Forstau: Discover Hiking Trails and Culture

Forstau offers visitors a variety of things to enjoy: summer hiking trails, cleared winter walking trails, activities, the Fageralm and religious and seasonal culture. If you are looking for a hotel in Forstau, the time of year is a good starting point. You can then decide whether to focus your plans more on activities, things to do with children or culture.

Hiking and Activities by Season

In summer, there are more than 50 km of hiking trails in and around Forstau in the Pongau region. In winter, Forstau has more than 20 km of cleared winter walking trails. The summer trails cover Forstau and its surroundings, while winter visitors can enjoy cleared winter walking trails. As winter conditions can vary, check the current situation before setting out.

Forsti’s Fitness Trail is about 3 km long and has 11 fitness stations. Bachweg has a Kneipp trail with several Kneipp stations, as well as an informative medicinal herb trail. The difference is clear when choosing: the fitness trail is described by its stations, while Bachweg focuses on Kneipp activities and herbal knowledge. You can choose an activity based on the options that interest you most.

Routes and the Fageralm

Two named routes can also be distinguished by where they go. The Zaimberg-Runde mountain bike loop passes the Langeggteich nature reserve. The Forstauwinkl Tour (SW 12) runs from Forstau along a forest road to the head of the Forstauwinkl valley. One route passes the nature reserve, while the other leads to the head of the valley: these details offer different pointers when choosing a route.

The Fageralm is situated on a sunny high plateau at an altitude of 1,600 to 1,885 m. There are three themed trails for children: Luna Loop, Funny Fox and Chilly Joe. The themed trails may be updated, so check the latest information before planning your visit. The Resch ski school at the Fageralm in Forstau offers ski lessons for children, with supervision during lunchtime. For a family stay, both the named themed trails and a ski course with supervision at specified times provide concrete options for your plans.

Church, Chapel and Seasonal Programme

The Catholic parish church of St. Leonhard in Forstau was built in 1742 and has a Baroque columned high altar. The Lourdes Chapel in Forstau is a popular pilgrimage site; it contains stalactites from Lourdes and a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. The two sites have different points of interest: the parish church is notable for its date of construction and altar, while the chapel is distinguished by its pilgrimage connection and Lourdes features. For those interested in religious culture, Forstau offers both architectural history and distinctive features to explore.

During the Salzburg Farmers’ Autumn in Forstau, weekly hikes, bread baking and butter churning are organised. The seasonal programme combines outdoor activities with hands-on experiences involving bread and butter-making. If you would like to include these activities in your travel plans, check the dates and individual activities in advance, as both may change.

Discover more destinations: Filzmoos, Kleinarl, Hüttschlag, Altenmarkt Im Pongau, Wagrain, Feuersang, Harbach, Niedernfritz

Return to the main travel overview: Sankt Johann Im Pongau.