Hikes in Lofer

The municipality of Lofer is located in Salzburg's Saalach Valley and, with around 2000 inhabitants, is one of the tourist centres of the region. Right after the „German Corner“ it is also the first larger Pinzgau municipality when coming from Germany. The scenery around Lofer is impressive. This is due to the Loferer Steinberge mountains in the southwest, which rise ruggedly up to 2500 metres into the sky, as well as the Reiter Alm with the well-known Stadelhorn in the east. In the north, the valley is bordered by the Chiemgau Alps and the Loferer Alm.

The Saalach flows through the centre. The river, which rises in the Kitzbühel Alps and later flows into the Salzach, is one of the most beautiful alpine rivers in Austria and offers great swimming spots and numerous opportunities for water sports: The highlights include rafting and canyoning tours, but it is also a wonderful place for hiking. Along the shore there are beautiful paths that can be combined into hikes of varying length and difficulty. On these tours you will also find wonderful bathing spots where you can spend hot days relaxing.

The Loferer Alm is the most leisurely and family-friendly hiking area around Lofer. The mountain railways, which transport skiers in winter and hikers in summer, also contribute to this. After the ride on the first section of the Almbahn, you have already arrived at an altitude of 1000 metres and can already start your hike here, for example on the waterfall trail. The second section ends at just under 1400 metres above sea level and opens up numerous easy to moderately difficult hikes.

So you have the choice of whether to undertake a hike with a few metres of altitude or leave it at an enjoyable alpine hike. It is certain that you will find a hike to your taste on the Loferer Alm. A popular route leads to the Marmorsee, for example, but the tour to the Schwarzeck is also popular. Big bonus: The numerous places to stop for refreshments on the alp.

Compared to the tours around the Loferer Alm, the hikes and mountain tours in the Loferer Steinberge are quite different. The imposing peaks are only recommended to experienced mountain hikers as a day tour, but you can also experience this impressive scenery well one level below. The ideal destination is the Schmidt-Zabierow hut at 1960m above sea level. The hut is a refuge in this spectacular landscape and can be mastered as a day hike by anyone in good physical condition. Of course, there is nothing to stop you from spending the night at the top and enjoying a wonderful sunset.

On the other hand, the peaks of the Reither Steinberge are tempting. Here, too, the following applies: Without alpine experience and excellent physical condition, the tours cannot be safely completed. But even without a summit victory, tours in this area, for example around Mayrberg, are worthwhile. The scenery is unique in any case.