SightseeingMountainous excursion destinations

The Lungau and its surroundings offer a wealth of sights and excursion opportunities for the whole family. On the following pages, we will introduce you to a selection of excursion destinations in the Lungau. Because there is so much to see and experience here in the UNESCO Biosphere Park Lungau. Panoramic roads with spectacular views, castles and palaces steeped in history, cool mountain lakes, exciting caves and mines, educational walking trails, and natural beauty beyond compare.

Further tips for excursions in the Lungau region are, of course, available from your reception desk at the Wastlwirt Hotel.

Lifts and cable cars in summer

Save energy and enjoy the view

Whether on foot or by bike, the lifts and cable cars are also open for you in summer. Even as you ascend, the lifts & cable cars offer a fascinating view of the Lungau landscape. Once you reach the top, you can really get going with full energy reserves. On a circular hike or a storming of the summit, whether on foot or by bike. Even with a baby carriage, you can enjoy the mountain air and a wonderful mountain hike. Many paths and lakes are within easy reach, even for families with prams. 

• Speiereck – Großeck

  St. Michael Sonnenbahn

  from 05 June to 03 July 2022
  Tuesday, Friday & Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  from 06 July to 11 September 2022
  Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  from 13 September to 25 October 2021
  Tuesday, Friday & Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  In rainy weather, storm or thunderstorm no cable car operation!

   

  Mauterndorf Grosseckbahn

  from 05 June to 03 July 2022
  Tuesday, Friday & Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  from 07 July to 11 September 2022
  daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  from 13 September to 25 September 2021
  Tuesday, Friday & Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  In rainy weather, storm or thunderstorm no cable car operation!

  Bergbahnen Lungau GmbH, Ski center, A-5570 Mauterndorf
  Phone: +43 (0) 6472 8008 Fax: +43 (0) 6472 8008-8, office@bergbahnen-lungau.at

• Katschberg – Aineck

  Ainecklift

  The family mountain with easy hiking trails for families and leisurely people.
  For children and adventurers there is even a real treasure hunt with GPS.

  07 June to 02 July 2022
  Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

  04 July to 10 September 2022
  daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  14 September to 25 November 2022
  Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

  In rainy weather, storm or thunderstorm no cable car operation!
  For further information, please contact our reception team at your 4* Hotel Wastlwirt.

• Fanningberg

  Mariapfarr – Fanningbergbahnen

  03 July to 11 September 2022
  Every Thursday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

  In rainy weather, storm or thunderstorm no cable car operation!

  Fanningbergbahnen, Phone: +43 (0) 6473 7008, www.fanningberg.info

• Obertauern

  Grünwaldkopfbahn and Hochalmbahn

  from 02 July to 18 September 2021
  daily from 09:00 to 16:00

  In rainy weather, storm or thunderstorm no cable car operation!
  Mountain bikes, prams and dogs are transported free of charge!

Panorama roads in the Alps

Explore the panoramic roads in the Alps with farsightedness

The valleys and mountains in and around the Lungau are worth a trip. Fascinating landscapes, glacier panoramas, the changes in nature, the transition to Alpine terrain and simply enjoying an incredible view. Whether by car or motorcycle, experience the serpentines and mountain roads around the Lungau.

Open Roadbook

• Grossglockner High Alpine Road

  Dream road to the highest mountain of Austria

  The most famous alpine road takes you to the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, to Austria’s highest mountain, the Großglockner (3,798 m) and its glacier, the Pasterze. On 48 kilometres of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road with 36 hairpin bends, and with an altitude climb to 2,504 metres, a special kind of nature and driving experience awaits you. Approach from St. Michael: approx. 110 km.

  Further information about the Grossglockner High Alpine Road

• Nockalm Road

  A lasting experience for nature lovers

  The Nockalm Road is almost 35 kilometres long and leads in 52 hairpin bends through the only European national park in the gentle high mountains with the largest population of spruce and stone pine in the Eastern Alps. The round “cams” characterise the unmistakable appearance. They are among the geological rarities and are unique in the entire Alpine region.

  The toll road begins in Innerkrems, about 30 km south of St. Michael.

  Further information about the Nockalm Road

Castles and Palaces in the Lungau

Adventure on historical terrain

Castles and palaces always have a lot of history hidden inside them. And the attraction of getting to the bottom of these stories is equally exciting for young and old. Here in the Lungau, there are especially many of these adventures to experience, because the Lungau was already an important transit route in Cleopatra’s time. Many sovereign princes built castles and palaces here, as well as fortifications to protect themselves and to claim road tolls – just as Mauterndorf Castle still bears their name.

• Mauterndorf castle experience

  A fascinating journey back to the Middle Ages

  About 10 km from St. Michael, the 13th century Mauterndorf Castle is situated on a rock in the northwest of the village. An exciting journey back in time to the late Middle Ages awaits you here. Get to know the landlord, Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach and his entourage personally…

  Further information about Mauterndorf Castle.

   

  A visit to the Lungau Landscape Museum and the 44-meter-high fortified tower with a fascinating view of Mauterndorf and the surrounding mountains rounds out the visitor program.

  Information about the Lungau Landscape Museum.

• Moosham Castle

  Due to its central location, Moosham was the seat of the Salzburg provincial princes and archbishops from about 1520 onwards, and thus also the blood and nursing court until 1790. At the end of the 17th century, numerous trials against “witches and sorcerers” took place at Moosham Castle. Count Hans Nepomuk Wilczek (1837-1922) bought the castle in 1886 and equipped it as a museum with collectibles he had collected. It is still owned by the family today. The main focus of the museum: domestic culture of various stylistic periods (16th-19th century), sculptures, wagonry, hunting weapons, North Pole expedition, courtroom with executioner’s sword, torture chamber, finds from the Roman period

  Further information and guided tours

• Castle Finstergrün

  The adventure castle in Ramingstein

  Castle Finstergün was first mentioned in documents in the 13th century as a “border fortress” and in 1629 for the first time with its name Finstergruan – which means dark ditch. It was destroyed by a forest fire in 1841 and is now a well-preserved ruin with a knight’s hall, battlements, a play treasure chamber and root tables due to the reconstruction of the castle complex of Count Sandor Szápàry.

  Further information about Finstergrün Castle

• Hohenwerfen Castle

  Hohenwerfen Castle

  High above the Salzach valley, between the Tennen and Hagen mountains, the 900-year-old Hohenwerfen Castle is enthroned on a mighty boulder near Werfen. A wide range of entertainment and information awaits the visitor. A special attraction is the 1st Austrian Falconry Museum and the Bird of Prey Learning Path. In daily flight demonstrations the public is introduced to the traditional hunting with birds of prey. (Approach from Wastlwirt: 67 km)

  Further information about Hohenwerfen Castle

Lakes and Water in the Lungau

More than 60 mountain lakes to hike and experience

There are more than 60 mountain lakes in the Lungau that can be hiked. But the region’s swimming pools and outdoor pools also invite you to take a refreshing dip in the cool water. Here we present a small selection of waters for you and your family. Further tips on lakes and water in the Lungau are available at your reception desk at the Wastlwirt Hotel.

• Prebersee

  Water target shooting: Sea water makes rifle bullets bounce

  At the foot of the Preber (2,741 m), one of the highest mountains in Lungau, lies a picturesque lake that holds a secret. It is famous for its water target shooting, in which the target is aimed at the reflection of the target in the water, the ball bounces off the surface and flies into the target on the shore. A circular hiking trail around the 1500 m high Prebersee lake invites you to take a relaxing walk in the landscape conservation area, and the surrounding mountains are tempting for wonderful hiking and mountain tours.

  Further information about the Preberschiessen.

• Nessiteich

  Outdoorparc Lungau – Action and fun for the whole family

  Action-packed is the action on the Nessiteich in the Outdoorparc in Mariapfarr. Glide over the water in a canoe, kayak or rubber dinghy, keep your balance while standing up paddling, or rather run over the water with the Zorb ball with dry feet. Here you can have pure water fun! A Flying Fox over the water and various climbing facilities as well as a beach volleyball court can also be used here.

• Bathing fun

  Water fun in the Lungau outdoor pools

  Those who prefer to jump into the cool water of an open-air swimming pool have very good cards in Lungau, because there are 3 open-air swimming pools in the region. In St. Michael, Mariapfarr, Mauterndorf and Tamsweg, generous sports pools and magnificent sunbathing areas invite you to enjoy the mountain panorama. Slide, paddling pool and diving tower included!

Caves and mines in the Lungau

Discover mines, caves and caverns in Lungau and Salzburger Land

The Lungau and its surroundings offer a wealth of underground attractions for the whole family. Here we present you with a selection. Our reception will be happy to provide you with further tips.

• Giant ice world

  The largest ice cave on earth

  In Werfen, about 60 km in the direction of Salzburg, ice palaces of crystal-clear beauty will carry you off into a wintery giant ice world even on hot summer days. A 42 km long cave system stretches behind an enormous portal 20 m wide and 18 m high. The first part, about 1 km long, is equipped with huge ice formations and can be visited in summer. Average temperature about 0° C.

  Further information about the giant ice world.

• Silver mine

  Good luck in Ramingstein

  The first guided tour of the silver mine in Ramingstein took place in 1990. For more than 200 years no one had ever entered the mine adits before. In the narrow and dark galleries, which run almost unchanged through the mountain, you will learn how arduous the work as a miner must have been.

  More information about the silver mine.

• Mines

  On the tracks of the miners

  Rich in ores, the remains of mines in Lungau, some of which have been shut down for centuries, can be found time and again. Even before the Romans, the Lungau was known for its wealth underground. In Ramingstein and Schönfeld, you will experience hikes in the footsteps of the miners. Find out how arduous the lives of these men were.

Natural Beauty and Parks in the Lungau Biosphere Park

Many hidden natural beauties and parks are waiting for your visit!

Let yourself be fascinated by nature in the Lungau. Here in the SalzburgerLand, there are so many natural beauties to discover. Here we present you with a selection. Our reception staff will be happy to provide you with further tips.

• Riedingtal Nature Park

  In the realm of the mountain pastures

  The Riedingtal Nature Park in Zederhaus covers an area of 3,600 hectares surrounded by mountains on the edge of the Radstädter Tauern. It is characterised by a largely intact natural landscape combined with a near-natural cultural landscape. Wild cirques, high peaks, clear mountain lakes and rustic managed alpine pastures, which lie one behind the other like a string of pearls, are accessible by numerous hiking trails. A valley bus runs from the information centre at the end of the toll road. The driving distance from Wastlwirt is 27 km.

  Further information on the Riedingtal Nature Park.

• Minimundus

  Around the world in a day.

  Why not take a trip around the world? Just 115 km from St. Michael’s, you can make a short stop at the Sydney Opera House, have a coffee under the Eiffel Tower, visit the Statue of Liberty or walk on the Great Wall of China. In the Minimundus amusement park between Villach and Klagenfurt, around 150 models of the most beautiful buildings from all five continents await you in outstanding detail.

  Further information about Minimundus.

Churches in the Lungau

Discover the sacred buildings in the Lungau

In the past, religion was the main influence on the cultural life of the Lungau. Even today, the numerous and above all worth seeing churches bear witness to this part of history.

• Parish church of St. Paul

  Church with a worth seeing cemetery

  A special feature of the neo-Gothic church in Lessach is the sundial on the south side with the date 1763: Daily until 17.00

• Parish church St. Michael & branch churches St. Martin and St. Ägidius

  Churches in St. Michael

  First documented in 1147. Some frescos on the south wall from 1240 refer to its Romanesque core. The early Gothic, single-bay chancel with cross-ribbed vaulting and the nave from 1513 are adjoined to the north of the chancel by the early Gothic Chapel of the Auxiliary Helpers and, in its extension to the west, by the present side aisle. The daughter church of St. Martin was first mentioned in a document as early as 1163, whereas the relatively small church in Oberweißburg was not built until 19/12/13 according to the design of an architect. The Filial and pilgrimage church of St. Ägidius – called “Egidikirche” – is located west of the market above Dasl and was first mentioned in the 13th century.

• Pilgrimage church Basilica Mariapfarr

  Origin of “Silent Night, Holy Night”

  Originally built in Romanesque style, the church received its present form in the 15th century. Nevertheless, visitors can still admire the frescoes from the 13th & 14th centuries and the art-historically valuable miraculous image from the 15th century.
  The parish church was recognized as a basilica by Rome in August 2018 and is the only one in the Salzburg region besides the Basilica Maria Plain. Also worth seeing is the Joseph Mohr Square with the Silent Night Fountain in honour of the lyricist who wrote the text of the world-famous Christmas carol “Silent Night, Holy Night” in Mariapfarr in 1816.

• Pilgrimage church St. Leonhard

  Worth seeing mosaic windows

  Tamsweg has also become increasingly important in ecclesiastical terms since the late Middle Ages. In 1231, Tamsweg was still a branch church of the parish of Lungau, today’s Mariapfarr, and it is likely that Tamsweg had already become a parish to the Lords of Pettau before 1246. In later centuries, Tamsweg was the seat of the archdeacon commissariat and then of the deanery. Today’s magnificent parish church was built in the Baroque period, but its foundations are based on a Gothic and a Romanesque predecessor building. The rise of Tamsweg as a pilgrimage centre began in 1421 at the latest. A miracle-working statue of Leonhard provided for the construction of a pilgrimage church. The Gothic building in the south of Tamsweg betrays its former aura with its precious furnishings and unique glass windows. In the late Middle Ages, the pilgrimage to St. Leonhard was one of the most sought-after far and wide.

• Holy Family in the Swiss stone pine

  At the Suppan-Alm on the way from Bundschuh to Schönfeld stands the chapel with the group of figures of the Holy Family with the Saints Leonhard and Barbara, carved from living Swiss stone pines, around which a chapel was built. The unusual work of Ernst Adelsberger is worth a visit.

• Pilgrimage church Maria Hollenstein

  Worth seeing small church in Kendlbruck

  Very popular with pilgrims and wedding couples: On the 13th of every month pilgrims meet at 6.30 pm in Kendlbruck and go in a light procession into the Mühlbachgraben to hold a Fatima mass in Maria Hollenstein. In the 18th century the image of Maria in a wooden chapel near Kendlbruck attracted attention through numerous prayer elevations. The name “Hollenstein” is derived from a trace stone; here the spring water seeping out of a crevice in the rock collects, which is still highly valued today as an ophthalmic remedy.

• Church St. Rupert

  Sacred building in Weißpriach in Lungau

  The Roman Catholic daughter church in Weißpriach in the Lungau region, consecrated to the first bishop St. Rupert of Salzburg, is an early Romanesque church. Its supra-regional significance is due to the fresco cycles, some of which are Byzantine, dating from around 1050-1200. The origin of the church is unknown, but it is likely to date back to around 750, namely to the time of the subjugation of the Alpine Slavs by the Bavarians under their Duke Tassilo III and the Christianisation that began at that time. The numerous walled in Roman architectural stones show that a cult building must have stood there in Roman times, the remains of which were used in the first church construction.

• Laurentius Church

  The oldest church in Lungau

  The Laurentius Church is most probably the oldest church in the Lungau. The church, which was built in Althofen, Mariapfarr parish, was first mentioned in 923. It is said that the Christianisirung of the Lungau started from here. The present building dates from the 18th century. Guided tours are available upon request.

Nature trails in the Lungau Biosphere Reserve

Nature and the animal world are explained in an interesting way on nature trails in the Lungau

Discover the various theme trails and nature trails in the Lungau. Learn more about the plants along the way and the animals in the forests and meadows. You can also experience Lungau’s history on a number of trails. Here we present you with a selection. Further tips are available at the reception of the Hotel Wastlwirt.

• Alpine Herb Garden

  In the centre of St. Michael, a beautiful garden invites all flower lovers to take a walk. Especially herbs and medicinal plants, which occur quite naturally here with us in the Lungau Murau Nockberge Biosphere Reserve, can be admired here.

• Mill Trail

  Along the mill path, old mills and grain boxes have been restored to their original use. At the end of the Mühlenweg, you will find the Walcherhaus with information on rural life in the Lungau region. In the old smithy, a film about the work of the blacksmith is shown. In the exhibition room, various handicrafts, woodcarvings, ceramics and farm paintings by Zederhauser artists can be admired.

• Planetary nature trail

  At the foot of the Leonhardsberg, the Planetary Learning Path begins in the direction of Unternberg. Here the interested person can wander around our solar system. The models of the sun and planets are shown in their mean distances on a scale of 1:1 billion (1 mm on the nature trail corresponds to 1,000 km in the solar system). The models are also true to scale in their sizes. Walking time: about 1.5h.

• Waterway

  In St. Margarethen visitors can perceive water with all their senses. For children, too, this path, past the dwarf cave and the natural playground, is a very special adventure. In the St. Margarethen municipal office they can obtain a story book with a treasure map. If the children follow the path indicated on the map and complete all the tasks, you will be rewarded several times over at Gasthof Schlögelberger.

• Theme trail Schliersee

  The circular trail around the Schlierersee presents the natural and cultural area of the Riedingtal with many of its facets: History of land use in the Riedingtal, alpine pastures and their cultivation, biotopes with their fauna and flora, hunting and wild animals in the Riedingtal. The starting point of this theme trail is the Nature Park House. Walking time. approx. 1 hour / length: approx. 1.5 km

• The power of still water

  At the seven stations with the theme “Water-Nature-Human” you can wonderfully recharge your batteries and enjoy the silence of nature. The trail is part of the long-distance hiking trail and connects the Niedere Tauern with the Hohe Tauern. At the same time, the path crosses some crossings from the Riedingtal, which in past times were important connections to the outside world for the remote valley head.

• Nature Pure Path

  The Nature-Pur-Weg provides insights into the extensive range of our animal and plant world. Over 50 stations provide information about the hammer mill, glacial mill, Mauterndorf Castle, ski area, animal species, tree species, and tell of the golden eagle, fox, fir tree and chanterelle. You can get on board anywhere.

• Richterstättenweg Passeggen

  Along meadows and forests, with a wonderful view of the mountains, you can relive the history of witch-hunting at original locations on this theme trail. On large panels, you can immerse yourself in the living conditions of the 17th century, the court trials and the convicts. The starting point of this approx. 1.5 hour long trail is the sports field St. Andrä or at the chapel Passeggen.

• Ore trails

  The trails in Altenberg and Dürnrain offer a special insight into the historical silver mining in the Lungau. At the community of Ramingstein, you can experience two different themed trails (2 or 3 hours walking time). The Altenberg ore trail with a mining nature trail leads along the church path to the disused marble quarry, while the Dürnrain ore trail leads past Finstergrün Castle, past tunnels and slagheaps.

• Moorland nature trail

  The moorland nature trail around the Prebersee at over 1500m can be enjoyed both on foot and by bike. You can learn a lot of exciting and worth knowing about the special features of a moor and the many elements that are important for the preservation of a moor.

• Sun nature trail

  In the middle of the village of Mariapfarr begins the path on which you will learn interesting facts about the sun and its influence on us and the earth. On the approx. 4 km long circular path there are benches to let the information on the display boards go through your mind in the light of the sun.

• Forest nature trail

  The forest nature trails in St. Michael, Unternberg and Zederhaus provide information about everything concerning the forest and its inhabitants. With their different focuses, each of the three forest nature trails is worth a visit. The native flora and fauna, minerals. Wood utilisation possibilities as well as the protection of our valuable nature are explained.

Museums in the Lungau Biosphere Park

Customs and culture of the past

Tradition is very important to us in Lungau. In the various museums, you will learn how the Lungauers lived from a few years to several centuries ago. What influences they were under and how culture, customs and landscape have changed during this time.

• Wood Museum

  The Styrian Timber Museum in St. Ruprecht ob Murau, about 35 km east of St. Michael, illustrates everything to do with wood to children and is part or rather the centre of the timber road. A former cattle shed was converted into an extraordinary exhibition building. Later the building was extended and supplemented with an outdoor area.

  Further information about the wood museum.

• Monument Farm Maurergut

  The “Maurergut” memorial farm is located just under 17 km from the Wastlwirt, about 2.7 km behind the village of Zederhaus (in the direction of Riedingtal). It is a typical Lungau farm, the origins of which date back to the late Middle Ages. Visitors can gain a comprehensive insight into the rural life of past centuries. On display are domestic culture and customs, tools and farm implements. The tools used by lumberjacks, sleeper chippers and rope makers deserve special mention.

  More information about the Monument Farm Maurergut.

• Porsche Museum

  In Gmünd in Carinthia, about 30 km south of St. Michael, the antique dealer Helmut Pfeifhofer opened the first private Porsche car museum in Europe on 18 May 1982. In the small town, car manufacturer Porsche and his team with their machinery have survived the turmoil of the 2nd World War. In March 1948 the first car named PORSCHE was built there, the Porsche 356. This Porsche from the very first Gmündner series is the pride of the collection, which has since grown to 48 vehicles.

  Further information about the Porsche car museum.

• Blast Furnace Museum

  The Bundschuh blast furnace museum in the Thomatal valley documents the historical mining industry around 1880. The astonishingly well-preserved exhibits as well as the smelting plant and the miners’ hiking trail provide a very true-to-life insight into the life and work of miners in those days.

  More information about the blast furnace museum.

• Silent Night Museum

  The Silent Night Museum in Mariapfarr presents the story of Joseph Mohr, the creator of the text of the world-famous song “Silent Night, Holy Night”. For this text was written in Mariapfarr by Mohr, who comes from Lungau. A lot of information about the song and the life of Joseph Mohr is given.

  Further information about the Silent Night Museum.

• Landscape Museum

  The Landscape Museum in Mauterndorf Castle deals with all the special features of the Lungau region. From alpine pastures, to traditional costumes, to house and farm, customs, religion and, of course, nature, you can get a picture of Lungau past and present in the lovingly compiled exhibitions.

  Further information about the Landscape Museum.

• Kodak Camera Museum

  The Kodak Museum can be found in the Cedar House Municipal Office. It gives an overview of more than 100 years of film and photo history. There is an extremely extensive collection of cameras and film equipment made by the Kodak Company to gaze at. The private collection comprises more than 100 exhibits that can be dated back to 1892.

  More information about the Kodak Camera Museum.

• Museum of Local History

  The Tamsweg Museum of Local History in Lungau was established in 1962 in the community-owned, former Barbara Hospital, one of the oldest buildings on the market. The building, which dates back to the Middle Ages, was built as a hospital by the Lungau mining trades and served as a care centre for the elderly until the establishment of the local history museum. It houses a representative cross-section of the rural crafts and the rural-bourgeois institutions in the Lungau.