Salzach Cycle Path to Hallein

Snapshot

A flat 15 km river path south to Hallein, with the Untersberg to your left the entire way. One of the easiest and most rewarding half-day rides from Salzburg. I grew up in Hallein, and I still do this route regularly.

The Story

The Salzach runs south from Salzburg through a broad valley that opens up within a few kilometers of the city. The Untersberg massif, which sits right at the edge of Grödig and dominates the view from the Altstadt, becomes a proper alpine presence once you are out on the river path. The landscape is straightforward: water on your right, mountains on your left, farmland and willows in between. It is a good antidote to the Altstadt.

Hallein is where I am from. It is a salt town: the Celtic salt mines at Bad Dürrnberg above the city made it one of the wealthiest places in the Alps during the Iron Age, and the Celtic Museum holds the archaeology that comes from centuries of excavation. The old town on the Pernerinsel is small, walkable, and almost entirely local. The Hofbrau Kaltenhausen brewery sits on the Salzach at the edge of the old town. The salt mine at Bad Dürrnberg above the town is the theatrical version: a mine tour with a slide and an underground lake.

The rest stop at Rif, where the Königsseeache stream comes in from the east and joins the Salzach, is worth a pause regardless of how long you have been riding.

Visiting

• Distance/Duration: 15 km, 45-60 minutes each way.
• Cost: Free route. Bike rental ~€15-20/day. S-Bahn return €4.30 (bikes free).
• Schedule: Year-round; best April-October. S-Bahn every 30 minutes.
• Tips: Ride one-way; return by S-Bahn from Hallein station. Rest at Rif where the Königsseeache joins the Salzach. The brewery is worth a stop in Hallein before the return.