Salzburg like a local: The City’s East

Inhale the refreshment: Glasenbachklamm

It feels a little bit as if you have been transported back to a whole other time, as you hike amid the untamed romance of Glasenbachklamm. Lush green ferns, bizarre rock formations and small waterfalls fringe the pathway through this awesome gorge. If a giant dinosaur were to suddenly stretch its neck around the next bend ahead of you – it wouldn’t seem one bit out of place. And in fact, many fossils have been discovered in Glasenbachklamm, as documented by several geological info signs along the way. Even on hot summer days, the gorge is pleasantly cool – and the humidity relatively high. Which also makes Glasenbachklamm a paradise for numerous animal and plant species that thrive in this environment, as well as a perfect opportunity for anyone looking for a brief escape from the city. At different points on the Klausenbach, the water has washed out basins, big and small. Seemingly created for cooling off your feet after a long hike. A few hearty souls throw themselves completely into the crystal-clear water, enjoying a nice swim in the middle of nature, yet just a few kilometers outside the Salzburg historic district!

Lots of green interspersed with magnificent villas: Welcome to Aigen!

Hugging the lower outcroppings of the Gaisberg, Aigen is known not only as one of the most noble parts of Salzburg, but also as one of the greenest. That said, it offers countless opportunities for nature lovers and leisure seekers – including strolls through Aigen Park, created in the year 1780 in the style of a landscaped English garden. An almost fairytale aura emanates from this park to this very day – glistening waterfalls, mystical grottoes, small bridges and an old observation platform all do their part to ensure the outside world is quickly forgotten after just a few steps. Standing close to Aigen Park is the eponymous church. Whether or not the parents of Salzburg’s most famous son – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – did indeed “tie the knot” here in 1747 can’t be verified completely. Nonetheless, if you climb the few stone steps leading up to the church, you will be able to gaze upon a marble plaque whose inscription memorializes the aforementioned marriage.

Sunset high above the city: the Gaisberg

What a panorama! An outing to the Gaisberg, a recreation area popular with Salzburgers, is a beautiful experience no matter what time of day. For many paragliders, too, the Gaisberg is a veritable Eldorado. After the pilots have launched themselves into the air beneath fabric wings, they soar in broad circles high above the city. A glorious sight – also for spectators with their feet planted firmly on the ground. But as dusk gradually spreads across the valley, the sun slowly disappears behind the mountaintops and the first lights come on in the city, the Gaisberg is simply magical. Many Salzburgers come regularly to their beloved local mountain to enjoy the sunset. Wrapped up in blankets on occasion – since it is generally a few degrees cooler up here than down in the city itself – they make themselves comfortable on the green meadows and enjoy the day’s last rays of sunshine. Of one thing we are certain: Every time the sun casts its final beams up from behind the mountains and bathes the entire valley in golden light, there is at least one more person who forever falls in love with this breathtaking panorama.

So, there you have them, our insider tips for the green eastern outskirts of Salzburg. Which do you think will become your own personal favorite?