The loveliest day trips around Mauterndorf – our tips for your summer holiday in the Lungau
If you spend your summer holiday in Mauterndorf, there is one thing you certainly will not have: too little choice. Between imposing mountains, crystal-clear mountain lakes, rustic alpine huts and historic destinations, there is an incredible amount to discover in the Salzburg Lungau.
And the best part? Many of our favourite spots are just a few minutes from our Hotel Steffner-Wallner. As a family-run business in the heart of Mauterndorf's historic centre, we would like to introduce you to some of our personal favourite places – from an easy family outing to the perfect day in the mountains.
The Middle Ages right on our doorstep
1. Mauterndorf Castle
Hard to miss, it towers above our village: Mauterndorf Castle.
From our hotel you can reach the castle comfortably on foot. For us, even the walk up through the historic market to the castle is simply part of a holiday in Mauterndorf.
Inside, you can immerse yourself in the history of the Lungau, explore the old walls and enjoy a beautiful view over Mauterndorf and the surrounding mountains from the keep. For families with children in particular, the castle is a great destination, because here history is brought to life in anything but a boring way.
Our tip: afterwards, plan a little time for a walk around the castle. From there, wonderful views of Mauterndorf open up again and again.
By gondola right into the mountains
2. Großeck-Speiereck
Another big advantage of a holiday with us: the valley station of the Grosseckbahn is located right in Mauterndorf.
The gondola takes you comfortably up to almost 2,000 metres above sea level. Once at the top, a completely different world opens up: fresh mountain air, magnificent views and plenty of opportunities for hiking.
And it does not always have to be a demanding summit tour. Anyone who simply wants to spend a few relaxed hours on the mountain will get their money's worth here too.
Those with a little more stamina can of course hike on towards the Speiereck and enjoy the impressive view.
Good to know: with the LungauCard, one return trip on the Grosseckbahn is free once during your stay.
One of our favourite places of power
3. Prebersee
There are places where you automatically slow down a little. For us, the Prebersee is definitely one of them.
From Mauterndorf you can reach it in about 20 to 25 minutes by car. At around 1,500 metres above sea level, the moorland lake nestles between forests, alpine meadows and the impressive backdrop of the Preber.
If you want to take it easy, simply take a walk around the lake, enjoy the peace and let the landscape work its magic. If you would like more exercise, you will find plenty of further hiking options in the area.
For us, the Prebersee is a wonderful destination especially on warm summer days.
Our tip: do not forget your camera! Especially when the surrounding mountains are reflected in the water, the Prebersee is simply magical.
Water, mountains and lots of nature
4. Weißpriachtal
A valley we love to recommend to our guests time and again is the Weißpriachtal.
Here the Lungau shows a particularly unspoilt side. The Longa winds its way through the valley, with forests, meadows and impressive mountain scenery alternating alongside.
The lovely thing about the Weißpriachtal is that you do not necessarily have to plan a big mountain tour. Leisurely hiking and strolling along the water is possible too.
Families in particular, and guests who simply want to spend a relaxed day in nature, feel especially at home here.
Take your time, pause by the water now and then and simply enjoy the peace – that is exactly why we love the Lungau.
For anyone looking for a bit of action
5. Outdoor & Water Park Lungau
After so much peace and quiet, a little adventure is of course allowed too.
The Outdoor & Water Park Lungau in Mariapfarr is a great destination above all for families, teenagers and anyone who likes to try something new on holiday.
Ziplines, climbing elements, a bouldering wall, a mini high-ropes course and various activities on the water make sure that boredom is guaranteed never to set in.
With the LungauCard, one morning or afternoon is included free of charge once during your stay. That makes the park a lovely change from classic hiking and excursion days.
A little natural gem
6. Twenger Almsee
One of our favourite hiking tips leads to the Twenger Almsee.
From Mauterndorf you first drive towards Obertauern. After about 15 minutes you reach the Schaidberg area, from where you can start your hike.
The trail leads up through the beautiful Lungau mountain landscape to the Twenger Almsee. Once at the top, an idyllic mountain lake awaits, surrounded by mountains and alpine meadows.
For us, this is exactly what the Lungau is about: put on your hiking boots, set off, and eventually stand in a place where you would most like to stay just a little longer.
Around Mauterndorf
7. Simply set off
Sometimes, though, a lovely holiday day does not need a big destination at all.
Straight from our hotel you can set off on walks and hikes and discover Mauterndorf on foot.
Stroll through the historic town centre, walk along the Taurach, discover little paths around the village or simply find a bench with a view of the mountains.
In the early morning or in the evening in particular, when the village grows quieter, Mauterndorf has a very special charm for us.
A summer holiday with much already included
A particularly nice benefit for our summer guests is the LungauCard. As a guest in our house, you receive the LungauCard free of charge for the duration of your stay. With it you can use numerous attractions and leisure offers in the Lungau free of charge or at a reduced rate.
These include, among others, mountain railways, swimming pools, museums and various outdoor activities. Just ask us at reception – we will help you get the most out of your LungauCard.
Your holiday in the heart of Mauterndorf
For us, Mauterndorf is the perfect base from which to discover the Salzburg Lungau.
Many destinations can be reached within a short time, while you can also leave the car behind for once and set off straight from the hotel. And after a long day on the mountain, at the lake or out exploring?
Then we look forward to welcoming you back with us. Make yourselves comfortable, enjoy the evening and let us spoil you in our restaurant with Austrian cuisine and regional produce. Because for us, a holiday does not mean seeing as much as possible in as little time as possible.
It is the small moments that stay with you: the view of the mountains in the morning, a pause by a quiet mountain lake, a cosy stop after a hike or a lovely evening over good food.
Come to Mauterndorf, discover the Lungau and find your very own favourite places.
We look forward to seeing you!
Your Steffner-Wallner family & the entire team
