5 Ways to Recharge in Austria’s Salzburg Mountains

The Salzburg Mountains are a haven for wellbeing travel, offering healing flora, serene landscapes, and mindfulness routes. Travelers today can experience a blend of historical and modern health-focused activities, from ancient pilgrim paths to contemporary spas.

1. Connect with Nature

Nestled among Austria’s highest peaks, the Grossarl valley is deeply connected with its surrounding landscape. The valley, including hamlets like Hüttschlag at the gateway to Hohe Tauern National Park, offers winter cross-country skiing and year-round hiking. One standout hike is the four-hour trek to Tappenkarsee, the largest lake in the Eastern Alps, known for its mirror-like waters. Wildlife enthusiasts can also spot the park’s ‘big five’: ibex, chamois, golden eagles, bearded vultures, and marmots.

2. Explore the Region's Healing Hikes

Hiking is a powerful activity for physical and mental health, especially when combined with meditation. The 10.5-mile Chapel Path pilgrimage trail starts from Grossarl’s baroque church and leads to Pertill Chapel, inviting hikers to meditate and practice gratitude at ten chapels along the way. Additionally, the Trail of the Senses on Gehwolfalm pasture in Grossarl’s ski area features five points representing wood, earth, water, fire, and metal, encouraging reflection on nature's elements.

3. Take a Mountain Yoga Class

Mountain-based yoga combines the tranquility of nature with purposeful movement. Part of BERG-GESUND, a program of non-ski activities, these yoga classes aim to decelerate and deepen travelers’ engagement with the mountains. Guests staying at select Grossarltal hotels can access BERG-GESUND classes for free, which include yoga, snowshoeing, fitness hikes, paragliding, indoor climbing, and ski touring sampler sessions.

4. Immerse Yourself in Mindful Bread-Making

Mindfulness can also be achieved through sensory experiences like bread-making, a long-practiced tradition in the region. The Gehwolfalm mountain hut, accessible via gondola, offers bread-making workshops where participants can learn to prepare dough using an old family recipe and enjoy the freshly baked bread with alpine butter. Alternatively, Hotel Alte Post in Grossarl offers workshops with Maria Knapp, teaching guests to ‘bake bread like Grandma,’ inspired by her grandmother Anna Knapp.

5. Book a Spa Experience

Das Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort leverages the purity and regenerative power of local plants like edelweiss, stone pine, arnica, and lemon balm in their handmade natural cosmetic products. Their spa includes infrared cabins, brine pools, and saunas with panoramic views of the Grossarl Mountains, providing a tranquil environment to restore a sense of calm and rejuvenate.