When sweeping views give you strength – exploring the Pinzgau, perhaps the most impressive natural landscape in the Alpine arc

Anyone travelling through the Pinzgau will discover not just a backdrop, but a vibrant mosaic of nature, a passion for sport and scenic beauty. This region combines iconic destinations with hidden valleys, majestic panoramas with down-to-earth Alpine charm – all embedded in an active way of life that inspires not only holidaymakers but also locals anew every day.

Take Leogang, for instance, which, together with Saalbach-Hinterglemm, forms one of the largest ski areas in the Alps – a paradise for skiers in winter and a hotspot for mountain bikers, downhill riders and trail runners in summer. Countless high-altitude trails, the world-famous Leogang Bike Park and the extensive 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 is perfect for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding or sailing, whilst the striking Kitzsteinhorn towers above it – a 3,000-metre peak with a glacier where you can even ski in the height of summer. The Schmittenhöhe, Zell’s local mountain, entices visitors with one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the Eastern Alps – stretching from the Hohe Tauern to the Steinernes Meer.

Even beyond the major towns, the Pinzgau region shows its true colours – 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 reservoirs of Kaprun blend into the mountain landscape like aquamarine-coloured jewels, whilst the Weißbachklamm gorge demonstrates the wild, romantic way in which water carves its way through rock.

Those seeking unspoilt nature will find it in the numerous high valleys and alpine pastures of the Upper Pinzgau – for example in the Krimml Achental, where the world slows down for a moment. Or in the tranquil side valleys around Neukirchen, Bramberg or Hollersbach, where mountains and people meet on equal terms.

And, of course, the Pinzgau is also a dream destination for sports enthusiasts: climbing walls, via ferrata routes and imposing peaks attract mountaineers. Ski and splitboard tourers find deep-snow slopes away from the pistes. Mountain bikers experience epic trails, ranging from flowing to challenging. Cross-country skiers carve their way through deep winter valleys, whilst trail runners seek out the challenge on the ridges. White-water kayakers, canyoning enthusiasts and rafters find roaring rivers that demand both strength and technique.

The Pinzgau thrives on authenticity. From homemade cheese on the alpine pastures, to bread baked in a wood-fired oven, to schnapps that tells a story. Yet alongside this down-to-earth way of life and the natural warmth of its hosts, there is also a surprising cultural openness. Anyone who thinks this region is all about mountains is sorely mistaken.

Every summer, for example, the Saalfelden Jazz Festival transforms an entire region into a stage – internationally acclaimed musical art meets alpine authenticity, and 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 lies at the very heart of the Pinzgau: the courage to try new things without losing one’s roots.

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

The Pinzgau isn’t just a place you visit – it’s an experience that gets under your skin. A region where sporting challenges and the poetry of the landscape come together in a unique way. Here, the day begins with a view of majestic three-thousand-metre peaks, takes you along alpine paths, single tracks or winding roads – and perhaps ends on the shores of a crystal-clear lake or in a cosy mountain hut serving regional specialities.

Amidst unspoilt nature, modern infrastructure and deeply rooted hospitality, Pinzgau offers experiences that are more than just beautiful photo opportunities. They are encounters with the power of the Alps – intense, authentic and inspiring.

For anyone looking for something special: here are our hand-picked tips for excursions, activities and nature experiences in the Pinzgau. Whether you’re heading high up or deep into the heart of adventure – the Pinzgau is ready.