Altenmarkt im Pongau(Austria) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Altenmarkt, Hotel Alte Post stands out for families with its dedicated children’s playroom, guided nature trails, and hands-on workshops like building wooden sleds. Many guesthouses offer private kitchens and hot tubs, ideal for multi-generational stays. Safe, paved paths connect all attractions, and nearby playgrounds feature natural climbing structures. The town also hosts a weekly Kids’ Nature Discovery Center, where children learn about local flora and farming traditions through interactive exhibits. It’s a truly welcoming destination for family adventures in the Alps.

Stay in the Hochdorf highland district for panoramic vistas of the Salzach Valley and snow-capped peaks. This elevated zone offers quiet, forested surroundings with direct access to the Rhine River Trail and alpine meadows. Morning fog often blankets the valley, creating a dreamy atmosphere perfect for photography. With minimal light pollution, it’s also one of the best spots in Austria for stargazing. Most accommodations here are family-run guesthouses, preserving authentic Alpine charm and warm hospitality.

Don’t miss the annual Almabtrieb Festival, where local herders lead decorated cattle down from summer pastures in a vibrant procession accompanied by traditional music. Visit the local pottery studio to craft your own rustic Austrian-style ceramic piece. Every weekend, the town square hosts a farmers’ market offering fresh apples, rye bread, homemade apple wine, and handwoven textiles—true expressions of rural Salzburg life. These events offer deep insight into the region’s pastoral heritage and craftsmanship.

During winter, visit the Altenmarkt Thermal Spa, a natural mineral bath complex featuring saunas, cold plunge pools, and meditation rooms with mountain-view windows. It’s perfect for relaxation after skiing. Nearby, Hüttenwirt tavern serves steaming mulled wine (Glühwein) and hearty meat pies, often with live folk music performances. The spa and tavern both host seasonal events, blending comfort, culture, and warmth—ideal for escaping the cold while soaking in local tradition.

Start your day with a hike along the Rhine Valley Trail from Hochdorf to the historic pasture ruins, enjoying misty mornings and alpine wildflowers. Have lunch at Hotel Alte Post, savoring regional dishes like smoked ham and sauerkraut stew. In the afternoon, unwind at the thermal spa, then attend the evening folk night event featuring traditional dances and textile displays. If time allows, camp under the stars at the outdoor glamping site for an unforgettable Alpine night experience.

Yes! The Rhine River Trail near Altenmarkt offers gentle, well-marked paths ideal for beginners. It winds through meadows, pine forests, and beside crystal-clear streams, with rest stops and picnic areas every kilometer. For slightly more challenge, try the Gletscherweg Loop, which leads to a small glacier viewpoint with interpretive signs on glacial geology. All trails are clearly signposted in German and English, and many local guides offer free introductory walks during summer months.

Try the rye bread with smoked cheese—freshly baked daily using local grains and aged in stone cellars. Another must-try is apple-stewed beef (Apfelkraut Rösti), slow-cooked with wild apples and served with herb cream sauce. In summer, sample wild asparagus soup (Waldspargel Suppe) made from foraged shoots. All restaurants emphasize organic, locally sourced ingredients, and many serve generous family-style portions that reflect the hearty spirit of Salzburg’s alpine cuisine.

Yes, despite being a remote village, Altenmarkt is well-connected. The Salzburg Airport Shuttle Bus runs hourly to the town center, taking about 45 minutes. Free electric shuttle buses link major hotels and attractions within the village. For those driving, take A10 highway to B308 regional road, with clear signage throughout. The Altenmarkt-Bergbahn mountain railway operates year-round, connecting the town to ski resorts and high-altitude viewpoints—making travel efficient and scenic.

Visit the Mühlenladen shop inside the restored old mill, selling handmade items like wooden Christmas figurines, wool embroidery tapestries, and hand-blown glass lanterns inspired by Alpine motifs. Try their high-altitude honey gift boxes, harvested from wild bees in the surrounding mountains—rich in flavor and aroma. All products carry origin certification, supporting local artisans. The weekly farmers’ market also features crafts stalls where you can meet makers directly and purchase unique, one-of-a-kind keepsakes.

Summer brings exciting events: the Alpenrallye zip-line challenge across forest canopies and cliffs; the mountain bike endurance race along the Rhine Valley trail; and starlight tours led by astronomers identifying constellations and meteor showers. Weekly grassland concerts in the town square feature traditional Austrian folk music and jazz. Nature lovers can join wildlife tracking tours to spot golden eagles and red foxes, gaining firsthand insight into the region’s rich biodiversity and conservation efforts.