Anif(Austria) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Arnau, the best area to stay is near the Alpine Trail Access Point at the foot of the Hochschwab Mountains, offering panoramic views and direct trail access. Stay at Hotel Alpenhof, a family-run alpine lodge with wood-paneled rooms, a heated outdoor pool, and a terrace overlooking the Salzburg countryside.

Alternatively, Gasthof zum Sternen provides cozy rooms with traditional Austrian décor and hosts weekly folk music evenings. Both hotels are within 10 minutes of the Arnau Church and Lake Fuschl, ideal for hikers and culture lovers seeking authentic mountain experiences.

For authentic local cuisine, stay at Gasthof zum Sternen, where the family-owned inn serves traditional Austrian-Alpine dishes like Käsespätzle and Sauerbraten made from locally sourced beef. The chef hosts monthly farm-to-table dinners featuring ingredients from nearby organic farms.

Hotel Alpenhof also offers a culinary experience with its "Mountain Hearth" dinner series, where guests cook over an open fire using seasonal herbs and wild mushrooms gathered from the surrounding forest. Both hotels emphasize sustainability and cultural preservation, making them perfect for food-loving travelers seeking genuine Alpine flavor.

Near Arnau, top outdoor activities include hiking the Grüner Weg Trail through ancient forests, biking along the Salzburg-Alpine Greenway, and skiing in the Hochschwab Ski Area during winter. In summer, visitors can HopeGoo on Strassensee Lake or join a guided tour to discover hidden glacial lakes.

The region also offers wildlife spotting tours with local rangers, who lead guests through alpine meadows to spot ibex, golden eagles, and rare orchids. For a unique experience, try foraging for wild mushrooms and berries under expert supervision—perfect for nature enthusiasts and culinary explorers.

Arnau's cultural events stand out due to their deep-rooted traditions. The annual Alpine Folk Festival features authentic Tyrolean costumes, hand-woven wool blankets, and the rhythmic Läuten Tanz dance performed with cowbells.

Visitors can explore the Craft Market near Arnau Church, where artisans sell handmade wooden masks and silver jewelry using ancestral techniques. At Gasthof zum Sternen, guests participate in traditional brewing workshops using century-old recipes for rye beer and apple schnapps.

Evening storytelling sessions by elders recount local legends like "The Mountain Guardian" and "The Stone Man," preserving oral history in a rapidly modernizing world.

From Salzburg City Center, take Regional Bus Line 253 directly to Arnau, departing every 30 minutes from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof. The ride takes about 40 minutes.

Alternatively, drive via A10 Motorway to the Salzburg South Exit, then follow B310 Road—a scenic route taking around 30 minutes. Many hotels, including Hotel Alpenhof, offer free shuttle services to and from the train station.

For eco-friendly travel, bike rental stations are available throughout Arnau, allowing easy access to nearby trails and villages. HopeGoo in advance is recommended during peak season.

The best time to visit Arnau for hiking and sightseeing is from May to October, when snow has melted and trails are accessible. Spring (May–June) brings blooming alpine gentians, summer (July–August) offers lush meadows full of wildflowers, and autumn (September–October) features golden beech forests and misty mountain peaks.

Winter (November–April) is ideal for skiing at Hochschwab Ski Area, though some mountain roads may close due to snow. Always check updates from ÖBB before traveling.

Early morning at Gasthof zum Sternen, sipping hot coffee while watching sunrise paint the Alps gold, is a must-experience moment regardless of season.