Outlook for a summer full of culture, sport and action
Obertauern is located high up in the centre of the Salzburg region at an altitude of 1,630 m and 90 km south of the city of Salzburg. Anyone who knows this snow-capped region in winter can well imagine how impressive the landscape is in summer. Rocky peaks alternate with green meadows, the summer sky is reflected in tranquil mountain lakes, and natural spectacles such as the Johannes waterfall attract hikers. And not to forget the rustic mountain lodges where mountain enthusiasts can fortify themselves with local delicacies after touring the more than 100 km of hiking trails.
Variety for energetic visitors and gourmets
The mountain experience in the Obertauern region takes place between 800 and 2,526 metres in the three locations of Obertauern, Untertauern and Tweng, as well as in the world of nature and mountains where you can hike, cycle, ride on horseback, fish or play golf. A comfortable way of conquering the mountains is to take a cable car to make the climb into the high mountains easier. Two cable cars, the Grünwaldkopfbahn and the Hochalmbahn, operate daily in good weather in summer. Prams, dogs and mountain bikes are transported free of charge.
If you want to spare your knees during the descent, try a Mountain Skyver. These rugged, spring-mounted mountain scooters are like bikes without a saddle or pedals. Instead, you stand on the foot rests and off you go. Scooters and helmets can be rented at the lower station of the Grünwaldkopfbahn; training is also offered for beginners. Adults and children from eight years of age can use the Skyvers.
Summer attractions as well
Obertauern’s reputation as a winter hot spot is well-known, but the area has lots to offer in Summer too. The range of events extends from maintaining old traditions to sporting events full of enjoyment and action. On “Prangtag” (Corpus Christi Day) 2nd July 2017, all Obertauern will be on its feet to celebrate the feast of the church’s patron saint. Everyone dons their finest clothes or festive costume before finally going to parade.
For the cross-country mountain run on 8th July 2017, however, the dress code is “sporty and eccentric” because participants on this assault cause can expect treacherous obstacles where not a single thread of clothing will stay clean and dry: water slides, mud puddles, clambering challenges and whatever appeals to the imagination of the organisers.
Other dates to note for 2017 are the Summit Meeting for regular guests during the week of 8th – 16th July, the Mountain Fair by the Krummschnabelsee (Lake Krummschnabel) on 23rd July, the Almfest (Meadow Festival) on the Gnadenalm on 13th August and the Orange Mountain Summit Meeting and biker party from 17th – 20th August.
Feast to your heart’s content on Austrian delights
The welcoming mountain lodges in Obertauern make your experience in the mountains complete because the culinary delights found here are like Obertauern itself: down to earth while at the same time immensely varied and generous. The hospitable hill farm owners tell stories, reveal insider tips from Obertauern and make your stay in the mountains unique. What should not be missed on an excursion into the mountains? The rustic Austrian ploughman’s lunch (“Bretteljause”). It is served by the farm owners on a wooden board and the choice is enormous. From a huge variety of cheeses to hams, bacons, spreads, dry sausages, liver sausages, boiled eggs and home-made farmhouse bread, there is something for every food lover. Top-quality ingredients is always the first priority of your hosts.
A wonderful adventure playground
What could be more beautiful than bright children’s eyes? In Obertauern children can play hide and seek in the woods, build damns, watch real animals, discover the marble run, and explore and experience the world of the mountains with all their senses. There is no finer playground for them than nature, where they can snack on berries straight from the bush. On the Gnadenalm especially, you can go on a family-friendly round-trip walk based on the motto “Alles Alm” (“everything alpine”) to rest and play areas and past eight differently themed stops. These tell lots of interesting facts about life in the mountains then and now, all in an entertaining manner.
During summer, guests to the region can also take part in various outdoor activities as part of a weekly programme. Just some of the programme offerings are guided hikes for different interests, from a leisurely walk to the Johannes waterfall to a summit tour for experienced mountain hikers, guided Mountain Skyver or bicycle tours, trail running, mountain yoga in front of a majestic Alpine background or herb tours. Children find the “Surviving in the Wilderness” workshop especially exciting.
Excursions for animal lovers, horse enthusiasts and culture fans
Attractions for children in the wildlife and amusement park in Untertauern are the animal enclosures with their wild sheep, red and fallow deer, and the petting zoo with all kinds of small animals. A trip on the meandering train provides an overview of the different play areas, the adventure land for children, the fish pond and the swimming lake. Tweng is the perfect destination for horse lovers who can see a Noriker breed there and take excursions or carriage rides into the natural landscape far away from roads.
Obertauern is surrounded by the Salzburg region with its innumerable attractions such as historic cities, fortresses, castles, museums, mountain railways, sport and leisure activities. Using their SalzburgerLand Card which is valid for around 190 attractions, holiday guests can discover and experience many of these very inexpensively.