maria alm am steinemen meer(Austria) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Maria Enzersdorf, located in Salzburg State, the top choice for families is Hotel Alpenhof, a charming, family-run hotel blending traditional Alpine architecture with modern comforts. Nestled near the Pilgrimage Church of Mariaeichen, it offers spacious family rooms, a children’s play area, and an organic farm-to-table breakfast featuring local dairy and baked goods. The hotel’s timber-framed façade and warm interior create a cozy, authentic Austrian mountain experience.

Another excellent option is Gasthof Zehetner, renowned for its hearty Salzburg-style roast meat dishes and inviting fireplace lounges—perfect for winter stays. Both properties provide free bicycle rentals, making it easy to explore nearby hiking trails and scenic lakes in the Alpine foothills. Ideal for travelers seeking cultural immersion and outdoor adventure.

The best area for accommodations in Maria Enzersdorf is the central district near the Pilgrimage Church of Mariaeichen. This historic core offers convenient access to the church, local craft shops, and cozy cafés, while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere along tree-lined streets and green parks. Boutique hotels like Hotel St. Anna and vacation apartments such as Ferienwohnung Hinterleitner preserve 19th-century Austrian rural architecture with modern amenities.

Guests enjoy panoramic views of the Salzburg Alps from their balconies at sunrise and can participate in evening folk music gatherings—a hallmark of Alpine culture. The area also features accessible walking paths suitable for all ages. For summer visitors, the Lakeside Promenade (Seepromenade), just a 5-minute drive away, offers lakeside hotels with private docks and paddle boat rentals, ideal for relaxing by the water amid alpine scenery.

A must-try cultural experience in Maria Enzersdorf is the annual Mariafest, held each summer—a vibrant festival rooted in 17th-century pilgrimage traditions. Visitors can attend Mass at the Pilgrimage Church of Mariaeichen, followed by performances of traditional Alpine folk theater and the lively Schwabentanz dance, performed in regional costumes that showcase Salzburg’s unique heritage.

Don’t miss the Heimatmuseum (Local Heritage Museum), which preserves the village’s agricultural history and intricate woodcarving techniques. On Saturdays, the weekly market features local artisans selling handmade honey, lavender products, and Salzburg cheese, plus live baking demonstrations of traditional bread. For a hands-on experience, book a family cooking class to learn how to make Apfelstrudel and Glühwein, offering deep insight into Austrian home cuisine and hospitality.

Yes, several hotels in Maria Enzersdorf offer professional Alpine hiking tour guides. Hotel Alpenhof and Gasthof Zehetner partner with certified local guides to provide a range of themed routes—from beginner-friendly Lakeside Loop trails to challenging hikes up Hochfelsberg Mountain. Each tour includes detailed maps, safety kits, and hydration supplies, with guides sharing insights on local flora, geology, and historical tales, such as ancient quarry worker dwellings hidden in rock crevices.

Many hotels also rent out hiking gear—including trekking poles and waterproof jackets—and arrange midday picnic services with homemade sandwiches and hot soups served atop scenic viewpoints. Seasonal options include autumn leaf-watching tours and winter snowshoeing experiences. All excursions follow eco-friendly principles, promoting the "Leave No Trace" ethic to protect the pristine Alpine environment. These guided adventures are ideal for travelers seeking authentic, immersive nature exploration.

While Maria Enzersdorf itself lacks natural hot springs, nearby Hallstatt and Bad Ischl in Salzburg State boast world-class thermal spas. Many local hotels offer shuttle services to these destinations. Recommended is the Alpine Wellness Package at Hotel Alpenhof, which includes 3 nights’ accommodation, daily buffet breakfast, and a ticket to Therme Hallstatt, renowned for its mineral-rich waters. The spa features indoor pools, steam rooms, and therapeutic treatments—ideal for relieving travel fatigue.

Alternatively, Gasthof Zehetner offers a “Forest Bathing & Spa Combo,” where guests begin with a mindful walk through the surrounding pine forest before being chauffeured to Kaisertherme Bad Ischl, a royal-grade thermal facility with geothermally heated waters. Known for their healing properties, especially for joint pain and skin conditions, these springs are powered sustainably. Reservations are advised, particularly during peak summer months.

The signature cuisine of Maria Enzersdorf centers on Salzburg’s traditional flavors, with standout dishes including Salzburger Käsekuchen (cheese cake) and Marzipan Kugeln (almond chocolate balls). Local restaurants like Gasthof Zehetner use milk from local alpine pastures and grass-fed cows, resulting in rich, creamy cheeses paired with freshly baked desserts. During festivals, limited-edition Mariapfannkuchen—honey-and-walnut-filled pastries—are served, symbolizing harvest and gratitude.

Winter favorites include Alpenwildkräuter-Eintopf, a hearty stew made with wild mushrooms, potatoes, and goat cheese, slow-cooked to perfection. Many hotels offer farm-to-table experiences, where guests pick herbs like thyme and rosemary before joining cooking classes. Locally brewed Apfelwein (apple wine) and Honigbier (honey beer) are also popular at weekend markets—light in alcohol and perfect for families. Every bite reflects the purity and warmth of Alpine life.