Reach New Heights in Salzburg

Austria is famous for its outstanding scenery, clean air and outdoor sports, and it is a fantastic destination for anyone who has a passion for rock climbing or hiking. The area around Salzburg is especially good for this type of holiday and quick and easy transfers from Salzburg airport make getting there a breeze. Being a mainly mountainous region, there are various climbs and hikes to suit all levels in both the spring and summer, and, of course, there is the skiing in the winter.

Getting There

There are some fantastic places for climbing and hiking around the city and the small mountain village, Weissbach, has become the place to go for climbers of all abilities. Transfers from Salzburg airport make getting to this destination so easy, especially if you are going to bring your own climbing equipment. If you do bring your own equipment, it is advisable to check with the airline before getting to the airport, because things like ropes, crampons etc. might all have to go in the hold and not in your hand luggage.

Climbing

Weissbach is a small town in the Pinzgau region. This is a mountainous area southwest of Salzburg and is perfect to use as a base for exploring the surrounding 800 climbing routes. These are all easily accessible from the village and there are climbing routes for beginners and more challenging routes for experienced climbers. If you'll need transfers from Salzburg airport to Weissbach, which is under 30 miles, it is a good idea to book this journey whilst you are organising your holiday.This lovely alpine village is surrounded by craggy mountains and rich pastures full of grass and alpine flowers, and the only sound is of the pure mountain streams gurgling in the background. If you're a true nature lover, this is the place to come for your active holiday. The best period to come climbing in this region is from May to September for climbing, but it also offers many winter sports - such as snowboarding, skiing and ice-climbing.

Hiking

There are many great hikes around Weissbach and you can plan your own route using some of the many walking guides available. There are hikes and walks of varying difficulties and lengths and there are plenty you can undertake in a day. Particular features of this area are the 'almen' dotted about the mountain ranges. These were originally mountain cabins for when farmers used the high pastures during the summer months for looking after their livestock. Today, however, they are used as inns where you can stop for refreshments or a meal.

For longer hikes you will need to sleep somewhere on route and there are a range of huts and chalets – some even have saunas for you to relax and rejuvenate yourself before the next leg of your journey. If you want to stay in this type of accommodation, it is advisable to book places along the trail in advance rather than just turning up, as some of them are very small and will only have spaces for as few as six guests.

If this type of holiday appeals to you, transfers from Salzburg airport make getting to this area very convenient and easy. You can enjoy the peace and beauty of Austria’s incredible nature by just stepping out your front door.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you’re looking for transfers from Salzburg airport, Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.