Großarl and the Großarltal

The Grossarltal, also known as the 'valley of the alpine pastures', is located in the south of Salzburg and offers numerous opportunities for active holidaymakers, nature lovers and families in both summer and winter. The approximately 30 km long valley includes the main towns of Grossarl and Hüttschlag and is surrounded by the impressive mountains of the Hohe Tauern.

Short info:

• Where is it located? Großarltal, main town: 5611 Großarl, Austria.
• What makes it special? The multitude of managed alpine pastures, family-friendly activities and a wide range of winter sports.
• What are the highlights in summer? Hiking to over 40 managed alpine pastures, the Salzburger Almenweg and the valley head of Hüttschlag.
• What are the highlights in winter? Part of Ski Amadé with 70 kilometers of slopes, snowshoe hiking, ski touring and tobogganing.
• Schedule time? At least one weekend, ideally several days.
• How do I reach it? By car via the A10 Tauern motorway, exit Bischofshofen, or by public transport via the St. Johann im Pongau train station.
• Is it family friendly? Yes, with many activities for children and family-friendly accommodation.

Summer in the Großarltal: Nature and adventure in the heart of the Hohe Tauern

The Grossarltal, also known as the 'valley of the alpine pastures,' is a scenic side valley of the Salzach Valley in the Salzburg region. The main town of Grossarl is the centre of this idyllic valley, which impresses with its natural diversity and numerous summer activities. With more than 40 managed alpine pastures and an extensive network of trails, the Grossarltal is a paradise for hikers, cyclists and nature lovers.

The town of Großarl

Großarl is located at about 920 meters above sea level and is the ideal starting point for all summer activities in the valley. The town not only offers a good infrastructure with accommodation, shops and restaurants, but also direct connections to the mountains. The Panoramabahn & the Kieserlbahn, modern cable cars, take visitors to a height of over 1,850 meters in just a few minutes. Many hiking trails start from the mountain station, which are suitable for families as well as experienced hikers.

In addition to the mountain adventure, Großarl itself offers a wide range of leisure activities. Großarl Leisure Center includes an outdoor pool, a sports area with tennis and volleyball courts, and play areas for children. The center of Großarl invites you to stroll and linger with its small shops and cafés.

Hiking in the Grossarltal

The Grossarltal is a true hiking paradise. On more than 400 kilometers of marked hiking trails visitors can explore the alpine landscape. Most hikes lead to managed alpine pastures, which are so characteristic of the valley. The section of the Salzburger Almenweg, which runs through the entire valley.

Many popular hikes start from Großarl, including:

• Saukaralm: A moderate hike suitable for families and rewarded with fantastic views of the valley.
• Maurachalm: An easily accessible destination that is also suitable for less experienced hikers.
• Reitalm: Comfortable hike, a large alpine playground awaits the children.

For those with sporting ambitions, hikes to peaks such as the Gamskarkogel, the Draugstein or the Frauenkogel are ideal.

A family of four walks down a grassy hill near a wooden cabin with a fenced yard. The landscape consists of rolling green hills and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky at sunset.

cycling and mountain biking

The Grossarltal offers ideal conditions for cyclists and mountain bikers. The Großarltal cycle path connects Großarl with Hüttschlag and, with its flat course, is particularly suitable for families.

For mountain bikers, there are challenging tours that lead to remote alpine pastures and viewpoints. A popular route is the route to Aigenalm, which leads through shady forests and open alpine landscapes.

nature and recreation

The end of the valley in Hüttschlag, about 10 kilometers south of Großarl, is another highlight of the Großarl Valley. This natural jewel is located in the Hohe Tauern National Park and offers numerous opportunities for relaxed walks or easy hikes. At the end of the valley there are well-developed hiking trails and rest areas where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the hiking trails along the Grossarler Ache are a wonderful way to explore the landscape without much effort.

Winter in the Grossarltal: Skiing and winter experiences in the valley of the alpine pastures

In winter, the Grossarltal is transformed into a snow-covered winter landscape that offers a wide range of activities for winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation. With perfectly groomed slopes, snow-covered hiking trails and family hospitality, the valley is an ideal destination for a winter holiday.

Großarltal-Dorfgastein ski area

The Großarltal-Dorfgastein ski area is part of the ski association Ski amadé and offers access to more than 70 kilometers of slopesThe wide, well-groomed slopes are suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. Modern lifts, including the Kieserlbahn Großarltal, guarantee a quick and comfortable ascent.

Highlights of the ski area:

• Snowpark Großarltal: An area with kickers, rails and boxes for snowboarders and freestylers.
• Funslope: A varied course with small waves, curves and obstacles, which is particularly popular with families.
• ski schools and children's areas: Perfect conditions for beginners and children, with specially equipped practice areas.

For connoisseurs, there are numerous ski huts right on the slopes, serving regional specialties and offering a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains.

A snowy mountain landscape with a ski resort building and a gondola lift. The scene features snow-covered slopes, trees and majestic mountain peaks under a clear blue sky. Skiers can be seen on the slopes enjoying the winter day.

winter hiking and snowshoeing

In addition to skiing, the Grossarltal is also known for its winter hiking trails known. About 35 kilometers lead through the snowy landscape and offer a quiet alternative to the hustle and bustle of the ski slopes. A hike along the Großarler Ache, which leads from the town center to the end of the valley in Hüttschlag, is particularly recommended.

For the more adventurous, there are guided snowshoe hikes, where you can explore the untouched nature of the Hohe Tauern National Park off the beaten track. These tours are suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.

cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiers get their money's worth in the Grossarltal. Overall 25 kilometers of groomed trails are available, which run through the picturesque winter landscape. The route that leads from Großarl to the end of the valley in Hüttschlag is particularly beautiful and is suitable for both beginners and sporty skiers. The trails can be accessed at several points in the valley, which allows for flexible tour planning.

A group of four cross-country skiers glides along a snowy trail through a sunny mountain landscape, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and a bright blue sky.

Tobogganing and other winter activities

There is also a lot to experience in the Grossarltal beyond the classic winter sports. toboggan run at Lammwirt is a highlight for families and groups. After an ascent – on foot or by shuttle – you can take a rapid ride down into the valley on the prepared track. Tip: in the evening the toboggan run is illuminated.

Other activities include:

• curling in Großarl and Hüttschlag
• horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snowy winter landscape – a romantic experience for couples and families.
• Paradise for ski tourers: fantastic ascents and descents for ski tourers.

events in winter

Numerous events are organized in the Grossarltal in winter. The most popular event is Salzburg Mountain Advent in the Grossarl Valley, which delights with traditional craft stalls, regional delicacies and a Christmas atmosphere. At the end of March there is sunny skiing and a party atmosphere at the Ladies Ski Week and the Ski & Wine Enjoyment Week.