Saalbach, Austria is a charming mountain village in the state of Salzburg that makes for an excellent destination for a lakes and mountains holiday.
Location: Saalbach lies in the Glemm Valley, part of the Kitzbühel Alps region, about 75 km south of the city of Salzburg. It sits at an elevation of around 1,000 metres surrounded by towering peaks.
Village: The pedestrian-friendly village of Saalbach has retained its traditional Salzburger character, with wooden chalets adorned with flower boxes, onion-domed churches, and cafes lining the central square. It has a lively yet laid-back atmosphere.
Mountains: Saalbach provides access to the Glemmtal and Leogang mountains which climb up to nearly 2,000 meters high. This vast alpine terrain is crisscrossed with hiking and mountain biking trails offering incredible views.
Lakes: While lakes are not Saalbach’s main draw, there are some smaller mountain lakes in the vicinity like Ritzensee and Blumentalweiher perfect for a refreshing dip after a hike. Larger lakes like Zeller See are about an hour’s drive away.
Summer Activities: World-class hiking and mountain biking are the top activities, with routes ranging from gentle valley walks to challenging high-alpine treks. Other options include climbing, paragliding, golf, and exploring the area’s alpine huts and farms.
Dining/Lodging: You’ll find excellent Austrian cuisine, lively beer gardens and bars, as well as accommodations spanning family-run bed and breakfasts, classic gasthofs, and full-service spa resorts.
With its classic Austrian alpine village vibe, proximity to majestic mountains for hiking and biking, and access to swimming lakes, Saalbach offers an idyllic setting for a lakes and mountains holiday.