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Pinzgau
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Explore Pinzgau in Salzburg for alpine lakes, Hohe Tauern valleys, mountain villages, waterfalls, skiing and Austrian regional food.

Pinzgau occupies much of Salzburg's southern and western mountain country, stretching from the broad Saalfelden basin and the shores of Lake Zell to the high valleys around Mittersill, Krimml and Rauris. It is an extensive district rather than a single resort, with considerable distances between communities. The landscape changes from limestone ranges in the north to the high glaciated summits of the Hohe Tauern in the south, creating a region of striking geographical variety within Austria.
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Zell am See is the best-known lakeside base, combining a compact historic centre with boating, swimming and mountain access. Across the valley, Kaprun is associated with the Kitzsteinhorn glacier and the reservoirs of the Kaprun high mountain scheme. Further west, Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer has a more spacious, local character, framed by the jagged Steinernes Meer and the Leoganger Steinberge. The surrounding villages, including Maria Alm, Maishofen and Leogang, provide access to walking, cycling and winter sports without all feeling alike.
South of the main Salzach valley, the Hohe Tauern National Park protects a landscape of glaciers, alpine pastures, waterfalls and deeply cut valleys. Mittersill is an important regional centre and a practical base for exploring the national park, while the valleys of Rauris, Uttendorf and Hollersbach lead towards quieter mountain terrain. In the far west, Krimml is known for its exceptionally high waterfall and for the beginning of the scenic Gerlos Alpine Road, which climbs towards neighbouring Tyrol. These routes are as much about changing geology and altitude as they are about transport.
Pinzgau's cultural identity is rooted in mountain farming, forestry, salt and mineral extraction, and seasonal pastoral traditions. Historic churches, farmhouses and village centres sit alongside highly developed ski infrastructure, outdoor-activity businesses and contemporary cultural venues. Local menus draw on Salzburg and Austrian traditions, with products such as Pinzgau cheese, rye bread, dumplings, game, freshwater fish and pastries appearing in alpine inns, cafés and farm shops. Summer brings hiking, climbing, cycling and lake recreation; winter focuses on skiing, snowboarding, cross-country routes and winter walking. The region's appeal lies in the contrast between accessible resort centres and broad, protected valleys where the mountains still set the pace of travel.

When is the best time to visit Pinzgau?

Best: June–August · 21–24°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January160
February350
March870
April1280
May1890
June (best)21110
July (best)24120
August (best)23120
September1990
October1380
November670
December360

Getting to and around Pinzgau

How to get there

The main international gateway is Salzburg Airport, outside Pinzgau to the north, from where Zell am See, Saalfelden and the Salzach valley can be reached by road or public transport. Long-distance rail services connect Salzburg with stations including Saalfelden, Zell am See and Bischofshofen, with onward regional trains or buses for other valleys. The Pinzgauer Lokalbahn serves parts of the Salzach valley between Zell am See and Krimml, although the complete operating pattern can vary. Innsbruck Airport, also outside the region, can be useful for western Pinzgau and Saalbach-Hinterglemm. Driving is straightforward on major valley roads, but mountain passes and scenic high roads are seasonal.

Transportation

Rail and buses link the principal valley settlements, while the Pinzgauer Lokalbahn is particularly useful for communities along the Salzach corridor. Zell am See, Saalfelden and Mittersill are practical transport centres, but services become less frequent in side valleys and at remote trailheads. A car gives greater flexibility for Rauris, the Krimml area, alpine roads and dispersed attractions, though parking and winter driving require care. Cycling is well suited to valley routes, while mountain routes demand suitable equipment and fitness. Cable cars provide access to many ski and walking areas, but their operation is seasonal and weather-dependent.

Top city travel guides in Pinzgau

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Destinations in Pinzgau

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Pinzgau

Pinzgau offers a broad mixture of alpine scenery, outdoor activity and cultural interpretation. Around Zell am See, Lake Zell provides opportunities for swimming, boating and lakeside walking, while the Schmittenhöhe gives access to high mountain views and marked trails. Kaprun combines the Kitzsteinhorn glacier area with the Sigmund-Thun Gorge and the high-altitude reservoirs, where the engineering history of the power scheme is part of the visit. The Hohe Tauern National Park dominates the southern valleys, with hiking, wildlife observation and education at the National Park Worlds in Mittersill. Krimml Waterfalls is one of the region's most prominent natural attractions, while the valleys of Rauris, Uttendorf and Hollersbach offer quieter routes through meadows and forest. In the north, Saalfelden, Leogang and Maria Alm are bases for cycling, climbing, skiing and walking beneath the Steinernes Meer and Leoganger Steinberge. Museums, historic churches, mining heritage and farm-based experiences add cultural depth, making Pinzgau's attractions as much about landscapes and working traditions as about individual ticketed sites.

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Best landmarks in Pinzgau

Lake Zell is Pinzgau's defining natural landmark, an enclosed alpine lake whose water, mountain backdrop and compact lakeside town give the central district much of its visual character. Above Kaprun, the high reservoirs of the Glockner-Kaprun power complex form a remarkable twentieth-century industrial landscape beneath the glaciated peaks. The Kitzsteinhorn, with its glacier and high viewing areas, is another recognisable feature of the Kaprun skyline. In the southern district, Krimml Waterfalls descends in a long sequence through the valley and is among the most important natural landmarks in the Austrian Alps. The Hohe Tauern's glaciers and peaks create the setting for landmark mountain routes, including the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, which passes through Pinzgau before continuing beyond the district. The medieval and later churches of Zell am See, Saalfelden and many valley villages provide a contrasting human scale, while the stone ramparts and historic fabric of Mittersill reflect its long role as a regional settlement. Together these places express Pinzgau's relationship with water, altitude, transport and settlement.

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Best restaurants in Pinzgau

Pinzgau's food reflects Salzburg's alpine traditions, with dairy farming, grain, game and preserved produce prominent in rural cooking. Look for Pinzgau cheese, farmhouse bread, smoked meats, trout from clear mountain waters and substantial dishes such as Kaspressknödel, cheese-filled pressed dumplings often served in soup or with salad. Kaiserschmarrn, apple strudel and other Austrian pastries are common in cafés and mountain restaurants, while seasonal menus may feature mushrooms, venison and locally sourced vegetables. Traditional inns and mountain huts remain central to the dining culture, particularly in walking and ski areas, but Zell am See, Saalfelden, Kaprun and Mittersill also offer contemporary Austrian and international cooking. Farm shops and direct-selling producers provide cheese, spirits, jams and baked goods, and weekly or seasonal markets can be useful places to encounter local products. Menus vary between resort centres and remote valleys, so travellers seeking an early or late meal should check arrangements locally rather than assume every rural restaurant operates throughout the day.

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Best bars in Pinzgau

Evening life in Pinzgau is concentrated in the larger resorts rather than spread evenly across the district. Zell am See and Kaprun have the broadest choice of hotel bars, traditional pubs, après-ski venues, cafés and restaurants, with winter evenings generally busier than summer nights. Saalbach-Hinterglemm, in western Pinzgau, is also known for a more active resort nightlife linked to its ski season. Saalfelden and Mittersill provide a quieter mix of pubs, wine bars, live music and occasional cultural programming. In smaller villages and side valleys, the evening scene usually centres on inns, hotel lounges and local gatherings rather than nightclubs. Breweries, schnapps producers and regional drinks may appear on menus, but alcohol is not the only focus: concerts, theatre, cinema and seasonal community events also contribute to the region's after-dark culture. Check transport back to rural accommodation in advance, as late services are limited outside the main resorts.

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Best nightclubs in Pinzgau

Evening life in Pinzgau is concentrated in the larger resorts rather than spread evenly across the district. Zell am See and Kaprun have the broadest choice of hotel bars, traditional pubs, après-ski venues, cafés and restaurants, with winter evenings generally busier than summer nights. Saalbach-Hinterglemm, in western Pinzgau, is also known for a more active resort nightlife linked to its ski season. Saalfelden and Mittersill provide a quieter mix of pubs, wine bars, live music and occasional cultural programming. In smaller villages and side valleys, the evening scene usually centres on inns, hotel lounges and local gatherings rather than nightclubs. Breweries, schnapps producers and regional drinks may appear on menus, but alcohol is not the only focus: concerts, theatre, cinema and seasonal community events also contribute to the region's after-dark culture. Check transport back to rural accommodation in advance, as late services are limited outside the main resorts.

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Best shops in Pinzgau

Shopping in Pinzgau is centred on the high streets of Zell am See, Saalfelden, Mittersill and the larger resort villages, where practical outdoor equipment, clothing, Austrian souvenirs and independent specialist shops are more prominent than large-scale luxury retail. Zell am See and Saalfelden offer the broadest everyday choice, while resort areas such as Kaprun and Saalbach-Hinterglemm focus strongly on skiing, hiking and cycling equipment. Farm shops and direct-sales outlets provide Pinzgau cheese, smoked products, honey, jams, schnapps and other regional foods that travel well when properly packed. Craft shops and galleries may sell woodwork, woollen goods, ceramics and alpine-themed products, although selection varies by town and season. Markets and village events are useful for local produce, but their schedules can change, particularly outside the main holiday periods. For serious shopping, plan around the larger valley towns rather than expecting remote mountain villages to have extensive retail facilities.

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Pinzgau essentials

Currency and Payment
Pinzgau uses the euro, represented by the currency code EUR, as does Austria nationally. Debit and credit cards, including contactless payment, are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, transport offices and established restaurants. Carry some cash for mountain huts, small farm shops, village events, parking machines and rural businesses, where card facilities may be limited or unavailable. Bank cash machines are found in the larger towns and resorts, but visitors staying in remote valleys should not rely on finding one nearby. Tipping is customary in Austrian hospitality: modestly round up or leave an appropriate amount for good service.
Safety
Pinzgau is generally well organised for visitors, but alpine conditions require sensible preparation. Check weather and route information before hiking, stay on marked paths where appropriate and allow more time than a map distance may suggest. Snow, ice, rockfall, storms and rapidly changing visibility can affect higher routes. In winter, follow piste and avalanche warnings and use suitable equipment. Roads can be narrow and winding, with cyclists, farm vehicles and wildlife requiring attention. Near Lake Zell, rivers and waterfalls, follow barriers and local instructions, and do not assume that calm-looking water is safe for swimming or crossing.
Emergency Situations
The European emergency number 112 operates in Austria; 133 reaches the police, 122 the fire service and 144 ambulance services. For accidents in the mountains, Austria's mountain-rescue number is 140. Give your exact location, route, visible landmarks and the number of people affected, and do not leave an injured person unless remaining there is unsafe. In poor mobile coverage, try an emergency call from a higher or more open position when it can be done safely. Travel insurance covering mountain activities, rescue and medical treatment is strongly advisable, especially for skiing, climbing and off-piste excursions.
Do's and Don'ts
Keep to marked paths and close gates when walking through farmland, and respect grazing animals, wildlife and private property. In mountain huts, greet staff, follow their instructions and take rubbish away when requested. Austrian public transport and queues reward punctuality and orderly behaviour; validate or retain tickets according to the service's rules. Dress practically for churches and village settings, and ask before photographing people, farms or private events. Tipping is normal but not compulsory, while loud behaviour late at night is inconsiderate in residential villages. Follow swimming, boating, piste and avalanche regulations rather than relying on informal assumptions.
Local Tips
Choose a base according to your priorities: Zell am See and Kaprun suit lake access and major mountain infrastructure, Saalfelden offers a broad valley setting, and Mittersill is well placed for Hohe Tauern excursions. The Rauris and Krimml valleys feel more rural but require closer attention to bus connections and road conditions. Local guest cards may include or discount selected transport and attractions, but terms differ by accommodation and season. In summer, start demanding walks early, particularly on exposed routes, and in winter allow extra time for snow-covered roads. Ask accommodation providers about current trail, lift and road conditions before setting out.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloGrüß Gott[Grees Gott]
GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen[Owf Veederzehn]
YesJa[Ya]
NoNein[Nyn]
Please/You're welcomeBitte[Bittuh]
Thank youDanke[Dahngkeh]
Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung[Entshooldigung]
How are you?Wie geht's?[Vee gates?]
Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?[Gooot. Oond deer?]
Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?[Shprekh-ehn Zee English?]
I don't understandIch verstehe nicht[Ish fershteh nikht]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte die Speisekarte sehen, bitte[Ish moechte dee Shpeezekarte zeen, bittuh]
I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch[Ish esse kyn Flysh]
Cheers!Prost![Prohst!]
I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bezahlen, bitte[Ish moechte betzah-len, bittuh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hilfe![Hil-fuh!]
Go away!Geh weg![Gay vek!]
Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei![Roofen Zee dee Polizei!]
Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt![Roofen Zee eye-nen Artzt!]
I'm lostIch bin verloren[Ish bin fer-loren]
I'm illIch bin krank[Ish bin krank]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...[Ish moechte kau-fen...]
I'm just lookingIch schaue nur[Ish shau-eh noor]
How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?[Vee feel kostet es?]
That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer[Das ist tsu toy-er]
Can you lower the price?Könnten Sie den Preis senken?[Kuen-ten Zee den Pryce senken?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Wie spät ist es?[Vee shpaet ist es?]
It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr[Es ist ine Oor]
Half past (10)Halb nach (10)[Hahlb nahkh (zehn)]
MorningMorgen[Mor-gen]
AfternoonNachmittag[Nahkh-mit-tahg]
EveningAbend[Ah-bend]
YesterdayGestern[Gestern]
TodayHeute[Hoy-tuh]
TomorrowMorgen[Mor-gen]
1Eins[Eyns]
2Zwei[Tsva-ee]
3Drei[Dry]
4Vier[Feer]
5Fünf[Fuenf]
6Sechs[Zex]
7Sieben[Zee-ben]
8Acht[Akh-t]
9Neun[Noyn]
10Zehn[Tzehn]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/das...?[Vo ist ine/das...?]
What's the address?Wie ist die Adresse?[Vee ist dee Ah-dress-uh?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Könnten Sie mir (auf der Karte) zeigen?[Kuen-ten Zee meer (owf der Kahr-tuh) tsai-gen?]
When's the next (bus)?Wann fährt der nächste (Bus)?[Vahn faehrt der next-eh (Boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)Ein Ticket (nach....)[Ine Ticket (nahkh....)]

History of Pinzgau

Prehistoric Salt, Copper and Alpine Settlement

People have used Pinzgau's valleys and mountain passes since prehistoric times. Archaeological evidence across the wider Salzburg Alps records farming, transalpine movement and the extraction of useful minerals. Copper mining in the Mitterberg area near Mühlbach am Hochkönig, at the northern edge of the modern district, was particularly important during the Bronze Age and supported extensive exchange networks. Salt from nearby Salzburg also shaped regional trade. Although many early workings are no longer visible, the combination of mining landscapes, artefacts and routeways shows that Pinzgau was connected to wider central European economies long before the Roman period.

Roman Influence and the Alpine Road Network

After Rome incorporated the Salzburg area into its provincial system, routes through the Salzach valley and over nearby passes gained strategic and commercial importance. Settlements and farms supplied travellers and garrisons, while Roman administration linked the Alps with the larger provincial centres of Noricum. The region was never an urban heartland on the scale of the Danube towns, but its valleys formed useful corridors between northern Italy, the Salzburg basin and the eastern Alps. Traces of Roman movement and settlement contribute to the long history of Pinzgau as a passage through difficult mountain terrain.

Medieval Salzburg and Ecclesiastical Rule

For much of the Middle Ages, Pinzgau belonged to the sphere of the Archbishops of Salzburg, whose authority combined religious office with territorial government. Churches, parish networks, agricultural estates and castles helped organise settlement in the valleys. The archbishops benefited from tolls, forestry, farming and mineral resources, while local noble families administered estates and defended routes. Medieval churches and later renovations remain prominent in many Pinzgau villages. The period also established patterns of land use that endured for centuries: valley farms, summer grazing in higher pastures and movement through a limited number of mountain passes.

Mining, Forestry and Mountain Farming

From the late medieval period into the early modern age, mining and forestry joined agriculture as major economic activities. Copper, silver and other minerals were worked in several parts of the Salzburg Alps, while timber supplied mines, construction and downstream industries. The high valleys supported cattle farming and seasonal alpine grazing, practices that shaped the open meadows and scattered farmsteads still seen today. Mining declined irregularly as deposits became less profitable, but its legacy survives in museums, galleries, place names and altered mountain landscapes. Pinzgau's traditional food culture also reflects this rural economy, relying on dairy products, grain, preserved foods and substantial dumpling dishes.

The End of Salzburg's Territorial Independence, 1803–1816

Pinzgau was transformed by the political upheavals of the Napoleonic era. The secularisation of the Salzburg archbishopric in 1803 ended the territory's ecclesiastical rule, and the region passed through Bavarian and Austrian administration before Salzburg was definitively incorporated into the Austrian Empire in 1816. These changes altered taxation, government and legal structures while connecting Pinzgau more firmly with the Habsburg state. The present association with Salzburg therefore reflects a relatively modern political settlement, following centuries in which the region had belonged to a distinct ecclesiastical principality.

Railways, Alpine Tourism and the Modern Resort Economy

The arrival of railways in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries made Pinzgau more accessible to visitors, goods and new ideas. Zell am See, Saalfelden and other valley communities developed stronger links with Salzburg and the wider Austrian network, while mountaineering and summer tourism grew around the Hohe Tauern. After the Second World War, skiing, cable cars, road building and improved accommodation reshaped places such as Kaprun, Saalbach-Hinterglemm and Maria Alm. Tourism now sits alongside farming, forestry and services, while national-park protection and outdoor recreation have become important parts of the region's contemporary identity.

Pinzgau in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Pinzgau, Austria

Download Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide to Pinzgau, covering attractions, restaurants, hotels, tours, and much more for a memorable trip.

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Explore Pinzgau like never before with Evendo, your comprehensive and free travel guide app. Discover attractions, book tours, and experience local culture effortlessly.

  • In-depth history of Pinzgau
  • Travel essentials and curated local advice
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and the destination
  • 'Near Me' feature for discovering nearby points of interest
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Welcome to Pinzgau, Austria, a region rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. With Evendo, your journey through Pinzgau becomes an immersive and hassle-free experience. From the stunning Krimml Waterfalls to the majestic Hohe Tauern National Park, our app covers all major attractions and hidden gems. Discover the historical significance of Zell am See or enjoy a tranquil day at Lake Zeller.

Evendo not only guides you to iconic landmarks but also introduces you to the best dining experiences in Pinzgau. Savor local delicacies at renowned restaurants like Steinerwirt or enjoy a gourmet meal at Schloss Mittersill. Whether you're looking for vibrant nightlife or serene spots, Evendo's curated local tips ensure you experience Pinzgau like a true local.

Planning your trip has never been easier. With detailed information, images, and maps, Evendo helps you organize your itinerary seamlessly. Easily book hotels, tours, and tickets directly through the app, saving you valuable time. The 'Near Me' feature ensures you never miss out on nearby attractions, shops, bars, nightclubs, and much more.

Don't miss out on the best of Pinzgau. Download Evendo today and embark on an unforgettable adventure.

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