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

In Lofer, top recommendations include Hotel Alpenhof, a family-run boutique hotel nestled in the Alps with traditional Austrian timber architecture and panoramic windows overlooking the Salzburg countryside. Its heated rooms feature underfloor heating, and the on-site restaurant serves authentic Alpine cuisine, such as roasted lamb with wild mushrooms and local white wine.

Another excellent choice is Ferienwohnung Lofer Alpine View, ideal for families or long-term stays, offering private balconies, free Wi-Fi, and a 5-minute walk to Lofer Church and the town center. This area is perfect for exploring the Royal Road and Salzburg Nature Park, especially for hikers and photographers seeking serene mountain experiences.

The town center of Lofer is the prime area for accommodation, offering easy access to boutique hotels, local restaurants, and cultural landmarks. Walking distance reaches Lofer Church (Pfarrkirche Lofer) and the historic Rathausplatz square, surrounded by souvenir shops and cozy cafés—ideal for morning strolls or evening relaxation.

For tranquility and nature immersion, consider staying along Hinterloferweg in the eastern part of town. This quiet zone features forest-view villas near the Lofer Forest Reserve, perfect for families or those seeking peace. It also hosts a small public thermal bath with natural mineral springs, great for muscle recovery after hiking.

In Lofer, don’t miss the annual Alpine Folk Festival held in summer, where locals wear traditional costumes, play zither and hand drums, and perform ancient mountain dances. The festival includes craft markets showcasing handwoven wool, wood carvings, and copper cookware—true examples of intangible heritage.

Visit the Lofer Museum, which houses artifacts from the Bronze Age through medieval times, including Roman pottery and iron tools. With multimedia guides, it vividly tells the story of how this small town played a key role along the Royal Road in the Salzburg Region.

Lofer is an excellent destination for families. The Lofer Nature Education Center offers interactive ecology programs where kids can build insect hotels, observe stream life, and play "Track the Snow Leopard" games—fun and educational.

In winter, Lofer Ski School provides beginner lessons for children with safety gear and professional instructors. In summer, there are bike rentals and family-friendly trails like the 4-km loop around Eisensee Lake, with rest stops and birdwatching points. Most hotels offer cribs and kids’ meals; some even have mini playrooms for parents to relax.

Must-try dishes in Lofer include Salzburger Sauerkraut Gulasch—slow-cooked beef with homemade sauerkraut, rich in flavor—and Alpkäse Krapfen, crispy fried pastries filled with melted cheese and onions, paired perfectly with cold apple cider (Apfelwein).

Head to Wirtshaus zum Goldenen Adler, a century-old inn with wooden beams and a fireplace. They offer nightly live folk music and seasonal menus—like spring’s fern shoot soup and autumn’s truffle mushroom risotto. Ingredients come directly from nearby farms, ensuring freshness and sustainability.

Lofer boasts stunning alpine scenery, centered on the Lofer Valley (Lofer Tal), a scenic highland valley that transforms with the seasons. In spring, alpine gentians and edelweiss bloom across meadows; summer brings crystal-clear streams perfect for kayaking and fishing.

During winter, the area becomes a premier ski destination with the Lofer Ski Area, featuring 12 runs of varying difficulty—including the challenging black run "Glazeye." The year-round Lofer Glacier Trail is a geological hike with interpretive signs explaining glacial formations and alpine flora, ideal for nature photographers and scientists.

Top photo locations in Lofer include the Gothic spire and stained-glass windows of Lofer Church, especially at sunrise when golden light floods the interior. The St. Michael Bridge, a 18th-century stone arch spanning a clear stream, offers perfect reflections framed by lush trees.

The Lofer Panorama Point on the northern hillside delivers 360-degree views of the Salzburg Alps and distant Berchtesgaden Peak. Sunset here creates dramatic lighting ideal for landscape shots. For night photography, the low light pollution makes Lofer a hotspot for star trails—bring a tripod for long-exposure captures.

Despite its mountain setting, Lofer is well-connected. Regular Regionalbahn trains from Salzburg City take about 1 hour to reach Lofer Train Station, with tickets costing around €12. The station has ramps and luggage lockers for convenience.

Within town, consider renting an e-Bike or using the SalzburgCard for unlimited bus and cable car rides. The Lofer Valley Cable Car takes just 8 minutes to the Adrianberg Viewing Platform, offering sweeping vistas. For drivers, parking is available near the center, and many hotels provide free shuttle services.

Lofer hosts several vibrant festivals. The Lofer Erntedankfest (Harvest Thanksgiving Festival) in mid-September celebrates the autumn harvest with decorated streets, giant bread towers, and communal jam-making. Traditional dance parades led by bell bands fill the air with festive music.

The Winter Lichterfest (Winter Lights Festival) runs from December to New Year’s Eve, illuminating the Lofer Church Square with thousands of handmade lanterns. Add Christmas markets, mulled wine stalls, and drone light shows over the mountains—perfect for holiday ambiance and cultural immersion.

Lofer is a paradise for hikers, with over 150 km of certified trails. Must-do routes include the Lofer-Eisensee Loop (8 km), passing through pristine forests and alpine lakes with rest shelters and water stations. Another highlight is the Gletscherpfad trail—a geological adventure through glacial valleys, complete with expert signage for intermediate to advanced hikers.

Many hotels provide free maps and guided hikes. Some groups even organize night walks (with permits), allowing visitors to experience silent woods under starlight. The Lofer Bergwacht also runs monthly "Mountain Survival Workshops" covering navigation, first aid, and cold-weather gear—popular among outdoor enthusiasts.