The Lungau Valley
Below we provide you with a quick look at the valley and attractions. Please browse the menu for more detailed information.
The idyllic Lungau valley can be found in the southernmost region of Salzburgerland, bordering Carinthea and nestled between the Radstädter Tauern, the Hohe Tauern and the Nockberge Mountains. The central location is easily accessible from all directions and ideally positioned for sight seeing, day trips and visits to popular attractions such as Salzburg Old-town or the Ice Caves at Werfen.
The beautiful mountainous landscape is ideally suited to outdoor pursuits and sporting activities whilst the valleys rich history and culture is of equal appeal. The region resists large developments, perhaps one of it’s most attractive qualities, and so the pace of life and friendly natives easily compliments a recreational vacation.
The Valley is made up of 15 towns and villages, each with their own appeal. The picturesque town of St Michael was founded in the 1400s and can be found nestled in the heart of the Lungau at 1100m above sea level. Considered the centre point of the region, St Michael is very easy to reach and is host to a number of excellent restaurants, bars and cafes, 4 well placed supermarkets and a good selection of shops.
Weekly markets, events, festivals and celebrations can be enjoyed the whole year around. The ideal location provides an excellent base for excursions with many hiking routes and bike paths or trails accessible from the doorstep.
A short walk, drive or bus trip brings you to any number of attractions. In the summer months a trip to the local heated outdoor pool is highly recommended. Tennis, volley ball, trampolines, football pitches and fun activities can be enjoyed a short stroll away. Horse riding schools can be found in almost every town with horse drawn carriages being a popular attraction.
There are several excellent wellness centres offering spa treatments and alternative therapies. At the BadeInsel in Tamsweg in addition to swim and relaxation, further sports such as beach volley ball and skating can be enjoyed.
Katschberg is host to one of the largest Tree-top adventure parks in Austria. In Mariapfarr the incredibly popular Outdoorparc Lungau offers many diverse sporting activities to entertain the entire family, such as the „Flying Fox”, „Zorb Balls” a climbing wall, water sports and more.
Local sports guides offer to take you climbing, canyoning, rafting and canoeing. See the valley from the heavens and engage in a tandem Paragliding flight. The Lungau Golf club can be found just a few kilometres away and in addition to being a most excellent 18 hole golf course, has a driving range and superb restaurant.
In the winter months the region is entirely focused on snow sports, enjoying skiing and snowboarding opportunities from December to April each year. Whether on the piste, touring deep into the mountainside or traversing the valley cross-country, the Lungau is a hugely popular winter destination for snow sports enthusiasts. Ice skating, curling, winter walks and snow shoe tours, sleigh rides, tobogganing and winter driving training are further winter attractions.
Every season in the Lungau brings something different to the area and holiday opportunities are present all year round. The high seasons of Summer and Winter are popular for good reasons but the shoulder seasons are not to be overlooked.
Spring is fantastic as the hills and fields reclaim their former greenery, the meadows bloom with flowers but the mountain peaks stay white and the air is still fresh. More often than not the days are pleasantly warm and sunny and the towns are quiet and peaceful. This time of year is marked by the raising of the May Tree, up which competitors climb in a bid to get the highest mark on the tree whilst onlookers celebrate can cheer with mugs of beer.
Autumn in Austria is perhaps one of the nicests seasons to enjoy, when the local harvests bring fabulous fresh produce to every restaurant, shop and dinner table. The weather is usually very agreeable with fresh sunny days, perfect for long strolls in the countryside. The Autumn months also bring many local and country-wide celebrations including the unusual Samsonman march through the towns. Both Autumn and Spring are low seasons in terms of holidays which means everything is less expensive and the towns, shops and attractions are free from crowds.
