Pinzgau, Austria Travel Guide

Discover the breathtaking beauty and outdoor adventures of Pinzgau, Austria, a year-round destination offering skiing, hiking, and rich cultural experiences.

Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Pinzgau is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. This region is renowned for its stunning landscapes, featuring snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. Whether you are drawn to the thrill of winter sports or the tranquility of summer hikes, Pinzgau offers a diverse range of activities to suit every traveler. During the winter months, Pinzgau transforms into a snowy wonderland, attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the globe. The area is home to some of Austria's best ski resorts, including Zell am See and Kaprun, which boast well-groomed slopes and modern facilities. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the region also offers charming alpine villages where you can immerse yourself in local culture and savor traditional Austrian cuisine. In the warmer seasons, Pinzgau's natural beauty truly shines. The region's extensive network of hiking and biking trails allows visitors to explore its picturesque scenery at their own pace. Highlights include the Hohe Tauern National Park, where you can discover diverse wildlife and breathtaking vistas. Don't miss the chance to visit Krimml Waterfalls, Europe's highest, which offer a spectacular sight and a refreshing mist on a hot day.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Pinzgau.

Visit during the off-peak seasons for fewer crowds and better accommodation deals.
Purchase a multi-day ski pass if you plan on skiing or snowboarding to save money.
Pack layered clothing to be prepared for the changing mountain weather.
Consider renting a car for easier access to remote hiking trails and attractions.
Try local delicacies such as Kaiserschmarrn and Wiener Schnitzel in village restaurants.

Top City Travel Guides in Pinzgau

The cities of Pinzgau, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Zell am See

Kitzbühel

Bad Gastein

Destinations in Pinzgau

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

Krimml Waterfalls

Eisriesenwelt

Grossglockner High Alpine Road

Grossglockner

Zell am See-Kaprun

Explore Pinzgau: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Pinzgau

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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All Attractions

Kitzsteinhorn

Explore the majestic Kitzsteinhorn in Austria, a year-round destination for skiing, hiking, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps.

4.7

Seisenbergklamm

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Seisenbergklamm, a stunning gorge in Austria ideal for hiking, wildlife watching, and enjoying nature's tranquility.

4.8

Hohe Tauern National Park Information Centre

Explore Austria's stunning Hohe Tauern National Park at the Information Centre, your gateway to breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

4.5

Vorderkaserklamm

Explore the breathtaking natural beauty of Vorderkaserklamm, a stunning gorge in Austria perfect for hiking and scenic views.

4.7

Best landmarks in Pinzgau

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Best Landmarks

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Mozart Residence

Explore the life of Mozart at his former residence in Salzburg, a museum showcasing his music, manuscripts, and legacy.

4.1

Höhenburg Stauseen Kaprun

Experience the stunning beauty and outdoor adventures at Höhenburg Stauseen in Kaprun, a picturesque alpine destination perfect for tourists.

4.9

die HOCHKÖNIGIN - Mountain Resort

Discover luxury and adventure at die HOCHKÖNIGIN Mountain Resort, your ultimate alpine escape in the heart of Austria.

4.8

Fortress Hohensalzburg

Explore the majestic Fortress Hohensalzburg, a medieval landmark offering history, culture, and panoramic views of Salzburg.

4.6

Best restaurants in Pinzgau

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Best Restaurants

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Restaurant Kupferkessel - Kreml GmbH

Experience authentic Austrian flavors at Restaurant Kupferkessel in Zell am See - where culinary excellence meets warm hospitality.

4.5

Tom Almhütte

Experience exquisite dining at Tom Almhütte – a hidden gem in Maria Alm offering stunning views and delightful cuisine.

4.6

Restaurant Ali Baba

Experience authentic Middle Eastern cuisine at Restaurant Ali Baba in Zell am See – where every dish tells a story.

4.2

Villa Crazy Daisy

Experience vibrant dining at Villa Crazy Daisy in Zell am See - where local flavors meet international cuisine amidst a lively atmosphere.

4.2

Best bars in Pinzgau

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Best Bars

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Tom Almhütte

Discover Tom Almhütte: a mountain restaurant in Maria Alm offering traditional Austrian cuisine, stunning views, and a unique dining experience amidst nature.

4.6

Villa Crazy Daisy

Experience delightful dining at Villa Crazy Daisy in Zell am See, Austria, offering a rich menu in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

4.2

Baumbar

Discover Baumbar in Kaprun, where delectable cuisine meets a vibrant nightlife, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.

4.5

Pavillon Après-Ski Bar

Experience the vibrant après-ski culture at Pavillon Après-Ski Bar in Kaprun, where great drinks and lively gatherings await.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Pinzgau

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Schwips Après-Ski

Discover Schwips Après-Ski: a vibrant bar in Saalbach-Hinterglemm offering a cozy atmosphere, delicious drinks, and stunning mountain views.

4.2

King's Bar apres-ski Königsleiten

Discover the lively King's Bar apres-ski in Königsleiten, the ultimate destination for après-ski fun, music, and unforgettable memories in the Austrian Alps.

4.4

Après Ski & Nightclub Castello

Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Saalbach-Hinterglemm at Après Ski & Nightclub Castello, where unforgettable memories await.

3.7

Barracuda Club Kaprun

Dive into the vibrant nightlife of Kaprun at Barracuda Club, a premier disco club offering live music and an electrifying atmosphere.

4.3

Best shops in Pinzgau

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Best Shops

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Designer Outlet Salzburg

Shop in style at Designer Outlet Salzburg, where unbeatable prices meet stunning alpine views and a variety of world-class brands.

4.3

Bründl Sports Flagshipstore

Explore Bründl Sports Flagshipstore in Kaprun for all your skiing and outdoor needs, featuring top brands and expert advice.

4.7

Teekorb & Tridor Zell am See speciality coffee regionale Kaffeerösterei Cafe Kaffee tea coffeeshop

Discover the rich flavors of regional coffee at Teekorb & Tridor, a charming café and gift shop in Zell am See that delights every visitor.

4.9

Kaufhaus Neumair GmbH & Co KG

Explore the flavors of the Alps at Kaufhaus Neumair, Kaprun's favorite supermarket for local and international delights.

4.4

Explore Pinzgau on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Pinzgau, mapped for you.

Pinzgau Essentials

Pinzgau is located in the Salzburg state of Austria. The nearest international airport is Salzburg Airport (SZG), approximately 80 kilometers away. From Salzburg, you can take a train to Zell am See, the largest town in Pinzgau, which takes around 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive from Salzburg, which takes about 1.5 hours via the A10 and B311 highways. There are also bus services connecting Salzburg to various towns in Pinzgau.
Public transport in Pinzgau is efficient and reliable. The region is well-connected by trains and buses, making it easy to travel between towns and villages. The Pinzgauer Lokalbahn is a narrow-gauge railway that runs between Zell am See and Krimml, offering scenic views. Taxis are available but can be expensive. Renting a car is a convenient option if you prefer to explore the area at your own pace. Biking is also popular, especially for exploring the scenic trails.
The official currency in Austria is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in all major towns and villages in Pinzgau. Contactless payment methods are also becoming increasingly popular.
Pinzgau is generally a safe destination for tourists. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Be cautious when hiking or skiing, and always follow local safety guidelines.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services, including police, fire brigade, and medical services. There are hospitals and medical clinics available in Zell am See and other larger towns. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. Don't wear ski boots or very casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do be punctual, as trains and buses run on strict schedules. Don't talk loudly or make disruptive noises. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Grüß Gott' which means 'God greet you'. A handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Pinzgauer Kasnockn and respect dining etiquette. Don't leave a large tip; rounding up the bill or leaving a small percentage is customary.
To experience Pinzgau like a local, visit the weekly farmers' markets where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with locals in small cafes and taverns, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region. Don't miss hiking the Krimml Waterfalls or skiing in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. For a unique experience, take a boat trip on Lake Zell and enjoy the stunning alpine scenery.

When is the best time to visit Pinzgau?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Pinzgau

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Pinzgau. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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?]
- 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]
- 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

The Pinzgau region, nestled in the Austrian Alps, has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. Archaeological discoveries reveal that the area was inhabited as early as the Neolithic period. These early settlers were likely attracted to the region's fertile valleys and abundant natural resources. Artifacts such as tools, pottery, and remnants of ancient dwellings provide a glimpse into the lives of these early inhabitants.
During the Roman Empire, Pinzgau became an important part of the province of Noricum. The Romans established roads, forts, and settlements in the region, significantly influencing its development. The town of Zell am See, for instance, has its origins in this period, with Roman roads still traceable in the landscape. Roman artifacts, including coins and inscriptions, have been found, indicating the area's integration into the vast Roman trade and administrative network.
In the medieval period, Pinzgau was part of the Duchy of Bavaria before becoming part of the Archbishopric of Salzburg. The strategic location of Zell am See made it a focal point for trade routes crossing the Alps. The construction of the first church in Zell am See around the 8th century marked the beginning of the town's rise as a religious and economic center. The establishment of the Castle Rosenberg in the 13th century further solidified its importance.
The early 16th century was a turbulent time for Pinzgau, as it was for much of Europe. The Peasant Wars, driven by widespread social and economic grievances, saw local farmers and peasants rise against feudal oppression. The Pinzgauer Bauernaufstand (Pinzgau Peasant Uprising) of 1525 was a significant event, where local peasants joined forces with others from the Salzburg region in a bid for greater rights and freedom. Although the revolt was ultimately crushed, it highlighted the region's spirit of resistance and desire for social justice.
The 16th and 17th centuries saw a boom in mining activities in Pinzgau, particularly in the area around the Hohe Tauern mountains. The extraction of gold, silver, and other minerals brought prosperity and growth to the region. Mining towns such as Rauris and Gastein flourished, with their wealth reflected in the grand architecture and cultural developments of the time. This period also saw the construction of significant infrastructure, including roads and bridges, to support the mining industry.
Pinzgau, like much of Austria, was deeply affected by the events of World War II. The region was occupied by Nazi Germany, and many locals were conscripted into the German army or forced into labor. The post-war period brought significant changes as Austria was divided into occupation zones, with Pinzgau falling under American control. The rebuilding process was arduous, but it also laid the groundwork for the region's future as a major tourist destination.
In the latter half of the 20th century, Pinzgau transformed into one of Austria's premier tourist destinations. The stunning landscapes, skiing resorts, and cultural heritage attracted visitors from around the world. Zell am See and Kaprun became renowned for their winter sports facilities, while the summer months brought hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. Investment in infrastructure, including the development of the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier ski area, further boosted tourism. Today, Pinzgau's blend of natural beauty and historical charm continues to captivate travelers.