Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer: Ritzensee, Hiking and Culture

Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer lies in the Austrian state of Salzburg at an elevation of 744 m, in a broad valley basin at the foot of the Steinernes Meer mountains. The landscape, trails, and cultural and sporting activities give a stay a variety of possible focuses. Details about the area can help you include suitable outings in your plans.

Ritzensee: Loop Trail and Summer Swimming

The Ritzensee, covering around 6 ha, reflects the mountain range of the Steinernes Meer. The S1 Ritzensee Loop Trail runs around the lake: it is 1.4 km long, easy to moderately difficult, and an excellent training loop. It combines views of the mountain scenery with a clearly defined route. The loop is lit daily until 9 p.m.; this information may vary by season. Check the lighting times before your visit.

During the summer months, the Ritzensee natural swimming area invites visitors to swim and relax. The facility includes a nudist area. Swimming is a seasonal activity, offering a different way to enjoy your time at the lake than walking the loop.

The Hermitage and Trails

The hermitage is one of the last inhabited hermitages in Europe and offers views of the Saalfelden basin. Today, you can reach it from the district of Bachwinkl or from Bürgerau via the Fuchssteig trail; sure-footedness is required on this trail. The path to the Peter Wiechenthaler Hut also starts in Bachwinkl.

Museum and Cultural Program

Ritzen Castle Museum houses one of Austria’s largest and most significant folk-art nativity-scene collections. The castle’s name also has a historical connection: the earliest recorded mention of “Grub bei Saalfelden,” today’s Ritzen Castle, dates back to 1339. The castle thus brings together a collection focused on folk culture and an early place-name reference in local history.

The Kunsthaus NEXUS offers films, theater, concerts, exhibitions, literature, talks, and cabaret. The program changes, so check in advance what is on during your stay. The art gallery at Kunsthaus NEXUS is open Thursday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Individual opening times are available on request, and admission is free. Check the opening hours before your visit.

Sports in Saalfelden

The Felsenfest climbing hall has 1,700 m² of climbing surface. For cross-country skiing, there is the Fun & Snow Park, which forms the center of the Nordic Park at Ritzensee. Children and teenagers in particular can learn to cross-country ski there in a fun way. The climbing hall and cross-country skiing offer different sporting activities, while the Fun & Snow Park is especially aimed at young learners.

A 1.6 km summer toboggan run winds down Saalfelden’s Biberg, with curves and jumps along the way. Along with the climbing hall and cross-country skiing, it adds a toboggan run to the range of sporting activities.

For your planning, you can distinguish between activities by their nature: the Ritzensee Loop Trail has a stated length and difficulty level, sure-footedness is required on the Fuchssteig, and the swimming area and lighting should be considered seasonal or dependent on the season. Those interested in culture can also choose between the nativity-scene collection at Ritzen Castle and the changing program at Kunsthaus NEXUS.

Discover more destinations: Dorfheim, Fusch An Der Grossglocknerstrasse, Rain, Sankt Georgen, Taxenbach, Lenzing, Zell am See, Enzingerboden

Return to the main travel overview: Zell Am See.