide, we’re zooming in on the Central Eastern Alps, the section that runs through western and central Austria and includes the scenic Salzburger Land region. This is where Kaprun, Maria Alm, Saalfelden and Zell am See sit — four destinations that blend mountain scenery with traditional charm, well-marked hiking trails and easy access to panoramic viewpoints. After exploring other destinations in the Alps like Annecy or Geneva, I found this Austrian area refreshingly laid-back and rural.

🗓 Best time to visit the Austrian Alps

This alpine region in Salzburger Land is a year-round destination, but each season offers something unique:

• ☀ May to September: best for hiking, biking, lakeside strolls and long, sunny days. Summer is certainly the warmest period to visit, but July and August are also the busiest months so book early if you plan to travel during those dates.
• 🎿 December to March: ski season—expect snowy villages, frozen lakes, and perfect conditions to practice winter sports.
• 🌨 April and October: the shoulder seasons of spring and fall are more peaceful, but weather can be unpredictable.

I visited in August, and while we enjoyed warm temperatures and vivid green landscapes towards the end of my stay, clouds and rain surprised us a few times—especially during my friend´s wedding on the mountain, when the drizzle added a dramatic misty backdrop to the ceremony.

Keep in mind that many restaurants, mountain huts and smaller hotels in the Austrian Alps operate seasonally. Outside peak summer (July–August) and winter ski season, some places may close for several weeks or even months. Always double-check opening dates, and make reservations in advance if you’re visiting during high season, especially in popular towns like Zell am See.

Browse all the Austria prints for sale in my shop!

📖 More Austrian Alps travel tips

In case this is your very first time traveling to the Austrian Alps, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit to this alpine region. For further details, head to my Austria destination page.

• 🎄 Key events: while the nearby city of Salzburg hosts Austria’s most famous cultural events, the alpine villages in this guide have their own local traditions and seasonal celebrations that bring the mountains to life. In Zell am See, summer often means lakeside concerts, open-air markets and sports events along the promenade. Kaprun hosts popular winter celebrations tied to the start of the ski season around Kitzsteinhorn, such as the Alpine Craft Festival in March. In Maria Alm and Saalfelden, traditional Almabtrieb parades in early autumn mark the return of cows from the high pastures, with music, food stalls and villagers dressed in regional costume. If you’re visiting in winter, expect cozy Christmas markets and small-scale festivities that feel intimate and genuinely local.
• 💬 Language: note that German is the official language in the country, but luckily English is widely spoken, even in small alpine towns. 🙂
• 🛟 Safety: from my own experience exploring this part of Austria with local friends, the region feels incredibly safe. Trails are well signposted, but still, nature here can be unpredictable, so always check weather updates before starting a hike. For extra peace of mind, especially if you plan on hiking or spending long days outdoors, you can calculate how much you’d pay for travel or medical insurance using the SafetyWing widget below.

🥾 What to pack for a trip to the Austrian Alps

Packing for a trip to the Austrian Alps really depends on the season, but the key is being prepared for fast-changing mountain weather — whether you’re here for a hike in summer or the ski period in winter. Even on clear days, conditions can shift quickly between the valley and higher elevations, so having the right layers makes a big difference. Comfortable footwear is essential too.

Below are some of the sports equipment that I use for hiking or skiing. Feel free to check out my Decathlon affiliate profile to create your own look.

🗺 Suggested 3–4 day itinerary through the Central Eastern Alps

If you’re planning a short trip to this alpine area, here’s a simple and flexible itinerary covering Kaprun, Maria Alm, Saalfelden and Zell am See. Everything is close together, so you can easily adjust depending on your interests and the weather.

• Day 1️⃣ — Maria Alm: arrive in the village, enjoy a leisurely walk through the center and take the gondola or go on a hike to Prinzensee for postcard-perfect alpine views.
• Day 2️⃣ — Saalfelden & Zell am See: start the day in Saalfelden with an easy hike, then make your way to Zell am See for lakeside strolls, views from the promenade, and dinner in the Old Town.
• Day 3️⃣ — Kaprun: dedicate your third day to exploring the Kitzsteinhorn glacier area or the high mountain reservoirs for breathtaking alpine panoramas.
• [Optional] Day 4️⃣ — Grossglockner High Alpine Road or other day trips: if you have an extra day and rent a car, drive along Austria’s most iconic alpine road for unforgettable viewpoints, wildlife, and dramatic scenery. Browse further day trip ideas towards the end of this post.

🚠 What to see in the Austrian Alps: Maria Alm, Saalfelden and Zell am See-Kaprun

In this section, I´ll walk you through four alpine destinations, namely Maria Alm, Saalfelden and Zell am See–Kaprun. Under each of those, you will find further information on what to do and where to eat or stay.

🇦🇹 Maria Alm

📸 Best things to do in Maria Alm

Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer, also simply known as Maria Alm, is a postcard-perfect Alpine village. Nestled at the foot of the Hochkönig massif, it’s known for its traditional chalets, flower-filled balconies and direct access to biking and hiking trails right from the village center.

I arrived here after traveling by train from Munich to Saalfelden to attend a friend’s wedding, and Maria Alm immediately set the tone for the trip: peaceful, scenic and deeply alpine. Even outside the wedding celebrations, it’s an excellent base for outdoor lovers, especially in summer.

Here’s what I’d recommend doing in Maria Alm:

• Explore the village center, with its wooden chalets and the iconic baroque pilgrimage church (Pfarr- und Wallfahrtskirche Maria Alm), whose tower dates back to the early 16th century.
• Family-friendly activities include the Waldseilgarten Natrun (forest rope park with zip lines).
• Go hiking straight from town, with trails leading to alpine meadows, forest paths and viewpoints across the Hochkönig region. For example, Prinzensee (Lake Natrun) is a peaceful mountain lake ideal for a short walk followed by a refreshing swim on warm summer days.
• Take the gondola up into the Hochkönig mountains, even if you’re not skiing. I rode it for my friend´s wedding at Tom Almhütte, and the misty mountain views made the experience feel incredibly atmospheric.

🍽 Where to eat in Maria Alm

Despite its small size, Maria Alm has a handful of cozy, traditional spots where you can refuel after a hike or enjoy a relaxed evening in an Alpine setting.

• Botenwirt: we stopped here for a casual bite after hiking to Die Triefen von Hinterthal and the nearby waterfalls.
• Hotel SEPP: much of my time here revolved around the wedding celebrations, including the Herzlich Willkommen reception, daily breakfast, cocktails during the after party and the farewell brunch. The food was buffet-style, ideal for long, social meals with friends.
• Tom Almhütte: reached by gondola from the village, this mountain hut was the unforgettable setting for the wedding celebration, even with rainy weather.

Other places worth checking out in Maria Alm include Der Bachwirt, Die Herzogin, Lilli´s, Schluckspecht Alpine Lounge. —all popular local spots.

🛏 Where to stay in Maria Alm

I slept at Hotel SEPP, a gorgeous adults-only boutique hotel known for its rooftop infinity pool, mountain views and hip Alpine design. The double room I shared with a friend had a balcony overlooking the village rooftops and the surrounding peaks—a perfect spot to unwind after long days of wedding celebrations.

Other recommended stays include Almkönig – Apartment, Gasthof Hörlgut, Hotel Almerwirt (Landgasthof) Hotel Salzburgerhof Maria Alm or Post Boutique Apartments.

For more accommodation options, browse Airbnb or Booking, my go-to platforms wherever I travel.

🐮 Saalfelden

📸 Best things to do in Saalfelden

Located at the foot of the dramatic Steinernes Meer massif — literally meaning “the sea of stones” and forming a natural border between Austria and Germany, Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer, also simply known as Saalfelden and not to be mistaken with Saalfelden Leogang further west, is often treated as a simple transit stop. As a matter of fact, this is where my train journey from Munich via Wörgl to the wedding in Maria Alm ended.

Saalfelden is a friendly, relaxed town with access to both gentle valley walks and more challenging mountain trails. While staying nearby in Schüttdorf / Zell am See, we explored the area on a few hikes, including a stop at Kühloch Cave on our way toward Schwalbenwand.

Best known as a summer resort and mountaineering hub, Saalfelden also offers solid skiing options in winter, along with a handful of low-key cultural sights such as its historic parish church, small castles dotted around the valley, and the Nativity Scene Museum at Ritzen Castle. Kids will enjoy the Sommerrodelbahn Biberg, a summer toboggan run.

🍽 Where to eat in Saalfelden

I loved having a break for tea and Buttermilch (buttermilk with red berries) after one of our hikes at Steinalm, a lovely mountain hut at around 1,400 meters.

Other places you could try in Saalfelden include Bäckerei Irmgard Geiger, Café-Conditorei Pichlmaier or Gasthaus Brandlwirt.

🛏 Where to stay in Saalfelden

Given its good train connection, Saalfelden makes sense if you arrive late or want to base yourself somewhere quieter than Zell am See. The town offers a mix of campings, small guesthouses and alpine-style hotels such as Campingplatz S’Biberplatzl, Campingplatz Theurerhof, Fritzhof Almdorf, Gasthaus Hubertus, Hotel Gut Brandlhof or Pension Erlhof.

You may also browse Airbnb or Booking for further accommodation options.

🚣 Zell am See – Kaprun

For the purpose of this guide, I’m grouping Zell am See and Kaprun, as they’re often referred to together and form one of the most iconic outdoor areas in this alpine region.

📸 What to do in Zell am See & Kaprun

Zell

Zell am See, also simply known as Zell, is one of those lakeside Alpine towns that instantly captures your heart. The lake is deep blue, the mountains rise dramatically all around it (which reminded me of lakeside Swiss towns by lake Geneva such as Chillon, Lausanne or Montreux), and the atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between sporty and elegant.

I spent several days here with friends after the wedding in Maria Alm, and our rhythm was slow and relaxed: morning hikes, afternoons wandering the lake area, and long summer evenings making the most of our time together.

💙 Here’s what I loved most about Zell am See:

• Biking around Lake Zell, passing by Schloss Prielau, stopping for a break at Thumersbach Park
  to admire the town of Zell right in front and watching boats glide across the lake.
• Exploring its compact Old Town, including Stadtplatz, the town hall housed at Schloss Rosenberg, the Vogtturm Museum, and St. Hippolyt Church, all easy to see in a leisurely stroll.
• Hiking scenic routes such as Die Triefen von Hinterthal – a forested path that leads to the Triefen waterfalls -, nearby peaks such as Schwalbenwand (with a short detour at Kühloch Cave near Saalfelden) or Gipfel Maishofen at 1,895 meters (we parked next to Herz-Jesu-Kapelle, a charming chapel located near Berggasthof Mitterberg and featured in my cover photo).
• Just above town, Schmittenhöhe offers easy access to panoramic viewpoints via cable car, with sweeping views over Lake Zell and the surrounding alpine peaks — a great option if you want big scenery without committing to a long hike.
• Walking along the promenade in Elisabethpark, a peaceful lakeside path with uninterrupted views of the surrounding peaks.

Even though I visited in summer, it was easy to picture how magical Zell am See must be in winter, with snow-covered rooftops, festive lights and the surrounding mountains transformed into a ski paradise. I can´t wait to go back!

Are hikes a big part of your travels? If so, you might also enjoy these long-distance and scenic trails I’ve covered on the blog.

Camino de Santiago: hiking from Irún to Deba along the ‘Camino del Norte’

El Caminito del Rey: the most popular hiking trail in Málaga

El Saltillo: hiking the Gran Senda de Málaga from Canillas de Aceituno

Hiking in Peñas de Aya

❄ Kaprun

Just a short drive from Zell am See, Kaprun adds a more dramatic, high-alpine dimension to the region. While I didn’t get to spend time in Kaprun itself, it’s widely considered a must-visit day trip for anyone staying in the area.

Highlights in and around Kaprun include:

• Kaprun Castle, a fortress built in the 12th century that overlooks the valley.
• Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs (Wasserfallboden and Mooserboden), one of Austria’s most impressive engineering landmarks, surrounded by spectacular scenery.
• Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, offering year-round snow, panoramic viewpoints and glacier experiences.
• Scenic high-alpine hikes with sweeping views over the valley and surrounding peaks.
• Tauern Spa, ideal for relaxing after hiking or skiing days.

🍽 Where to eat in Zell am See – Kaprun

The Zell am See-Kaprun area has many options for different budgets and tastes—from cozy, traditional spots to modern cafés. These are some of the places I tried:

• Die Fliegerei: located at a small airport; I ordered a comforting Kaspressknödel soup, surprisingly good food in a very unique setting.
• Hotel Lebzelter: I had a Wiener Schnitzel with green salad and cranberries, and it was outstanding.
• Seecamp Restaurant by Rudi Eder: I shared the delicious creamy truffle tartiglioni and a burrata pizza paired with a glass of Austrian white wine; great atmosphere and beautiful lakeside views next to a camping site.
• Untes Cafés by Unterberger: we had breakfast and also took sandwiches to go for our hikes at their cafe near our apartment in Schüttdorf.

Other spots that came recommended by our local friends in Kaprun and Zell were the following: Baumbar, Bella Bean (specialty coffee), Gastwirtschaft Tafern, Hotel Restaurant zum Hirschen, Kupferkessel, Pinzga Bräu am See (brewery by lake Zell), Restaurant Zum Caesar, Village Kitchen.

🛏 Where to stay in Zell am See or Kaprun

During our stay in the Austrian Alps, we booked Areit Apartments (in Schüttdorf), perfect for spending a few days with friends exploring the Zell am See-Kaprun region. We loved their ideal location close to the lake and public transport.

Other accommodation options in Kaprun or Zell include Berggasthof Mitterberg, Berufsschulheim Zell am See, Gästehaus Haffner, Grand Hotel Zell am See, Haus Katharina, Hotel Erlhof, Hotel Restaurant zum Hirschen, Hotel Salzburgerhof, Hotel Seehof, Hotel Steinerwirt, Hotel St Georg, Schloss Prielau, Sporthotel Lebzelter, Tauern Spa (spa and hotel).

In case you would like to camp in this beautiful area, check out Camping Bad Neunbrunnen, Camping Zur Mühle or Seecamp Zell am See.

And last but not least, browse Airbnb or Booking, my go-to platforms wherever I travel.

🇦🇹 Alpine cuisine: what and where to eat in the Austrian Alps

Alpine cuisine in Austria is simple, seasonal and designed for life in the mountains. Recipes are rooted in farming traditions and make the most of local ingredients such as cheese, bread, potatoes, milk and cured meats. Meals tend to be filling and comforting — exactly what you crave after a long hike or a day outdoors.

For homestyle meals and generous portions, look for a Gasthaus or Gasthof — traditional taverns serving classic Austrian comfort food in cosy, often wood-panelled rooms. Many also offer simple guest rooms upstairs, especially here in the Alps.

Some typical Alpine dishes you’ll come across in the Central Eastern Alps near Salzburg include:

🥓 Brettljause: a traditional Alpine cold platter with local cheeses, cured meats, bread and spreads. Perfect for sharing at a hut terrace with mountain views.

🥛 Buttermilch with berries: a refreshing Alpine staple made with tangy buttermilk and served with fresh or preserved red berries (Preiselbeeren). Light, slightly sour and very common after hikes, which is exactly when I tried it.

🥞 Kaiserschmarrn: a beloved alpine dessert made of fluffy, shredded pancakes, lightly caramelized and served with powdered sugar and fruit compote (often plum or cranberry). A must-try in mountain huts and definitely my favorite discovery of this trip.

🥔 Kaspressknödel : pan-fried cheese dumplings made with bread and local alpine cheese, often served in a clear broth. A classic mountain-hut dish and one of the most comforting meals I had in the Austrian Alps.

🧀 Pinzgauer Kasnocken: small alpine dumplings mixed with melted cheese and topped with crispy onions. A regional specialty from the Pinzgau area, where Zell am See and Saalfelden are located.

To try these delicious specialties across Maria Alm, Saalfelden, Zell am See-Kaprun and the surrounding Alpine valleys, you can refer to the section about ´where to eat´ under each destination mentioned above. Enjoy!

For your ease of reference, all restaurants are color-coded in orange in the map below. I highlighted in dark orange the spots I personally tried and loved during my stay.

🏨 Where to stay in the Austrian Alps near Zell am See: chalets and lakeside rentals

This area offers a great balance between nature and comfort, with options ranging from wooden chalets with flower-filled balconies to modern apartments right by the lake — ideal for both summer hiking and winter skiing trips. As a general rule, book well in advance during high season, as many Alpine hotels and chalets are seasonal and availability can be limited in peak months.

Note that many hotels in the Salzburger Land mountains provide regional tourism cards — such as the Hochkönig Card in Maria Alm or the Zell am See–Kaprun Sommerkarte — giving guests free or discounted access to lifts, buses, lake boats and attractions, so it’s always worth asking at check-in.

Staying in Austrian Alpine towns around Zell am See–Kaprun means choosing between lakeside accommodation, traditional Alpine chalets and cozy mountain-style hotels surrounded by peaks. For a more relaxed, walkable base, to enjoy the promenade, restaurants and bike paths straight from your doorstep, head to Zell. Kaprun, on the other hand, is particularly popular for spa resorts and apartments close to the ski lifts, making it a great option for outdoor lovers year-round.

If you’re looking for an authentic experience, chalet-style hotels and alpine huts are a fantastic choice, especially in villages like Maria Alm or Saalfelden.

Looking where to stay in the Austrian Alps? Browse the accommodations suggested above under every destination, including the ones where I personally stayed (referenced in dark grey on the map at the end of this guide).

🚡 How to get around the Austrian Alps

Getting around this alpine region — especially in the Maria Alm, Saalfelden and Zell am See–Kaprun area — is more straightforward than you might expect. Whether you’re arriving from abroad or exploring the region once you’re there, you can choose from several reliable transportation options, many of which are scenic in their own right.

Here are the most useful ways to get around:

• 🚲 By bike: cycling is a wonderful way to discover the lakeside and valley scenery. During my stay, we spent an afternoon riding bikes around Lake Zell — a relaxed, scenic route perfect for warm months. Bikes are easy to rent locally or sometimes included with accommodation.
• 🛥️ By boat: in summer, one of the most scenic ways to move around is by boat on Lake Zell. Schmitten offers boat tours crossing the lake multiple times a day from the Esplanade in Zell am See, connecting to places like Schüttdorf and Seecamp while offering mountain views from the water.
• 🚌 By bus: local buses run frequently between Zell am See, Kaprun and Saalfelden, making them a solid option if you’re staying in one town and want to explore the others without renting a car. This is especially handy for summer or shoulder-season travel when hiking and sightseeing are the main activities.
• 🚗 By car: a rental car gives you maximum flexibility, especially if you want to explore more remote alpine roads or take scenic drives. After the wedding, we used our friends’ rental car to move between towns and viewpoints, which was very convenient. Just bear in mind that in winter some mountain routes can be closed or require snow tires and chains, so always check road conditions before setting out.
• 👣 By foot: many Alpine towns are compact and wonderfully walkable, and countless trails start right from village centers. Walking isn’t just transport here — it’s often the best way to truly experience the landscape.
• ✈️ By plane: the closest major international airport is Salzburg Airport (SZG), about 80 km from Zell am See, with flights across Europe and convenient connections to the region by bus, train or shuttle. Munich Airport (MUC) is another option, roughly 200 km away, often with more flight choices. You might also consider the small aerodrome in Zell am See – mainly for private and domestic flights though – or Klagenfurt Airport, another regional airport with connections to Vienna and some European destinations, although it’s farther (around 220–230 km).
• 🚕 By taxi: taxis are reliable for shorter distances and transfers — for example, from Saalfelden station to Maria Alm (about 10 minutes). If no taxis are waiting outside, you can call a local service such as Taxi Eder. I even shared a ride with another wedding guest I met at the station, which made that final leg effortless.
• 🚂 By train: trains are one of the most pleasant ways to reach and move around this part of the Alps. The main regional station (Bahnhof) is Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer, which is well connected by ÖBB services, and Zell am See also has its own station that links to Salzburg and beyond. If you’re coming from Germany, Austria or other European hubs, trains are efficient — just be sure to book seats in advance for long-distance journeys, especially in summer. I learned this the hard way on my trip from Munich to Saalfelden when the train was fully booked and I ended up standing until changing in Wörgl, after which I finally enjoyed the scenic views of farms and mountains.

💳 Travel & tourism cards that make getting around easier In many parts of the Austrian Alps, tourist cards can help you save money and access public transport and attractions with ease. Many hotels offer them for free or at a discount when you stay with them — definitely ask upon check-in. While Hochkönig Card provides access to lifts, hiking buses and local attractions in the Maria Alm area, Zell am See–Kaprun Sommerkarte includes buses, lake boats, selected lifts and museums.

Feeling adventurous? Check out these outdoor activities with Manawa in Austria.

E-bike & hiking tour at the Grossglockner near Lienz

Flying Fox XXL in Leogang, Salzburger Land

Rafting on the Saalach near Zell am See, Kaprun

Snowskating at the Grossglockner

Tandem Paragliding Flight in Zell am See from Schmittenhöhe (2000m)

📍 Austrian Alps map

For your ease of reference, below you will find a map with all the spots mentioned throughout this blog post, including the destinations I visited in this alpine region as well as suggested day trips, hotels and restaurants in the area. Use it to plan your next trip!

🎒Day trips from the Austrian Alps near Kaprun – Zell am See

If you fall in love with this alpine region (which is very likely), staying a few extra days gives you access to some of the most impressive natural landscapes in Austria, all within easy reach of Zell am See and Kaprun. From high mountain roads to waterfalls and historic cities, these day trips pair perfectly with a base in the Central Eastern Alps.

Here are some of the best day trips under 2 hours away:

🌿 Dachstein Glacier

For high-mountain drama, the Dachstein Glacier delivers panoramic viewpoints, hiking opportunities and dramatic alpine landscapes. It’s a longer but rewarding day trip, especially for those wanting to experience another iconic corner of the Austrian Alps. Should you be brave enough, try the Dachstein Skywalk or the suspension bridge.

Therme Amadé is a great alternative on your way to or from the glacier if you´re looking for a slower-paced day or if the weather isn’t ideal.

🏔 Grossglockner High Alpine Road & Hohe Tauern National Park

One of Austria’s most iconic scenic routes, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road (known as Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse) cuts through Hohe Tauern National Park, offering dramatic viewpoints, alpine wildlife and unforgettable mountain scenery. Highlights include the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, with views over the Pasterze Glacier, Austria’s largest glacier, at the foot of the country’s highest mountain. Even without hiking, the drive alone is spectacular.

From the same high-alpine area, you can also visit Gipfelwelt 3000, a panoramic viewpoint and exhibition space also known as Top of Salzburg.

💧 Krimml Waterfalls

Set within Hohe Tauern National Park, the Krimml Wasserfälle are the tallest waterfalls in Europe and a powerful natural sight. A well-maintained walking path leads to several viewpoints, making this an easy and rewarding excursion suitable for most travelers.

For a more scenic approach, the Pinzgauer Lokalbahn narrow-gauge railway connects Zell am See with the Krimml area, offering a relaxed and picturesque way to reach the waterfalls through the Pinzgau valley.

🎼 Salzburg

Less than two hours away, Salzburg offers a cultural contrast to alpine life. Mozart’s birthplace charms visitors with its baroque Old Town, fortress views and café culture, making it an ideal city break between hiking days.

Wondering what to do in Salzburg (Austria)? Read my comprehensive travel guide to find out.

💭 Final thoughts on visiting the Austrian Alps

What I loved most about this part of the Central Eastern Alps was their sense of balance. This is a region that feels adventurous without being intimidating, luxurious without being flashy, and deeply traditional while remaining incredibly welcoming. From lakeside strolls in Zell am See to misty mountain views in Maria Alm and hikes near Saalfelden, everything moved at a pace that allowed me to truly slow down and enjoy the landscape.

If you’re dreaming of a trip filled with alpine nature, charming villages, scenic hikes, good food and unforgettable views, the Austrian Alps are the kind of destination that stays with you long after you’ve left. Have you ever visited this part of the Alps — or is it on your travel wishlist? Feel free to leave your questions or thoughts below, and I’ll be happy to help you plan your own adventure.

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