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When far-sightedness makes you stronger - travelling in Pinzgau, perhaps the most impressive natural area in the Alpine arc

SUP on Lake Zell (c) Zell am See-Kaprun Tourismus_original
SUP on Lake Zell (c) Zell am See-Kaprun Tourismus_original

There are regions that do nothing to impress - and yet remain unforgettable. The Pinzgau is such a place. Not a classic valley, but a spacious, diverse habitat in the west of Salzburger Land. A region that stretches from the Hochkönig in the east across the Steinerne Meer, the Leoganger Steinberge and the Kitzbühel Alps to the borders of the Hohe Tauern National Park in the south - with the Großglockner and Großvenediger as Austria's highest peaks. In the north, the Pinzgau borders on the Bavarian Berchtesgadener Land, in the west it almost reaches the Tyrolean Gerlos Pass.

This geological framework is more than just a backdrop: It shapes culture, climate and character. It protects quiet mountain pastures as well as lively tourist resorts. And it creates a field of tension that is unrivalled - between powerful altitude and deep relaxation, between sporting challenge and contemplative tranquillity.

Of peaks, glaciers and crystal-clear lakes - the variety of experiences in the Pinzgau region

Anyone travelling through the Pinzgau will discover not just a backdrop, but a powerful mosaic of nature experiences, passion for sport and scenic beauty. This region combines iconic destinations with hidden valleys, majestic panoramas with Alpine down-to-earthness - all embedded in an active lifestyle that inspires not only holidaymakers but also locals on a daily basis.

There is Leogang, which together with Saalbach-Hinterglemm forms one of the largest ski areas in the Alps - an Eldorado for piste skiers in winter and a hotspot for mountain bikers, downhillers and trail runners in summer. Countless high-altitude trails, the world-famous Bikepark Leogang and the dense network of lifts make the region a playground for endurance and adrenaline.

A little further east, the view opens up to Zell am See-Kaprun - one of the most versatile year-round destinations in the Alps. The emerald-green Lake Zell invites you to swim, SUP or sail, while the striking Kitzsteinhorn towers above it - a 3,000 metre peak with a glacier that can be skied on even in midsummer. The Schmittenhöhe, Zell's local mountain, entices visitors with one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the Eastern Alps - from the Hohe Tauern to the Steinernes Meer.

The Pinzgau also shows its class outside the large towns - with spectacular natural wonders such as the Krimml Waterfalls, the highest waterfalls in Europe, or the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, one of the most impressive panoramic roads in the world. The Kaprun reservoirs blend into the mountain landscape like aquamarine-coloured jewels, while the Weißbachklamm gorge shows how wildly romantic water can eat its way through rock.

If you are looking for the unspoilt, you will find it in the numerous high valleys and alpine pastures of the Oberpinzgau - for example in the Krimmler Achental, where the world slows down for a moment. Or in the quiet side valleys around Neukirchen, Bramberg or Hollersbach, where mountains and people meet at eye level.

And of course, the Pinzgau is also a sporting paradise: climbing walls, via ferratas and imposing peaks attract alpinists. Ski and splitboard tourers will find snow-covered slopes away from the pistes. Mountain bikers experience epic trails, from flowing to challenging. Cross-country skiers make their way through deep winter valleys, trail runners seek the challenge of the ridge. White water kayakers, canyoning fans and rafters will find roaring rivers that demand both strength and technique.

Between down-to-earthness and the art of living - what remains

The Pinzgau lives from the real thing. From home-made cheese on the mountain pasture, bread from the wood-fired oven, schnapps that tells stories. But between this down-to-earth attitude and the naturalness of its hosts, a surprising cultural openness also unfolds. Anyone who thinks it's all about mountains here is very much mistaken.

The Saalfelden Jazz Festival, for example, transforms an entire region into a stage every summer - internationally acclaimed sound art meets alpine authenticity, improvised music meets breathtaking scenery. This combination of high culture and high mountains is more than just a contrast - it is an expression of what characterises the Pinzgau region at its core: the courage to dare to try something new without losing its roots.

And so perhaps you take more with you from the Pinzgau than just memories of summits, trails and glacier views. You take away the feeling of having arrived - in a region that gives you strength without being loud. And where even a simple meal, a quiet view or an unexpected sound can resonate for a long time.

Between summit moments and goosebumps: Experiences that stay with you

The Pinzgau is not a place you simply visit - it is an experience that gets under your skin. A region where sporting challenges and scenic poetry combine in a unique way. Here, the day begins with a view of majestic three-thousand metre peaks, leads over alpine paths, single trails or serpentine roads - and perhaps ends on the shores of a crystal-clear lake or in a cosy hut with regional delicacies.

Between unspoilt nature, modern infrastructure and deep-rooted hospitality, experiences unfold in Pinzgau that are more than just beautiful photo opportunities. They are encounters with the power of the Alps - intense, genuine and inspiring.

For all those looking for something special: Here are our hand-picked tips for excursions, activities and nature experiences in Pinzgau. Whether high up or deep into adventure - the Pinzgau is ready.

1st Großglockner High Alpine Road
A classic - but one that never loses its fascination. The winding panoramic road leads right into the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Whether by road bike, e-bike or car: the view of Austria's highest mountain is breathtaking.

2nd Krimml Waterfalls
With a drop of 380 metres, they are among the highest waterfalls in Europe. A powerful place - not only scenically, but also in terms of health: the finely atomised water has a demonstrably positive effect on the respiratory tract.

3rd Kaprun reservoirs (Mooserboden & Wasserfallboden)
A fascinating symbiosis of technology and nature. The turquoise-blue reservoirs are nestled between the three thousand metre peaks - accessible via a spectacular funicular railway and tunnel buses. Ideal for hikes, guided tours or a cosy stop at a mountain hut.

4th Zeller See & Schmittenhöhe
Lake Zell invites you to swim, SUP or simply take a break - surrounded by mountains and with one of the most beautiful panoramic mountains above: the Schmittenhöhe. From there, the view extends to 30 three-thousand metre peaks on a clear day.

5th Weißbachklamm gorge near Lofer
A hidden gem: the wild and romantic gorge offers spectacular photo opportunities, cool freshness in summer and is the perfect introduction to the Weißbachschlucht hiking and climbing area.

6th Bike Eldorado Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn
An interconnected bike paradise with over 80 km of lines & trails, several cable cars, skill parks and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Whether downhill, enduro or leisurely e-biking - everyone will find their flow here.

7. glacier skiing on the Kitzsteinhorn (Kaprun)
Winter begins here when it is still autumn elsewhere - or ends late in spring. Ideal for ambitious skiers, freeriders and anyone who wants to go high.

8th trail running & mountain running in Maria Alm and Saalfelden
Perfectly signposted trails, technically challenging routes and breathtaking views. Particularly popular: the Königstour on the Persailhorn via ferrata or trail running on the edge of the Steinernes Meer.

9. white water adventures in the Salzach and Saalach rivers
Rafting, canyoning, kayaking - for all those who love the water and are looking for an adrenalin kick. There are professional providers with first-class equipment in Lofer and Zell am See.

10. hiking in the high valleys
The Krimmler Achental, the Hollersbachtal or the Untersulzbachtal are fantastic destinations for quiet, impressive mountain days with the romance of mountain huts, blooming alpine pastures and encounters with ibex & co.

Pictures: Zell am See-Kaprun Tourismus GmbH, Saalfelden Leogang Touristik GmbH, Hochkönig Tourismus GmbH, Adobe Stock