Salzburgerland Summer News

SalzburgerLand Summer News

1920 – 2020: 100 Years of the “Salzburg Festival” ...... 2 Salzburg Festival: Facts, figures and background information ...... 4 Alpine Cuisine ...... 7 Via Culinaria ...... 10 Sustainable Tourism Has Always Been the Primary Objective ...... 12 Along the Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail ...... 16 Themed Walking Paths ...... 20 Bike holidays ...... 24 SalzburgerLand in figures ...... 27

1920 – 2020: 100 Years of the “Salzburg Festival” The Great Anniversary Year for the City and Region

The Salzburg Festival’s 100th Anniversary celebrations have been extended into 2021, after last year’s anniversary festival was cut short by the worldwide pandemic. In order to do justice to this landmark event, the 2021 Festival programme will include concerts scheduled but not performed in 2020. Visitors can look forward to stunning events, magnificent productions and a varied programme of fringe activities. The Salzburg Festival will run from 17th July until 31st August 2021. It is considered the world’s most-renowned festival for opera, music and theatre, and has been captivating visitors from all over the world for one hundred years with cultural delights of the highest calibre.

The Salzburg Festival is a legend that has come to life, that transforms the UNESCO World Heritage City into a huge stage in July and August every year! It offers unparalleled cultural variety, with 168 productions spread out over 46 performance days and 17 different venues, and now enthrals visitors from around 80 different nations (figures from 2019). The Salzburg Festival is the cultural highlight of every year, for which all the biggest stars – from directors and singers to actors, and the greatest orchestras – come to Salzburg. International political figures, members of the European royal families, actors, stars and starlets can all be found amongst the art-loving audience.

Founded as a Peace Project That Aspires to the Highest Quality The director, intendant and actor Max Reinhardt (1873-1943) who was born in Baden bei Wien, the author and poet Hugo von Hofmannsthal (1874-1929) and the composer Richard Strauss (1864- 1949) are regarded as the founding fathers of the Salzburg Festival. According to Max Reinhardt in the 1917 founding texts, it was their idea to make the Mozart City of Salzburg – away from the hustle and bustle of the city in “the heart of the heart of Europe” – into a gathering place for international artists, in order to stage operas and plays, “both of the highest standard”. The concept of the extraordinary has proven to be sustainable, and today the Salzburg Festival ranks amongst the most notable festivals in the world. For one hundred years the festival has remained true to its original aspirations of achieving the highest quality. Anna Netrebko, who celebrated her debut here in 2002, Cecilia Bartoli and Daniel Barenboim amongst others are included amongst the great stars who regularly appear in Salzburg. Markus Hinterhäuser is the artistic director, and Helga Rabl- Stadler the festival director.

“Everyman” as a Founding Myth 22nd August 1920 is considered the official beginning of the Salzburg Festival. It was on this day that the calls of “Everyman” first resounded around the “Domplatz” (Cathedral Square). The production on the “Domplatz”– which moves to the Felsenreitschule when the weather is bad – belongs to one of the founding myths of the Salzburg Festival. The piece is composed by Hugo von Hofmannsthal and is based on the model of medieval mystery plays. Whilst it wasn’t originally written for Salzburg, it appears to have found its “natural home” here. “Everyman” is an annual fixture and every single performance is sold out. The setting in front of Salzburg Cathedral, with views of the baroque facades and stretching high up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, is quite unrivalled. It is one of the greatest accolades for German- speaking actors to appear as Everyman and Buhlschaft.

SalzburgerLand as One of the Key Success Factors Behind the Salzburg Festival The success of the Salzburg Festival is built on three pillars. The first pillar is the wide creative offer with its unique combination of opera, theatre and concerts. Only the best and most-renowned artists from all over the world are invited to appear in Salzburg. The second factor of success is the fantastically beautiful setting of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Salzburg with its unique architecture, baroque churches and squares, palaces and alleyways. The third pillar is the relationship between the Salzburg Festival and the holiday destination of SalzburgerLand. The lakes, mountains and Alpine pastures make for a fantastically beautiful place of retreat. Alongside the many culinary addresses right in the middle of the city of Salzburg, the culinary insider tips for guests and artists include, amongst others, Castle Fuschl with its own castle fishery where Anna Netrebko likes to order smoked vendace, Restaurant Weyringer at Wallersee Lake, Restaurant Pfefferschiff in Hallwang, the Wirt am Gries Inn in St. Gilgen and Döllerer’s Gourmet Restaurant and Inn in Golling. All these establishments are included in the “Via Culinaria” Culinary Pathways.

Tips for the Summer 2021

 “Great World Theatre – 100 Years of the Salzburg Festival” National Exhibition Until 31st October 2021 the national exhibition “Great World Theatre – 100 years of the Salzburg Festival” will be held in the Salzburg Museum in cooperation with the Salzburg Festival. The exhibition in the “New Residential Palace” is designed as a “stage play within the museum” and divided into four areas which have been structured in such a way that they create a place of encounter for visitors with the Salzburg Festival through the use of stories, productions and interactive elements. www.salzburgmuseum.at/en

 Salzburg Festival The Salzburg Festival’s centenary celebrations run from 17th July to 31st August. Audiences will be captivated by operatic masterpieces such as Don Giovanni, Cosi fan tutte and Tosca, theatre productions performed by international stars, and concerts played by world-renowned orchestras including the Vienna Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony and City of Birmingham alongside virtuoso pianists Maurizio Pollini, Evgeny Kissin and Mitsuko Uchida. www.salzburgerfestspiele.at/en

Salzburg Festival Did you know, that…?! Facts, figures and background information

Did you know, that…

…Salzburg Festival was founded as the “first works of peace”? When the dramatist and director Max Reinhardt used this exact wording in his “Memorandum Regarding the Construction of a Festival Theatre in Hellbrunn”, the First World War was still raging throughout Europe. In 1917 he sent this piece of writing to the director of the Imperial Court Theatre in Vienna. Nothing came of the festival theatre, but the first Salzburg Festival took place in 1920 under the direction of Max Reinhardt. In the midst of the First World War, the idea flourished to reconcile the people, who had been pit against each other, through theatre and give them a common purpose. The focus of Hugo von Hofmamnthal’s superlative “Appeal for a Plan for a Salzburg Festival” (1919) is peace and the belief in a new Europe.

…there are three founding fathers of the Salzburg Festival? The director, actor, entrepreneur and intendent Max Reinhardt acquired Schloss Leopoldskron in 1918, and turned it into the “cradle of the Salzburg Festival”. The other two founding fathers were the writer, librettist and lyricist Hugo von Hofmannsthal and the composer Richard Strauss. Max Reinhardt recorded in the founding texts that the best artists should meet every summer in the Mozart city of Salzburg, away from the urban hustle and bustle “in the heart of the heart of Europe”, to stage operas and plays “both of the highest standard”. Other important visionaries in the 100-year history of the Salzburg Festival include, amongst others, Dr. Franz Rehrl, Provincial Governor of Salzburg from 1922 and supporter of the Salzburg Festival, who had his own birth house pulled down in today’s Toscanini-Hof to enable the construction of the Festival Hall, and the star conductor Herbert von Karajan.

…the official beginning of the Salzburg Festival is closely associated with “Everyman”? The official birth of the Salzburg Festival was on 22nd August 1920 when the cries of “Everyman” first resounded around the “Domplatz” (Cathedral Square). The production on the “Domplatz”— Max Reinhardt had had to first convince the then archbishop Ignatius Rieder of the venue — belongs to the founding myth of the Salzburg Festival. The piece was penned by Hugo von Hofmannsthal (1874 – 1929) and is based on the model of Medieval mystery plays.

… it was a Bavarian who staged a new production of, and rewrote, “Everyman”? For the 2002 season Christian Stückl, director of the Munich Volkstheater and reviver of the Oberammergau Passion Play, was brought to Salzburg to stage a completely new production of “Everyman”. Until then, with few exceptions, Max Reinhardt’s original production had remained virtually unchanged. In 2010 Christian Stückl revised his own production yet again. The biggest changes he implemented within the piece concerned the role of the “God”, which he introduced as a character, and the role of “Good Deeds”, which have since been portrayed as a young woman.

… so far there have been more actors portraying the character of “Buhlschaft” than “Everyman”? You can’t apply for the most coveted roles of the Salzburg Festival – those of “Everyman” and “Buhlschaft” – actors are selected by Salzburg! In the past 100 years eighteen different Everymen have appeared on the stage, but thirty-five Buhlschafts. The most famous portrayers of “Everyman” include Attila Hörbiger, Will Quadflieg, Curd Jürgens, Maximilian Schell, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Helmut Lohner, Peter Simonischek and Cornelius Obonya. The current Everyman for 2020 is Tobias Moretti with Caroline Peters appearing by his side as Buhlschaft. Memorable “Buhlschafts” have been, amongst others, Dagny Servaes, Grete Zimmer, Christiane Hörbiger, Senta Berger, Sunnyi Melles, Sophie Rois, Veronika Ferres, Marie Bäumer, Brigitte Hobmeier and Valery Tscheplanowa.

… Salzburg Festival’s most important venues are only a stone’s throw away from one another? The most important venues are the Large Festival Hall, the Felsenreitschule and Haus für Mozart, all of which are situated in the Salzburg Festival District with the famous Hofstallgasse. The Festival District is framed by the Herbert-von-Karajn Square with its 17th-century Horse Pond, the Toscanini-Hof, which grants access to the Mönchsberg, the Furtwänglerpark and the Max- Reinhardt-Platz, where two works of art by the “Salzburg Foundation” can be found: the Anselm Kiefer Pavillion and “Pickles” by Erwin Wurm. Other festival venues include, amongst others, the Cathedral Square, Salzburg State Theatre, Kollegien Church and Perner Island in Hallein.

… every year there’s a big “Festival Opening Party”? On July 18th 2021, the entire city of Salzburg will be transformed into a stage with numerous free events such as readings, autograph sessions with festival stars and the opportunity to attend rehearsals or public master classes. One of the festival’s highlights is the “Salzburg Torch Dance”, which will take place at 10.30 pm on the Salzburg Residenzplatz.

… the average festival guest spends 319 Euros per day? This was the finding of a study by the Chamber of Commerce, and this sum doesn’t even include entrance tickets. Festival guests stay for an average of seven to eight days, and up to 80% of them are returning guests. 68% of all respondents stated that they visit the festival every year, and on average guests watch five performances during the course of their stay. In 2019 the guests came from seventy-eight different nations.

… many stars have been discovered during the course of the Salzburg Festival? Christiane Hörbiger, Plácido Domingo, Klaus Maria Brandauer and Peter Simonischek: the careers of each of these greats were launched with their festival debuts. The violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter also celebrated her debut in 1977 in Salzburg, with no other than star conductor Herbert von Karajan as her mentor. To this day Anna Netrebko’s stellar career has been quite unparalleled. This Russian caused a “veritable sensation” when she debuted in the opera “Don Giovanni” in Salzburg in 2002. To this day she still has close ties to the Salzburg Festival.

… the festival focuses heavily on children and youth? For example, the “Salzburger Festspiele und Kinderchor Theater” (Salzburg Festival Theatre and Children’s Choir) appears in major concerts and opera productions. Children and young people between the ages of nine and seventeen spend a week with artists and teachers at the “opera camps” that are on offer, wrestling with great works of opera and perform their own new interpretations during a final performance. “Friends of the Salzburg Festival” offer members of the

young art audience up to the age of twenty-six a discounted annual membership from 30 Euros. Amongst other things, benefits include the opportunity to take place in “Young Friends” rehearsals. … there’s a restaurant that names its dishes after festival stars? Situated right in the middle of the Festival District, “Triangel” is a venue frequented by artists, festival guests and the “in-crowd”. Anna Netrebko once referred to “Triangel” as her “second home”. Come here to truly experience a revolving door of the “Who’s Who” from the Salzburg Festival. Franz Gensbichler, host to the festival, has been providing delicious food and a convivial ambiance for more than fifteen years, and has named his famous guests’ favourite dishes after them. For example, come here to find “Netrebko Steak” or “Bartoli Trout” on the menu.

… there’s a chief of protocol for the Salzburg Festival? Since 1995 Suzanne Harf from Luxemburg has occupied this role. This means she is the “First Lady” of events and she takes care of premieres, parties, prizes, receptions and international presentations. Not only is she an expert in guest lists, courses of meals and decorations, but she is also an authority in the dress code for festival-goers. Etiquette dictates that in the evenings black tie is appropriate for men; whilst ladies should wear an evening gown that isn’t too short, but never without tights. Suzanne Harf recommends that ladies wear an elegant summer dress, but nothing black or with strass, for theatrical performances and matinees. Incidentally, traditional folk attire – such as a Dirndl with a beautiful silk apron – always works. Just not for Everyman.

Authentic recipes and delicious culinary indulgence “Alpine Cuisine” reflects SalzburgerLand’s culinary characteristics

“Alpine Cuisine” promises unrivalled culinary indulgence in SalzburgerLand. It’s thanks to the efforts of creative chefs, committed producers and innovative farmers that the culinary heritage of the Alps hasn’t been forgotten. Alpine Cuisine uses traditional recipes and exciting reinterpretations of them to transform nature’s gifts, seasonal offerings, and rural- Alpine ingredients into culinary creations. Alpine Cuisine depicts SalzburgerLand and its culinary specialities in an exciting way on the plate, fulfilling the guest’s desire for authenticity, variety, and distinctiveness. It is served up in Alpine huts, rustic guest taverns and in leading toque-awarded restaurants. It is always genuine, honest, and contemporary.

Alpine Cuisine is a return to authenticity and quality, and it leaves plenty of room for new ideas. SalzburgerLand is the perfect place for anybody who wants to discover and taste this form of cooking. The region has never lost sight of the perfect way to produce, refine, cook, and prepare food. A host of committed chefs have been working closely with farmers and producers towards the common goal of promoting the culinary heritage of their homeland to a wide audience. The love of good cooking, ancient cooking techniques and traditional recipes has always been handed down through the generations in SalzburgerLand.

Authentic Alpine Cuisine demonstrates “courage in simplicity” The same methods have been used to produce cheese, butter and curd cheese on the Alpine pastures for centuries. Handpicked cranberries are stirred into buttermilk, whilst farmer’s doughnuts (“Bauernkrapfen”) are created from those few ingredients at hand: flour, milk, and lard. “Muas” is a traditional lumberjack breakfast dish and consists solely of flour and lard. Andreas Döllerer, a 4-toque chef from Golling, is one of Austria’s top chefs and a figurehead of the Alpine Cuisine movement. He has ventured to revive the former “poor people’s meal” and has awarded it a place in his cookbook, “Cuisine Alpine”. He writes about it: “Muas is a traditional dish from Pinzgau and Pongau, and I grew up with this recipe. In order for future generations to enjoy this incomparable kind of cuisine, it has to be passed on. The best way of passing it on is to cook it time and again”.

Alpine Cuisine and its top chefs in SalzburgerLand Alongside Andreas Döllerer, among the top chefs propelling Alpine Cuisine to gastronomic heights are Vitus Winkler (Genießer- und Verwöhnhotel Sonnhof in St. Veit im Pongau), Josef Steffner (Mesnerhaus in Mauterndorf), Franz Meilinger (Weyerhof in Bramberg), and Rudi Pichler (Seehof in Goldegg). Andreas Döllerer says: “About ten years ago I defined my style of cooking and culinary philosophy as ‘Cuisine Alpine”, because for me it’s the most authentic form of cooking. I’m pleased that lots of other places are implementing this style as well. Alpine Cuisine may well be ‘trendy’, but it’s much more than just a passing trend”.

Alpine Cuisine focuses on regional diversity The success of Alpine Cuisine can be attributed to a three-way combination of committed farmers, regional producers and outstanding chefs. It’s only when they work together and strive to achieve the same principles of quality that a greater whole emerges. It’s a concept that is both authentic and innovative. SalzburgerLand’s Alpine Cuisine draws on traditional ingredients and recipes in the same way that it does modern cooking techniques. It is a philosophy that stands in direct contrast to globalisation and uniformity, and therefore also demands courage. Courage to reflect on one’s own strengths, products, and traditions. For example, shellfish is dropped from the menus of the top restaurants and replaced with local char or grayling. Not only can these top-quality products be

sourced straight from the region, but the resulting dish is highly representative of the local area. It also requires courage to resist the temptations of interchangeability. At a very early stage, SalzburgerLand’s rural fabric led to great importance being placed upon homemade fare; to nature being appreciated as the treasure trove that it is; and people viewing their area early on as “Europe’s Delicatessen”.

“Via Culinaria” — delicious culinary establishments serve up dishes in the style of Alpine Cuisine The “Via Culinaria – Culinary Pathways in SalzburgerLand” has been in existence for more than ten years. It has come to be regarded as a definitive reference book for the best culinary addresses in SalzburgerLand. The seventh revised and extended edition of the guide is to be published in spring 2021 in German and comprises of 194 pages with around 330 recommendations. All the addresses on the ten culinary pathways (for gourmets, meat eaters, fish fans, cheese freaks, herb lovers, beer and schnapps aficionados, sweet tooths, organic connoisseurs, Salzburg’s inn culture and hut lovers) have been handpicked and need to satisfy strict criteria in order to be included in the “Via Culinaria”. Amongst other things, the criteria cover regionality, typical Salzburg hospitality and authenticity. As a result, all culinary addresses on the “Via Culinary” are guaranteed to serve up dishes in the style of Alpine Cuisine.

Alpine Cuisine as a “necessary mindset” Alpine Cuisine is so much more than just a megatrend, and Salzburgian “chef of the century” Prof. Dr. h. c. Eckart Witzigmann emphasises this fact: “When I first tried to champion regional producers from the surrounding area more than forty years ago, many guests turned up their noses. Local vendace couldn’t compete with turbot. French pigeon was preferred over venison ragout, despite the accompanying handmade “spätzli” [pasta]. Things look very different today! Sensational products from SalzburgerLand don’t need to fade into the background when put up against their international counterparts. Creative chefs who draw on traditional methods and use innovative food preparation techniques are working closely with farmers and producers. There are so many traditional elements; but so much is also new. Alpine Cuisine focuses primarily on regionality and seasonality. It’s therefore not only exemplary as a mindset, but it’s necessary, even, in my opinion. Because it’s environmentally sound and protects our Mother Earth’s valuable resources.”

Commitment to organic: Alpine Cuisine is close to nature, climate neutral and resource- saving Sticking to the motto “working with nature, not against it” has always been of the utmost importance in SalzburgerLand and will remain to be so. SalzburgerLand was one of the early pioneers in all things “organic” in the German-speaking sphere. Nowhere else in Europe are there so many organic farmers and producers as here. SalzburgerLand realised as early as the middle of the 1990s and with the entry of Austria into the European Union that there is massive potential within the organic field. The numbers speak for themselves. More than 60% of the agricultural land in SalzburgerLand is farmed organically or in accordance with bio-dynamic farming principles. This is quite unparalleled in Europe! What started as a trend quickly developed into conscious eating habits within the region. From there it was only a small step for the gastronomy and hotel sectors to begin to increasingly rely on organic food whose sources you can be certain of. An important prerequisite that also guides Alpine Cuisine.

Alpine Cuisine relies on “living traditions” Alpine Cuisine relies on traditional ingredients and exciting new interpretations. Yarrow, spruce tops, forest clover, herbs, elderberries, cornelian cherries and beard lichen all find their way into

the kitchen. 4-toque chef Josef Steffner is delighted when children from Mauterndorf appear at the Mesnerhaus with a basketful of chanterelle. He used to do the same thing as a child. He also ventures out into the forest to collect lichen, tree shoots and other unusual ingredients. Vitus Winkler, a 4-toque chef, also goes out foraging in the forests and meadows with his colleagues. “We like to have fun in the kitchen; we want to tell stories with our creations.” They push the boundaries to great effect. Back in their kitchens they submerge fennel in glacial sand and grind scented leaves of the balsam poplar into salt. Masterwort is added to chocolate ganache and pinecones are blended with ripe apricots.

SalzburgerLand’s Certificate of Origin as a milestone for Alpine Cuisine SalzburgerLand’s Certificate of Origin, which was introduced in 2019, is another important milestone in creating awareness of regionality amongst consumers and guests. All products that bear this seal of approval are strictly controlled and carry a guarantee from SalzburgerLand. There are already more than 500 high-quality food products that bear this seal of quality, and these include milk and cheese, beef and veal, poultry, lamb and venison, honey, vegetables and many more. They can be bought in food retailers throughout SalzburgerLand, at participating butchers, farmers and farm shops and weekly markets. SalzburgerLand’s Certificate of Origin fulfils the desire for authenticity. It builds confidence and is also a clear token of appreciation to farmers for their work.

The most important players in Alpine Cuisine are:

- Salzburg’s untouched nature. This is the source of the valuable and unique ingredients such as wild herbs, elderflowers, berries, mushrooms, lichens, leaves, blossoms, fir needles, bark and much more. - Salzburg’s vegetable-, milk- and cereal farmers, fish farmers, beekeepers and hunters, who supply products such as milk, meat, rye, potatoes, vegetables, etc. - Producers and direct sellers, such as farmers or distillers who craft, refine and finish the products. They are to thank for outstanding products such as goat’s or sheep-milk cheese, noble brandies, bacon and bread. - Salzburg’s chefs and restauranteurs, who know how to prepare dishes from traditional and new recipes.

Salzburg curd cheese soup – a rediscovered recipe in the style of Alpine Cuisine “Schotten” is a dairy product that has become rare and is produced from buttermilk and cream. The soup made from it has always been considered “poor people’s food”. It is prepared in the same way throughout the region and has a very particular taste. Today it is a very contemporary product, especially with regards to the theme of sustainability, as nothing goes to waste.

Lungau “Schottsuppe” (curd cheese soup) Recipe by Flora Löcker, Löckerwirt in St. Margarethen, Lungau in Salzburg, www.loeckerwirt.at

Ingredients: Method: 0.5 l still water or tap water Heat up the water with a pinch of salt, ground cumin and a Salt, ground cumin, bay leaf bay leaf, and leave it to simmer for approx. 15 minutes. 200 g curd cheese Take out the bay leaf, stir in 200 g curd cheese with a whisk Cream and add in a dash of cream. Don’t allow the soup to come to Roasted black bread cubes the boil. Season to taste and serve up with cubes of black (optional) bread.

Discover Alpine Cuisine with the Via Culinaria The Via Culinaria is dedicating a separate culinary pathway to inn culture.

The seventh edition of the Via Culinaria Guide is to be published in spring 2021. For the past 12 years, this pocketbook guide has been considered the standard work on Alpine Cuisine in SalzburgerLand. It contains more than 330 culinary addresses, which in turn can be classified into 10 separate culinary pathways. Salzburg’s renowned inn culture is receiving its own culinary pathway in the new edition. Inclusion in the Via Culinaria Guide is reserved to those who offer handcrafted regional products, refine them accordingly or embrace Alpine Cuisine as part of their kitchen philosophy. The range extends from the organic hotel to the superior brandy distiller, from the village baker to the mountain hut, and from the herb farmer to Salzburg’s gourmet chefs.

The Via Culinaria in SalzburgerLand includes committed farmers, local gourmet artisans, regional producers, and passionate chefs. There are more than 330 culinary addresses across ten themed pathways that are all committed to the basic values of Alpine Cuisine in SalzburgerLand. These values are regionality, freshness, quality, seasonality, and sustainability.

New “Culinary Pathway for Salzburg’s Inn Culture” Rustic parlours in which you will find not only fantastic dining, but also celebrations, friendly get- togethers, down-to-earth cuisine, and a cosy relaxed atmosphere. All of this makes up SalzburgerLand’s inn culture. It’s impossible to imagine life for the locals without the inn, and this form of establishment is also highly appreciated by guests. It was high time that traditional inns were granted their own culinary pathway within the Via Culinaria. There are a total of 27 addresses, including the “Wirt am Gries” in St. Gilgen, which is now in the second generation of the Tritscher family. “A real inn is also always one that evolves,” stresses Martin Tritscher, ambassador for the new Via-Culinaria culinary pathway. “Guests can look forward to an authentic but also contemporary enjoyable culinary experience at all the inn addresses.”

Culinary pathway for organic connoisseurs Nowhere else in Europe is the proportion of organic farmers as high as in SalzburgerLand. More than 50 percent of all farmers have opted for the ecologically sustainable, nature-conscious way of working and philosophy of life, out of love for the animals, for nature and, last but not least, for humans. Their everyday life is characterised by sustainability, a sense of responsibility and the careful use of nature's resources. The patronage for the culinary pathway has been provided by Peter Daniell Porsche, operator of the Urbankeller in the City of Salzburg. He is also a silent patron of the “Organic Paradise SalzburgerLand” group, which now includes 19 hosts made up of hotels, farms and restaurants. Organic addresses on the new culinary pathway include the Hotel & Villa Auersperg in the City of Salzburg, the Forsthofalm Restaurant in Leogang and the organic farm dairy Fürstenhof in Kuchl.

Tried-and-tested and new addresses on the culinary pathways The concept of the “Via Culinaria” is based on the themed culinary pathways that criss-cross Salzburg county - instead of “looking for”, it simply says “find.”

The Gourmet’s culinary pathway now includes 44 addresses. It gathers together the best kitchens and chefs in the county, and Andreas Döllerer, from Döllerer's Enjoyment Worlds in Golling, has taken over the patronage.

The culinary pathway for meat lovers, with its 20 addresses, revolves around local meat specialities such as Pinzgau beef, Pongau meat doughnuts, game meat and Tennengauer Mountain Lamb. Erwin Werlberger, chef from the Winterstellgut in Annaberg, knows all his meat suppliers personally and, as a taste ambassador, is a great supporter of regional produce.

Salzburg's crystal-clear lakes, streams and rivers are a highly prized fishing area. Among the most popular edible fish are Reinanke, Bluntau Saibling and Trout, which are served, amongst other things, at the 19 addresses on the culinary pathway for fish fans. Its ambassador is the Salzburg native Walter Grüll, one of the most successful caviar producers in the world.

Beer and schnapps have a long tradition in SalzburgerLand. The first Stiegl beer was brewed here as early as 1492. The patrons of the culinary pathway for beer and schnapps aficionados are Alessandra and Heinrich Dieter Kiener from the private brewery Stiegl and the beer estate Wildshut. On this trail, at 28 addresses you can taste award-winning schnapps and beers, as well as Salzburg rum, gin and whiskey.

The culinary pathway for sweet tooths is dedicated to sweet temptations such as pastries, desserts, chocolates and chocolate creations. At 17 taste addresses, these and many other pleasures are celebrated, among others in traditional coffee houses, pastry shops and at innovative chocolatiers, just like the taste ambassadors Hubert and Christine Berger from Lofer.

Creative cheese makers, farm dairies, delicatessen shops, Alpine pastures and restaurants gather together in the culinary pathway for cheese freaks with its 19 addresses. The range covers Tennengau Alpine cheese, Pinzgau beer cheese, the Flachgau hay milk cheese and Lungau goat cheese specialities. With taste ambassador Niki Rettenbacher at the Fürstenhof in Kuchl, cheese lovers can even learn the trade themselves.

On the culinary pathway for hut fans, a refreshment stop becomes a culinary moment of happiness. At these 26 huts, winter sports enthusiasts are treated to delicious “Via Culinaria ski hut delicacies.”

The eighth themed route is dedicated to the special healing powers of herbs. This culinary pathway for herb lovers includes 19 addresses and leads you to herbal Alpine pastures, farms, and herb and monastery gardens. Ambassador Karin Buchart is co-founder of the Association for Traditional European Medicine and encourages herself to explore herbs and plants.

Sustainable Tourism Has Always Been the Primary Objective SalzburgerLand is a holiday destination with a clear conscience

Sustainable tourism development is of utmost importance. For good reason, as tourism is one of the world’s most important economic sectors, creating jobs and prosperity. However, the travel industry has always had its downsides. Thanks to the long history of tourism in SalzburgerLand, the sector has developed slowly here, in a forward-thinking manner that takes specific factors into account. Nature as a valuable resource has always played an important role. Close cooperation between tourism professionals, politicians, scientists, associations, farmers and conservationists has laid the foundations for a tourism region in which it is good form to practice environmentally friendly travel.

SalzburgerLand is a pioneer in “green travelling” SalzburgerLand is one of Austria’s most visited regions. Despite this fact, the region and its inhabitants have never “sold out”. Just as it was one hundred years ago when the first holidaymakers came for their summer retreat, today SalzburgerLand is still synonymous with genuine, warm hospitality and boasts a natural landscape worth protecting with crystal-clear water, clean air, healthy forests, idyllic Alpine meadows and an untouched way of life. Despite the establishment of ski areas, nature is the protagonist here, and despite lively tourist spots, authenticity reigns. More than one half of the region’s surface area is covered with forests. Forests are cultural spaces that confer identity, but are in large part, such as the Hohe Tauern National Park, still completely untouched. Forests are a valuable natural resource in the same way that Alpine meadows and the air and water are, which reflect SalzburgerLand’s diversity of offers and the virtuosity of its people. A stay in the forest brings the body, mind and soul into harmony – it opens up a whole range of possibilities in SalzburgerLand.

“Forest Nature”– Sustainability as a value to live by The forest in SalzburgerLand provides clear air and the best quality of water. It also fulfils numerous other functions:  The proportion of “protection forests” in SalzburgerLand is almost twice that of the Austrian average. A healthy forest protects against avalanches, mudslides, rockfall and flooding.  The forest is an important source of income for small-scale forest owners (ownership of under 200 ha), who manage approximately 48 percent of the wooded area in SalzburgerLand. The timber industry and forestry sector generate substantial income in rural areas. It’s worth a glance into the archives to see how prudently and sustainably this has been carried out. These show that forested area has significantly increased in recent centuries.  The forest is home to a rich animal and plant world.  The Salzburg state initiatives “Holzcluster” (Wood Cluster) and “pro:Holz” (pro:Wood) are based in Kuchl, Austria’s most wood-friendly community. These initiatives are dedicated to the precious raw commodity of wood. The “Wissens Campus Kuchl” (Kuchl Knowledge Campus, an organisation that unites numerous Kuchl-based organisations that focus on wood) includes three programmes of study at the FH Salzburg (Salzburg University of Applied Sciences), The Holztechnikum Kuchl, a technical college for the timber industry (Technical College for the Timber Industry, Institute of Higher Education for Business Engineers/Wood Technology, Master Craftsman School for Wood Technology/Production), the Landesberufsschule Kuchl (Kuchl state vocational school) and Kuchl Einrichtungsberaterschule (Kuchl Interior Design School).

Pure water, clean air and the “Cleaner Mountains” initiative SalzburgerLand’s environment, air and ground are strictly regulated in order to guarantee the best quality of life. Not only is protecting nature, water and the climate actively championed, but it is also proactively put into practice. Small signs alongside the road stating “Haltet unsere Berge sauber” (Keep our mountains clean) or in hotels “Handtowels on the rail: I’ll use them again!” are friendly prompts to get guests actively participating in environmental protection. SalzburgerLand’s natural resources are as valuable as they are sensitive. For example, the fresh, pure water guarantees numerous holiday adventures. Salzburg’s natural treasure, water, is truly boundless. Deeply hidden within the mountains, it is fed by glaciers. Lakes, mountain streams and springs all boast drinking-water quality. The finest drinking water comes from the tap all over SalzburgerLand. Clean, clear air is also a precious commodity. Every year around two million Euros is invested in achieving excellent air quality in Salzburg. Since the “Emission Control Act”, speed limits of 80-100 km/h have been imposed on many motorways. Great emphasis is placed upon sustainable holidays and soft mobility with the lowest possible carbon footprint in the “Alpine Pearl” locations of Werfenweng and Neukirchen am Großvenediger. There is a special offer for holidaying without your own car, which guarantees mobility within the area. Salzburg’s mountains and more than 500 farmed alps offer up a unique arena for adventure and offer countless opportunities for nature lovers. The Alpine Association’s “Cleaner Mountains” campaign has been in existence since 1970. For most people, properly disposing of rubbish – both up the mountains and down in the valleys – is second nature.

“BE.GENUINE” in the Salzburger Lungau UNESCO Biosphere Reserve The Salzburger Lungau has been a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2012, making it the largest of its form in Austria. This accolade guarantees sustainable and nature-friendly ways of operating within the entire region and underscores the uniqueness of the landscape. More than one half of all Lungau farmers work in accordance with organic guidelines. Lungau boasts a number of special ecological characteristics, such as Europe’s largest continuous pine forest and the highest concentration of mountain lakes. Tourism in Lungau has always been carried out with the greatest sensitivity, making the area an exemplary model for sustainable tourism. For a few years the region has been breaking new ground in the fields of “Digital Detox” and “Time out from the daily grind”” with its new campaign “BE.GENUINE – Salzburg’s Lungau | Holidays that ground you”. All the proprietors of the participating establishments either have their roots in this area or have completely assimilated into Lungau as their new home. Included in the range of offers are a number of remotely located self-catering mountain huts at 1,900 m above sea level where you can’t get a mobile phone reception, rustic farms, guest houses steeped in tradition and innovative wellness hotels. The hosts offer unusual “time outs”, such as wildlife watching on their own hunting reserves, smoking courses, herb walks with donkeys, mountain lake walks with overnight stays in a mountain hut, bread-baking courses, yoga workshops or Kneipp sessions in the forest.

The National Park Hohe Tauern Holiday Region: on the edge of Central Europe’s largest nature reserve The National Park Hohe Tauern is Central Europe’s largest nature conservation area, and stretches out over the regions of Salzburg, Carinthia and Tirol. There are 19 national park locations and 13 national park valleys located within the National Park Hohe Tauern holiday region in SalzburgerLand. There are many flagship projects in the region, such as the “National Park MOBILE Summer Card”, which invites the guests to take a holiday from their car. The all-inclusive card grants free use of

the public transport in Pinzgau and “hiking taxis” and entitles the holder to a day ticket for both the Großglockner High Alpine Road and Gerlos Alpine Road. The Großglockner High Alpine Road as well as the National Park Hohe Tauern Holiday Region were represented in the climate-neutral Austria Pavillion at the EXPO 2015 in Milan with the interactive memory game “breathing, memory”. Visitors raised money for 50,000 trees as part of a reforestation project, resulting in fir, spruce, larch, sycamores and Arolla pine trees all being planted in Salzburg soil.

SalzburgerLand is a European pioneer in all things “organic” When Austria joined the EU in the mid-1990s, the agricultural sector started reflecting on its own strengths. SalzburgerLand was able to position itself as the “Delicatessen of Europe” with its small- scale farming areas and high quality of its produced food. Approximately 60% of the agricultural land in SalzburgerLand is now farmed organically or certified biodynamic by Demeter, a figure quite unprecedented in Europe! With 80% of its farmers operating organically, the municipality of Seeham is Austria’s first organic village and was awarded the Austrian Climate Protection prize in 2015. The BioParadies SalzburgerLand (SalzburgerLand’s Organic Paradise) range was launched in 2009, and now includes 23 hotels, restaurants, culinary establishments and farms and 29 show farms. The “Via Culinaria” culinary guide has been extended to include 19 addresses that not only delight lovers of all things organic but that also place an emphasis on regionality and sustainability.

Agriculture and tourism in SalzburgerLand: a strong partnership SalzburgerLand’s landscape is small structured and the region has always been confronted by a very particular set of challenges. The land that belongs to farmers and forest owners is not only a stage for adventure, but also a place of rest and relaxation for both locals and guests. This very fact brings differing wishes and demands with it, which hold the potential to lead to conflict. However, experience has shown that that doesn’t have to be the case. The bigger picture can be achieved through harmonious coexistence, mutual respect and cooperation of partners through inclusion rather than exclusion. This has been demonstrated by the collective successes in the areas of Alpine summer, Harvest Festival and Alpine cuisine. The Alpine pasture – once an economic necessity for survival – is now a place to which modern people aspire. Many Alpine mountain huts experienced a revival with the “Salzburg Alpine Summer”, making it a win-win situation for all concerned. What makes SalzburgerLand so unique is its history and heritage, and this is closely linked to agriculture. Farmers play a fundamental role in tourism as landlords, rustic hosts and producers of fine culinary delights. They enrich the tourism offer with their experience and knowledge and create an interaction from which everyone benefits: guests, farmers, locals as well as nature and the cultural landscape. This is something that touristic initiatives take full advantage of.

The preservation and authentic transmission of culture and tradition There is nothing tacky or staged in SalzburgerLand. Quite the opposite. When coming up with offers, close attention is paid to emphasising all that is unique and beautiful, and authentically transmitting customs and tradition. Local customs and characteristics from rustic life have even enjoyed a renaissance as a result of sensitive tourism-related marketing. Even locals themselves have been made aware of their own traditions, such as the “Salzburg Harvest Festival”, which celebrates its 26th anniversary this year. Since 2003 the “Salzburg Alpine Summer” has been marketed within the field of tourism and enjoys a large opening festival every year. Alpine farming has received a major impetus as a result of this initiative. Farmers have also been catapulted into the spotlight of their guests, with their large offer of homemade products and contribution towards conserving the natural landscape. Some of the income could be used to restore and preserve ancient Alpine huts. Lisi Matieschek from the Mayerlehenhütte on the Gruberalm says, “If there

were no animals up here, you’d soon not see anything of the pastures anymore. The cultural environment would be lost. Hiking tourism, which developed in the middle of the 1980s, is important for us in order to be able to maintain the Alpine pastures. This has given the Alpine farmers another chance, and the Alpine pastures receive greater recognition.”

Education, study and research in the field of tourism SalzburgerLand’s tourism schools count amongst the very best in the world. This ensures that there is always a new generation of the most highly educated young people ready to start working in the areas of cuisine, service, hotel and hospitality. The region’s gastronomy and hotel trades are amongst the most important trainers, and the apprentices amongst the best in the world. A job in the hotel and gastronomy industry is prestigious and offers excellent future career prospects. Future experts within tourism enjoy an excellent education in tourism and industry at an international level in the areas of hotel and destination management, gastronomy, event management, recreation, resorts and in conference and tourism organisations at the Fachhochschule Salzburg (Salzburg University of Applied Sciences). Tourism has been a popular subject at the University of Salzburg for a number of years. Tourism research is a classic field of research within the Sociology Department. In recent years a new newspaper in tourism research has been founded, currently only available in the German language. There’s a UNESCO Chair in “Cultural Heritage and Tourism” in the Department of Transcultural Communication, also at the University of Salzburg.

"At eye level with Austria's highest mountains" Along the new Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail in ten stages from Krimml to Zell am See:

The Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region presents a new panoramic long-distance hiking trail for the 2021 summer season Today sees the trail's international marketing launch on the individually bookable platform at hohetauerntrail.at, offering the Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail from mid-May 2021 - a long-distance hiking experience that's in a class of its own. Over the course of ten one-day stages, hikers cover a distance of 150 kilometres from the starting point at the foot of the Krimml Waterfalls to Schmittenhöhe mountain high above Zell am See. Overnight accommodation alternates between the valley and the mountains. The trail takes hikers through the Hohe Tauern National Park region, affording breathtaking views of Austria's highest mountains. The mountain railways and handy shuttle services at the stage destinations as well as optional luggage transfer offer maximum comfort. En route you will find stunning natural attractions, great exhibitions, well-kept national parks and attractive excursion destinations.

150 kilometres, 7000 altitude metres - 10 spectacular stages The largest waterfalls in Europe, ancient glaciers and legendary trade routes. Golden eagles, chamois and stunning emerald deposits. Austria's mightiest mountains, picturesque towns and villages and an internationally recognised wilderness reserve: At the Hohe Tauern National Park, nature rolls out one superlative after another. The largest nature reserve in Central Europe is a stunning part of the world that is more diverse and pristine that almost anywhere else. Discovering this region on foot, under your own steam and with a small ecological footprint is a fabulous nature and hiking experience. That's what the Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail is all about. The well- signposted trail takes you along the northern side of the Salzach valley from the westernmost point of the province of Salzburg to Zell am See: The 150-kilometre route is perfect for ten stages. Each day the long-distance hikers walk for four to seven hours - without rope and between 1,500 and 2,400 metres above sea level, affording panoramic views. Alternative routes are available if the main routes cannot be accessed during low season due to bad weather, such as snow at high altitudes.

Stage 1 - Europe's largest waterfalls and the birthplace of a freedom fighter The Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail starts in Krimml with a gentle hike and one of the greatest natural spectacles in the Salzburger Land. The Krimml waterfalls, with a drop of 380 metres, are the largest of their kind in Europe. The trail takes you along the Alter Tauernweg trail and the well- known waterfall trail in the direction of the Gerlos Pass. The interactive exhibition "Wasserwelten" (water worlds) at the foot of the waterfalls is also worth a visit. The listed Hinterlehengut manor estate is also on this route: Parts of the house in Oberkrimml where the freedom fighter Anton Wallner was born date from the 16th century. The stage finishes at the family-run Alpengasthof Filzstein restaurant in Hochkrimml, at 1,641 metres above sea level.

Stage 2 - On the trail of the element water in the Wildgerlostal valley With over 22 kilometres, the second one-day stage is the longest: This stage features two real highlights: the Leitenkammerklamm gorge and the Durlassboden reservoir. The Leitenkammerklamm gorge was formed by the Wildgerlosbach, a roaring glacial stream: The spot is well developed with lookouts and information boards and is the habitat of rare birds such as the water ouzel and the grey wagtail. The impressive Leitenkammersteig climb is one of the most challenging parts of the trail, but it can be bypassed via an alternative route. There are several places to stop for refreshments along the way, such as the rustic Trisslalm inn in the Wildgerlostal valley. Another highlight of the day is the picturesque, turquoise Durlassboden reservoir, which

was completed in 1966. The border between Salzburg and Tyrol runs right through the middle of the lake, and this is also where you can find Austria's highest surf school. From here you continue to the day's destination in Königsleiten in the municipality of Wald im Pinzgau to the source of the river Salzach.

Stage 3 - Crossing the Alps via the impressive Kröndlhorn mountain On the third day you cover more than 20 kilometres and the trail takes you up to 2,444 metres above sea level. The highest point of the hike is the rocky double peak of the Kröndlhorn mountain, which stands out against the otherwise gentle green-pastured mountains of the Kitzbühel Alps. There is a small memorial chapel rather than a summit cross at the highest point, and hikers enjoy stunning views of more than 70 three-thousand-metre peaks. The stage finishes at the Alpengasthof Rechtegg inn at 1,278 metres altitude above the National Park village of Neukirchen am Großvenediger.

Stage 4 - Enjoy a magnificent view of the Großvenediger mountain from the summit of the Frühmesser With 1,176 metres of ascent, this stage is one of the most challenging: It takes you from the Alpengasthof Rechtegg inn over the summit of the Frühmesser (2,233 m), which affords an incredible distant view of the Großvenediger with its expansive glacier fields. This stage takes hikers to the Wildkogel Arena high above the national park villages of Neukirchen and Bramberg. This stage finishes at the Wildkogelbahn mountain station. You either spend the night high up in the mountains or you take the mountain railways down into the valley. Alternatively, you can get off at the half-way station of the mountain railway and continue into the valley down the slide path, which features ten stainless steel slides.

Stage 5 - Gorgeous views of the glacier world of the Hohe Tauern range This stage starts at the mountain station of the Wildkogelbahn at over 2,100 meters above sea level: From start to finish, hikers will enjoy stunning views of the three-thousand-metre peaks of the Hohe Tauern range. This stage only has about 500 metres of ascent and about the same in the descent. The 16-kilometre path takes you along the rugged southern flanks of the Großer Rettenstein mountain: Its 2,366-metre high peak is the most striking in the Kitzbühel Alps. Via the Stangenjoch trail you continue to the stage destination, the Panoramaalm at 1,975 metres above sea level on the Resterhöhe mountain, which affords a magnificent view down into the valley to Hollersbach.

Stage 6 - From Pass Thurn to the Alp's most state-of-the-art national park centre in Mittersill After spending the night on the mountain, you now hike down to Mittersill. The trail takes you past the mountain station of the Resterkogel panoramic cable car, where a modern extension houses an exciting national park exhibition that is open to the public and free of charge: From here, you can see most of the summits as well as the pristine high mountain landscape of the national park. On the way from Pass Thurn into the valley, hikers pass the Wasenmoos natural monument: This idyllic upland moor is habitat to rare plants and animals. Here you can find sundew, butterwort and bladderwort, the three carnivorous plants native to Austria. Once you are in Mittersill, you must visit the spectacular national park worlds: The award-winning interactive exhibition in the national park centre is a 1,800-square metre alpine adventure world that extends over three levels. Together with the 360° panorama cinema, it offers unique insights into the habitats of the Hohe Tauern National Park, offering an exciting blend of knowledge transfer and experience.

Stage 7 - On remote paths to one of the highest green-pastured mountains in Europe You have now covered a good two thirds of the Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail. You spend one day in Mittersill and then head back up the mountains on remote paths. You cover just under 1,300 metres in altitude to the stage destination Bürglhütte (1,699 m) high above the national park village of Stuhlfelden: The lodge is idyllically situated at the foot of the Gaisstein (2,366 m), one of the highest green-pastured mountains in Europe.

Stage 8 - Exceptional high-altitude hike along the Pinzgauer Spaziergang walk The eighth stage takes you eastwards from the Bürglhütte lodge along the famous Pinzgauer Spaziergang walk: You cover around ten kilometres - always just below 2,000 metres above sea level. The Pinzgauer Spaziergang walk owes its name to its route along a high-altitude terrace formation with unique views of the Hohe Tauern and the Großglockner, Austria's highest mountain. From the stage destination, the Uttendorfer Hochsonnbergalm, you take the shuttle into the valley, where you stay the night.

Stage 9 - New perspectives and a stunning panoramic view of Zell am See On the penultimate day, the route also takes you along the Pinzgauer Spaziergang trail towards Schmittenhöhe, Zell's local mountain. You walk across alpine meadows to the Klammscharte (1,993) and then to the Rohrertörl (1,918 m). This is where the view opens up to the rocky Leoganger and Loferer Steinberge mountains. Until you get to the Pinzgauer Hütte lodge (1,700 m), which affords one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the national park towns of Niedernsill and Piesendorf , just under 15 kilometres are covered without appreciable ascent and descent along stunning high-altitude scenery.

Stage 10 - In the footsteps of Empress Sisi from the Schmittenhöhe to the shores of Lake Zell Even Empress Sisi hiked up to the Schmittenhöhe mountain to enjoy the sunrise from there. You should do the same! On the last day, the route takes you from the Pinzgauer Hütte lodge to the Schmittenhöhe summit, where you find the Elisabeth Chapel, named after the empress. Via the Höhenpromenade and the themed trail "Mystischer Sagenwald", the route takes you down into the valley and up to the Elisabeth Park on the shore of the lakes, your destination in Zell am See.

Individual bookings at hohetauerntrail.at, for complete freedom of choice - online from today The Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail is aimed at ambitious hikers: Most of the stages are of medium difficulty. Bookings are made via the individual platform www.hohetauerntrail.at. The agency Trail Angels for sustainable tourism as the marketing partner takes care of all concerns of long-distance hikers before and during their stay. Accommodation categories, length of stay, shuttle services and luggage transfer can all be booked individually. The Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail is well signposted, and guests are provided with all the maps they need and a tour guide with detailed descriptions. The GPS data is available for free download.

Package Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail: Hiking in the mountain spring Package: 3 overnight stays in quality-approved partner establishments (accommodation of your choice: basic/ classic, board: breakfast) - 2 connected selected stages on the Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail - Luggage service - Shuttle and return transfer as part of the practical mobility service - Trail hotline (Angel's Service) - Extended travel documents (Angel's Service) Prices p. p.: from € 264,- per person in a double room, can be booked daily from 15 May – 30 June 2021

Package Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail: Green Spirit & climate-friendly hiking with rail travel 7 overnight stays in quality-approved partner establishments (accommodation of your choice: basic/ classic, board: breakfast and dinner) • 6 connected selected stages on the Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail • Luggage service • Shuttle transfer as part of the practical mobility service • Transfer from and to the nearest train station • Trail Hotline (Angel´s Service) • Extended travel documents (Angel´s Service) Prices p. p.: from € 778,- per person in a double room, can be booked daily from 21 June – 26 September 2021

Forested Educational Trails and Themed Walking Paths Of Giant Trees, Moon Wood and Skilled Survivors

SalzburgerLand’s forests are welcoming and light, healthy and diverse, sustainably managed and maintained to the highest standards, with marked cycling and hiking trails leading in and out of them. Nevertheless, it’s not everybody’s cup of tea to head off into the “vast green” straight away on their own. That’s no problem whatsoever, as there are numerous educational trails and themed walking paths which offer hikers the opportunity to have fun whilst learning lots of new facts about the forest’s nature, habitat, wildlife and timber. Trails are signposted and lead from one station to the next, offering up great fun for the whole family. So, let’s head out into the forest!

Nature trail through the "larch meadows" on the Großglockner High Alpine Road A few kilometres after the Fusch/Ferleiten toll booth, a 30-minute nature trail leads through the “larch meadows” special conservation area on the Piffkar at 1,620 metres above sea level. Colonies of ants, butterflies, Alpine plants and herbs are all to be found along the way. The undergrowth in the larch and stone pine forest is also of great interest. The “Alpine Rose” and “Hairy Alpine Rose” bloom here in the summer. Moss-covered tree roots and stones cover the forest floor. “Wood sorrel” and the “Woolly Buttercup” bloom here, as well as “Saxifraga” and “Wintergreen”. The mountain spruce forms the habitat for many songbirds. Information about numerous species of birds can be found displayed on the information board and their songs or calls can be heard from the trees with the push of a button. www.grossglockner.at

The Rauris Virgin Forest in the Hohe Tauern National Park The Rauris Virgin Forest is a real natural wonder situated at the foot of the 3,106 metres high Sonnblick at the back of the Rauris Valley. The trail takes about an hour, leading from Koln Saigum through the centuries-old unspoilt forest and ending up at the Gainschnigg-Alm hut. Here, around 8,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age, a landslide caused numerous boulders to slide into the valley. These boulders prevented rainwater from draining away, causing a large number of both small and large ponds to form, and there are around 80 swamp pools still in existence today. The spruce or candle spruce are amongst the trees, which are up to 400 years in age, with special characteristics. They have formed very short and dense branches to adapt to the climactic conditions and high snowfall. There is also a wide diversity of bird species in the Rauris Virgin Forest. From the red crossbill to the tawny owl and black woodpecker, you’ll be sure to find all the birds that you’d expect to in a mountain forest. Other features are the bright yellow-green wolf lichen and the anthills which are up to one hundred years in age and up to three metres high. You can also discover all these delights together with a national park ranger. www.nationalpark.at

"Forest Detectives & Water Explorers" in Weißbach Nature Park near Lofer Where do squirrels go to snack? How far can a deer jump? And what do a forest anthill and an iceberg have in common? There’s no such thing as boredom for young forest detectives and water explorers in the Weissbach Nature Park, as there’s far too much to discover on the family-friendly “Walden” forest adventure path. The path can be explored alone or as part of a guided hike. Answer tricky questions whilst on a guided tour to crack the code word at the end. Equipped with a magnifying glass and under the direction of a knowledgeable guide, nature lovers of all ages will learn about the forest’s habitat and environment in a whole new light. The “Forest Detectives & Water Explorers” tour takes place on Thursdays over the summer. Groups meet at 1.15 pm at the Waltlmühlsäge. Duration: approx. 2.5 hours. The tour is interesting for both children and adults, and enjoyable whatever the weather. www.naturpark-weissbach.at | www.lofer.com

Walk across the treetops in Saalbach Hinterglemm The spectacular Tree-Top Trail in the head of the valley in Saalbach Hinterglemm stretches out over two kilometres in length. Its highlight is the 200-metre long and 42-metre high “Alpine Golden Gate Bridge”, which offers up breathtaking panoramic views of the mountainous scenery and high ropes course. Because of its massive larch-wood construction, with steps, towers, bridges and platforms, the Tree-Top Trail is also open in the winter. Exciting game stations are tucked away in the treetops. www.saalbach.com

The “Mystical Forest” Sagas Hiking Trail in Zell am See-Kaprun The mystical forest takes hikers and nature lovers on a magical eventful journey into the world of legends. Visitors will be able to enjoy exciting stories along the new Sagas Hiking Trail on the Schmittenhöhe surrounded by the forest environment. A new adventure playground at the Schmiedhofalm also complements the family-friendly offers on the Schmitten. www.zellamsee- kaprun.com

The Stone Pine Trail (“Zirbenweg”) in Bad Gastein: In the "Forest’s Battle Zone" High above the well-known spa resort of Bad Gastein, at about 2,000 metres above sea level, the Stone Pine Trail leads directly into the “Forest’s Battle Zone”. This sounds a lot more dangerous than it actually is. The term refers to a natural area on the tree line in which the temperatures are wintry cold for a good eight months, and in which only one species of tree really feels at home: the “Queen of the Alps” – the Stone Pine. The Stone Pine Trail is particularly well suited to families. The circular path leads through the terrain at a relatively flat gradient, with a two-chair lift carrying hikers up Graukogel Mountain. The path can be covered at a brisk walking pace in about thirty minutes, but this is not really advised, as the birds nesting in the pine, pine swing, viewing platforms and bed made of pine, invite hikers to have fun getting to know and interacting with the habitat and skilled survivor Stone Pine along the way. Anyone who wants to learn a lot more about the region and the power of trees can join a guided hike. National Park Ranger Hans Naglmayer knows the Stone Pine Trail like the back of his hand. A hike with him can easily take a good three or four hours, with so many interesting things to ask, find out about and explore. www.gastein.com

On the Bear Trail (“Bärenweg”) to the Amoseralm in Bad Hofgastein Also in the Gastein Valley, the Bear Trail leads through Bad Hofgastein to the Amoseralm. This particularly family-friendly hike through the airy mountain forest takes about an hour. Interactive stations, beauty spots, rest areas and a Kneipp pool provide for plenty of variety and the opportunity to stop off for refreshment. Hikers are spoilt with home-made organic delicacies at the Amoseralm. Every Thursday at 11 am fresh bread is baked on the mountain pasture, in accordance with tradition in a wood-fired oven in the open air. Children can also have a go at baking their own bread (with prior reservation). The Amoseralm is open every day from 1 May to 26 October 2019 except Wednesdays. www.gastein.com | www.amosergut.at

Hike through a green valley and experience the “Power of Trees” in Wagrain-Kleinarl

The "Power of Trees" nature trail in Wagrain-Kleinarl is completely unique in its form in Austria. Stretching out over a distance of three kilometres, come here to learn all about 32 species of native deciduous and coniferous trees. Informative signs describe the characteristics and features of the trees, some of which are truly ancient or have been replanted. You should put aside around three hours for the hike if you want to learn about the individual personalities of the trees in great detail. For example, there are information panels on leaves, seeds and trees in the tree information booth, and a tree quiz to test everything you’ve learned. There is a sound station as well as, of course, places to sit and two rest areas.

A very special experience is hiking the trail together with the woman who conceived and developed it. Christine Höller from Kleinarl is a certified herb expert and authority on trees. Nature lovers can discover fascinating facts about the trees, and hear curious stories behind them on her “The Healing” and “The Potent” guided tours. Hikers also learn about which parts of the tree are particularly valuable as well as edible during the concluding stop off at the Ennskrax’n montain hut, where delicacies such as “tree snack” elm rolls, spruce butter, forest guacamole or willow cream are served up. www.wagrain-kleinarl.at

What is moon wood? Find out the answer to this question in Altenmarkt-Zauchensee The Moon Path, approximately four kilometres in length, starts in the centre of Altenmarkt town and is themed around the moon. This planet, a constant feature of fairytales, poems and songs, is a legend in its own right yet is also scientifically important - subtly and yet powerfully influencing people, animals, plants and the oceans. There are interesting stories, background information and facts about the moon, which is more than 384,000 kilometres away from earth, at a total of 20 interactive stations. There is detailed information at both the “Wood Energy Filling Station” and Vibration Bridge about the influence the moon has on wood, as the “moon wood” phenomenon is particularly important to both the forestry and construction industries. It takes approximately two hours to walk the trail, and the family-friendly Moon Path is completely accessible with an all-terrain pram. www.altenmarkt-zauchensee.at

"Forest, Game and Wood" at Hohenwerfen Castle The “Forest, Game and Wood” themed educational path will lead up to Hohenwerfen Castle. 15 large and 30 smaller panels will feature information about various tree and game species, as well as informing visitors about the fauna and flora of the region. At the halfway point stands a hut constructed by students of the Holztechnikum Kuchl technical college for the timber industry. The path was designed by Salzburg Castles and Palaces in close cooperation with the “Respect Your Borders” initiative. Another focus of the path, in addition to forest, wild game and wood, is the topic of “Respecting Nature”. www.burg-hohenwerfen.at

The country’s tallest giant trees in the Lammertaler Jungle A mixed forest of extraordinary dimensions awaits visitors in the Lammertaler Jungle in the Tennengau “Genuss- & ErlebnisRegion” Culinary & Adventure Region. Ancient trees which are amongst the highest in Austria, and even in Central Europe, are to be found here growing over an area of approximately ten hectares. The circular walk through the forest takes around half an hour and is easy to hike. Numerous markers along the narrow path point out particularly old and imposing trees. These include, for example, the “Mother of the Forest - Great Beech” which is approximately 300 years old, and the “Lammertal Watchman” – a 47-metre-high fir tree. Their combined 46 cubic metres of timber would be enough to create the roof structures for four single- family homes. The trunk diameter of the “Alter Tax” spruce, which is approximately 300 years old, measures as much as 160 centimetres. Follow the path up from the “Spießalm” car park in Lungötz or follow the eight-kilometre long “Baumwanderweg” tree trail from St. Martin am Tennengebirge. www.tennengau.com

Woodland Water Magic in the Silent Night location of Hintersee in the Fuschlsee region The “Woodland Water Magical Hintersee” Trail, signposted throughout, starts in the middle of Hintersee town centre and leads along the Taugl River into the heart of the “Giant Tree World”, which resembles an enchanted forest. The path meets the “Water Wonder World Tiefenbach” at the Satzstein rock, and from that point hikers have the choice of returning to Hintersee or continuing along the “Water Wonder World” adventure trail. The adventure trail encourages hands-

on experiences and experiments with the element of water. The themed path ends up on a wooden platform above the waterfall. The breathtaking views from the platform are an incredibly rewarding end to the hike. www.fuschlsee.salzkammergut.at

Unique forest experience at the Lake Wolfgangsee Arboretum An arboretum (“arbor” means tree in Latin) refers to a collection of trees. In Abersee at Lake Wolfgangsee, Austrian Federal Forests have created a unique forest experience spread out over approximately the size of a football pitch. The most important forest ecosystems in all of Austria can be found here, with over 60 tree and shrub species gathering in their natural environment. There is comprehensive information about ecosystems, habitats and the species of plants and animals that live in them for anybody interested in nature. A small exhibition in the pavilion provides an overview of the sustainable company Bundesforste, and a six-metre high viewing platform offers up breathtaking views of Grauerlenwald Forest and Zinkenbach. www.wolfgangsee.salzkammergut.at

Bike holidays in SalzburgerLand For downhill bikers, road cyclists and pleasure pedal knights

“2,650 metres of altitude in four days. That sounds very impressive. I have to admit that despite the electric motor, you can work up a lot of a sweat on the “slow bike” tour. But not as much as usual. For that, I had more time to look at the landscape along the way. And more energy to enjoy the breaks to the fullest. Additionally, I will also have strength for the downhill program in the next few days, as the children would like to go into the bike park, which will certainly be a bit more fast paced. But I won’t count myself as an old biker just yet”.

SalzburgerLand is undeniably cycling country par excellence! Around 7,000 kilometres of well- signposted cycling and mountain biking trails, four bike parks, challenging road bike sections, scenic multi-day bike rides and internationally renowned events contribute to SalzburgerLand's reputation as a cycling destination Number One.

CLASSIC CYCLING TRAILS FOR ENTHUSIASTS

The Tauern Cycle Path - the perfect circuit through SalzburgerLand The 270 kilometre long Tauern Cycle Path, between the Krimml Waterfalls, the Mozart City of Salzburg and on to Passau is one of the most beautiful and popular cycle paths in Europe. And not without reason - after all, here you will find unique sights, extraordinary taste addresses and plenty of excursion destinations on the fly. Even the 380 metre high Krimml Waterfalls alone are among the superlatives in SalzburgerLand. Not to mention the Ice Caves, the Hohenwerfen Castle, the Hallein Salt Mines or the UNESCO World Heritage City of Salzburg. So, it's a good idea to take a break now and again. More than 50 cycle friendly businesses are located along the Tauern Cycle Path, many of which are also excellent as “Bed & Bike” establishments. In addition, more than 100 Via Culinaria taste points are located on or in the immediate vicinity of the Tauern Cycle Path and invite you to test Salzburg's fine culinary treasures. A special tip for E-bikers - in almost all towns along the Tauern Cycle Path, E-bikes can be hired or re-charged, thanks in no small part to the innovative bike-energy charging stations that have been and are being installed. This makes the charging station network ever denser! https://www.salzburgerland.com/en/tauern-cycle-trail/

Mozart Cycle Path - cycling comfortably to Wolferl's venues The Mozart Cycle Path leads families and pleasure cyclists over a distance of 450 kilometres to the sites of activity and places lived by the musical genius – from SalzburgerLand to Tyrol and Bavaria. The route runs for the most part on cycle paths and low-traffic side roads, is mostly flat and only between the Inn Valley and the City of Salzburg are there some climbs and gradients. The Mozart symbol signposts the way. The starting point of the tour is the City of Salzburg, where this musically exceptional talent saw the light of day, lived and worked. The cycle path continues along the old route of the Ischler Railyway into the Mozart village of St. Gilgen and then on through the Salzburg Lake District. Via the city of Laufen, cyclists take to the Bavarian section of the Mozart Cycle Path, which continues through the Inn Valley and along the Saalach River back to the starting point in Salzburg. http://www.mozartradweg.com/en/stages/

QUICKLY AND EASILY UPHILL AND DOWNHILL - WITH AN E-BIKE

According to the motto “faster, higher, further!” E-bike riders all over SalzburgerLand are swinging up into their saddles. Because on an E-bike you can not only get to your destination faster, but also much more comfortably. The cross-border “Slow Bike” Tour, specially designed for E-bikers, runs from the City of Salzburg in four stages through the municipalities around the “Salzburg Basin”. Along the 164 kilometre long route there are numerous rental and charging stations, themed signposts provide information about numerous sights as well as about cultural history, natural history and geological peculiarities. And thanks to the E-bike, the approximately 2,650 metres of altitude are mastered almost playfully.

Thanks to motor support, it is of course particularly comfortable going uphill. In Lungau, for example, which is Austria's highest E-bike region, those higher located mountain huts are also more readily accessible. The Hochkönig Region was the first region in the world to have an e- charging network down in the valley and up on the mountain! While the bike re-charges, you can recharge your own energy with an Alpine snack in one of the rustic huts. Free E-bike tests, free E- bike rental, certified E-bike partner hotels, own E-bike tours and an ever-growing network of E-bike charging stations make SalzburgerLand a true Eldorado for fans of this environmentally and joint friendly means of transport. www.lungau.at, www.hochkoenig.at

The “Tauern Circuit” package - Original beauty and exciting. The Tauern Cycle Path is also well worth a trip even for E-bikers. Along the cycle path there is an almost comprehensive network of charging stations and the route passes through many designated E-bike regions. Info & Booking: Eurofun Touristik GmbH | Mühlstraße 20, 5162 Obertrum | Tel. + 43 6219 7444 | www.eurobike.at

BACK-COUNTRY OR BIKE PARK? NO MATTER, AS LONG AS IT’S MOUNTAIN ACTION!

There are around 5,000 kilometres of signposted mountain bike trails at all levels of difficulty in SalzburgerLand. In Saalfelden Leogang alone, which in 2012 hosted and will once again in 2020 host the MTB Downhill World Championships, there are 720 kilometres of mountain bike trails - so from beginners to professionals, everyone will find their right terrain here. If you still fancy more action, you're in the right place on the tricky single trails and on the fast-paced downhill tracks at the Leogang Bike Park. Some of the best trails in the Alps are part of the “Big 5 bike challenge” between Saalbach Hinterglemm and Leogang, including the popular Hacklberg Trail in Saalbach. In addition, new trails are constantly being created such as the Matzalm Trail in Leogang, the Single Trail Großarl Valley, Hirschleiten Trail in Kleinarl or the newly created “Flow Trail Hochkönig”. The latter starts at the mountain station of the Bürglalm Cable Car and leads on 4.2 kilometres over almost endless bumps, jumps and waves down to Dienten. In the UNESCO Biosphere Park Salzburger Lungau, 15 tours of varying levels of difficulty run through the side valleys on the 450 kilometre long mountain bike trail network. The promising name “Lungau EXTREM” is the 158.3 km long mountain bike circuit connecting several valleys with a starting and finishing point in Tamsweg. An impressive 7,172 metres of altitude are conquered in four day- stages.

ON A ROAD BIKE THROUGH SALZBURGERLAND

The road bike region of SalzburgerLand Salzkammergut includes six magnificent road bike destinations. These are Fuschlsee, Attersee, Mondsee, the Salzburg Lake District and Eugendorf, Dachstein Salzkammergut. Twenty tours are waiting to be discovered and they all lead through the wonderful natural landscapes between the northern Salzburg Lake District and the Postalm, the largest Alpine area in Austria. 1 road bike friendly hotels offer guests, individual travellers and groups the best conditions for an active holiday in the road bike region of SalzburgerLand Salzkammergut. They all meet numerous quality criteria and guarantee full all-round service. This includes maps and touring meals. https://www.rennrad-austria.at/en

SalzburgerLand in figures area ...... 7.160 km2 population ...... 549.000 guest beds ...... 280.264 mountain and nature alpine pastures (used for agriculture) ...... approx. 1800 certified alpine summer huts ...... 173 marked hiking trails ...... 10.000 km ferrata ...... 45 crags ...... 14 climbing gyms ...... 8 hiking guide ...... 278 mountain and ski guide ...... 124 rope and chair lifts with summer operation ...... 56 national park ...... 1 landscape, nature reserves and national park ...... 2.849 km2 (39,8%) Show caves with guides ...... 4 Show mines with guides ...... 5 water bathing and mountain lakes ...... 185 (22 of them artificial) beach swimming pools or natural lakes ...... 62 outdoor pools (pool) ...... 56 Sailing ...... in 15 places sailing schools ...... 10 boat hire ...... in 15 places kayaking / rafting ...... on 4 rivers fishing ...... in 65 places sports tennis courts ...... 532 horse riding ...... in 80 places golf courses ...... 16 summer toboggan runs ...... 8 signposted cycle paths ...... 2.000 km mountain bike trails ...... 5.000 km run-kilometers ...... 1.600 km Hang gliding & paragliding ...... in 22 places Ballooning ...... 8 providers