Nature Adventures in the Saalachtal Valley, Salzburg

There’s so much to discover in Lofer and the Salzburger Saalachtal, whatever the season.

Set amongst mountains, alpine meadows, rushing waters and snow, a new holiday experience begins every day in the Salzburg region.

Summer Vacation in Lofer

Ski Vacation in Almenwelt

Winter Vacation in Lofer

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Two hikers on their way to the Ingolstädterhaus, which stands at the top of the mountain

The Honest Opinions of Locals

Why do we love Lofer?

For us, it’s not the grand superlatives that the Salzburg Saalachtal is known for. It’s the many little things in between that make the valley and its people so unique: Lofer with its charming, picture-book-like village centre; mountain views that make you dream; the Saalach and its forces of nature; and a landscape that feels truly authentic. Nothing here needs to be artificially staged or dressed up. Nature and the experiences it offers are simply there – unspoilt, uncomplicated and, for that very reason, so beautiful. It has a bit of that ‘perfect world’ feeling …

What the Valley Has to Offer

Summer vacation in Lofer, Austria

Mountains, Alpine Pastures & Views.

The area around Lofer offers over 400 km of hiking trails, perfect for leisurely walks as well as challenging hikes into the Loferer Steinberge mountains. A particular highlight is the Almenwelt Lofer, with its alpine pastures, lakes, adventure playgrounds, mountain huts, and sweeping views.

Cycling & Biking.

Whether you’re taking it easy along the Saalach or heading uphill for a more challenging ride, Lofer is a wonderful place to explore on two wheels. The Tauern Bike Trail runs right through the Salzburg Saalachtal, while numerous mountain bike and e-bike routes offer more active options.

Wild Waters & Adventure.

The Saalach River offers numerous natural swimming spots for a frefreshing dip, as well as gorges, caves, and spectacular ravines. For those seeking a little more excitement, rafting, kayaking and canyoning offer a chance to experience the river up close and from a whole new perspective.

Discover family adventures in Lofer

All-Inclusive Summer Vacations

Experience Lofer with the Saalachtal Card

From mid-May through the end of October, the Salzburg Saalachtal Card is included for Pechtlgut guests:

Free cable car rides to the Almenwelt Lofer for hiking, relaxation, and fun
Free admission to the Saalachtal’s natural wonders: Vorderkaserklamm, Seisenbergklamm, and Lamprechtshöhle
Free access to the Lofer outdoor pool—just 200 m away—with its adventure creek
AlmErlebnisBus to the Berchtesgaden National Park and Weißbach Nature Park
Numerous discounts at Saalachtal Card partner businesses (museums, attractions, recreational activities, and much more)

More about the Saalachtal Card

More outdoors.

More ADVENTURE.

Gentle slopes. Alpine charm.

Skiing in the Almenwelt Lofer

The Almenwelt Lofer ski resort is the centrepiece of a winter holiday at the Pechtlgut—family-friendly, compact yet full of variety. With 46 kilometers of slopes ranging from gentle blue runs to black runs, the resort also features state-of-the-art, child-safe chair lifts, sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, and cosy huts for a break along the way. And the best part? The Almbahn bottom station is just a 3-minute walk from the Pechtlgut.

Fancy a sauna after skiing?

Fun Beyond the Slopes.

Winter Magic in Lofer

Even without skis on your feet, winter around Lofer is a wonderful experience. Winter walks and snowshoe hikes wind through the quiet mountain landscape, while cross-country skiers usually find excellent conditions on the high-altitude tracks in the Almenwelt Lofer and in the Heutal valley in Unken/Winklmoos. A winter walk to the Baroque pilgrimage church of Maria Kirchental is particularly atmospheric—quiet, snow-covered, and almost a bit like a fairy tale. Those who prefer a bit more speed can, when winter conditions permit, whiz down into the valley on a toboggan from the Hochalm in Unken.

Why Lofer?

A glimpse of your holiday at Pechtlgut in Lofer

Your benefits during your holidays in Lofer:

FREE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
all year round & throughout the Salzburg Region.
SAALACHTAL CARD
From spring to autumn—the card that offers real added value.
REAL & AUTHENTIC
A region that feels real, alive and untouched.

Tips for days out and things to do around Lofer

Use the Salzburg Saalachtal Card to head up to the Lofer alpine meadows, stop by the turquoise-blue Almsee lake, and explore the “Lofi’s Wasseralm” adventure playground.
Cycle through green valleys, small villages, and spectacular natural landscapes. Afterwards, head to an alpine hut for some Kaiserschmarren.
In winter, rent a toboggan for free from us at the Pechtlgut and whizz down from the high alpine pasture into the valley.
Use the free bus ticket for a day trip to the City of Salzburg for shopping, cafés, museums, and culture. Perfect for those days when the sun isn’t shining.

Frequently asked questions about holidays in Lofer

What is the Salzburg Saalachtal Card, and what benefits does it offer me?

The Salzburg Saalachtal Card is a card that offers real added value and is included for Pechtlgut guests from mid-May through the end of October. It provides free access to swimming pools, gorges, and caves, as well as free rides on the cable cars to the Almenwelt Lofer and the AlmErlebnisBus into the Berchtesgaden National Park.

Is Lofer a good holiday destination for families?

Yes, Lofer, in the Saalachtal Valley in Salzburg is especially family-friendly: authentic nature experiences, family-friendly hikes, swimming spots, places to visit, and the Almenwelt Lofer offer plenty of variety in both summer and winter.

Do you need a car for a holiday in Lofer?

Not necessarily. Many attractions around Lofer can be reached on foot, by bike, or by public transport. With the included Guest Mobility Ticket, you can explore the Salzburg Region, Bad Reichenhall, and the City of Salzburg by bus—for free and without hassle.

What can you do in the Saalachtal Valley in Salzburg when the weather is bad?

Even in bad weather, there’s plenty to do around the Pechtlgut: gorges, ravines, and caves; Fort Kniepass with its adventure slide; rafting and canyoning; the RupertusTherme; the Woodprint Café adventure world; the Berchtesgaden salt mine; or a trip to the City of Salzburg.

Why are Lofer and the Saalachtal Valley in Salzburg the ideal destination for an authentic mountain vacation in Austria?

Lofer and the Salzburger Saalachtal captivate visitors with their stunning mountain scenery, wild waters, diverse nature experiences, and a region that feels pleasantly authentic and unspoiled. The Pechtlgut Apartments are right in the heart of it all and are the ideal base for your vacation in the mountains.

An elderly couple is sitting on a rock, enjoying the beautiful view from the mountain

Fancy a trip to Lofer?

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