Take a break in the Lungau region of Salzburg

St. Michael is a town in the Lungau region of Salzburg, Austria. Nestled between the Niedere Tauern and Nockberge mountains, its location at the foot of the Katschberg makes it an important starting point for summer and winter sports. The historic town center, traditional festivals, and proximity to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Salzburg Lungau make St. Michael attractive both scenically and culturally. (4 nights in St. Michael)

Today's tour begins after you have taken the bus through the Rieding Valley to the Königalm. After a short flat start, there is a steep climb of about 4 km. At the highest point of the day, the Riedingscharte, the first 2 km are steep again and then moderately downhill. The nature park is located on the southern edge of the Niedere Tauern, between the Radstädter Tauern and the foothills of the Ankogel Group. The nature park covers around 26 km² or approx. 2,700–3,600 hectares of land — much of which is alpine pastures, mountain meadows, forests, and untouched high mountain landscape. The valley is surrounded by imposing peaks: the highest elevation in the protected area is the Weißeck at around 2,711 m, next to which rises the striking Riedingspitze at around 2,266 m. Once you arrive at Arsenhaus/Rotgülden, take the bus back to St. Michael.

Hiking: approx. 5-6 hours (13,5 km, ascent 630 m in height, descent 960 m in height)

After a short bus ride, take the cable car to the Großeck mountain station. The moderate circular trail takes you past the Trogalm lakes to the Speiereck and back via the Peterbaueralm, where regional specialties await you. The cable car takes you back down to the valley and the bus back to St. Michael.

Alternative (no bus ride to Mauterndorf) in good weather on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Sunday: Walk from the hotel to the Sonnenbahn valley station and start the tour at the Peterbauernalm.

Hiking: approx. 5 hours (10 km, ascent 717 m, descent 648 m )

You can start hiking directly from the hotel, passing idyllic chapels until you reach the picturesque lake at Neuhauserstadl. Enjoy a refreshing break at the lake and recharge your batteries before heading back along the Mur River.

Hiking: approx. 3,5 hours (10 km, ascent 210 m, descent 220 m)

Today, the tour starts at the Sonnenbahn in St. Michael. Via St. Martin, it heads towards the imposing Moosham Castle. Once there, the cultural hiking trail leads down to Unternberg. The relaxed hiking trail along the Mur and the Tamsweg circular hiking trail lead to the famous pilgrimage church of St. Leonhard, which towers above Tamsweg. Descent to Tamsweg. (3 nights in Tamsweg)

Hiking: approx. 5 hours (17 km, ascent 395 m, descent 437 m)

The circular trail takes you over the Mur bridge to the fortified church of St. Leonhard, through several small settlements to the Andlwirt in St. Andrä, where you can rest and recharge your batteries. Continue eastwards on the Sonnseiten circular trail. Then it's a steady descent through a forest and past fields back to the town.

Hiking: approx. 6,5 hours (18,5 km, ascent 590 m, descent 590 m)

From the hotel, you set off again, this time heading east along Sauerfelder Straße out of town. Passing Heinrichshöhe, the trail leads up to Tschellaberg. Once you reach the top of Lasaberg, you will be rewarded with an impressive panoramic view of the vast plateau. Then follow the same path back to the viewpoint and continue downhill from there, past the Franzenbauer and Tschella huts. Shortly before you reach Tamsweg again, you will pass the Frauenhöhle (Women's Cave) – a place that served as a refuge for women and children during the Turkish Wars.

Hiking: approx. 6 - 7 hours (19 km, ascent 920 m, descent 920 m)

If you have the opportunity, discover even more beautiful spots in Lungau.