The Harvest Festival lasts from mid-August to the end of October. In Lungau, one of Salzburg’s five historic districts, it is particularly beautiful at this time. Glittering parties, local delicacies and exciting activities await you. The Lungau comprises 15 picturesque villages and is also one of the sunniest regions in Austria. Especially during the Harvest Festival, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramas while hiking in Salzburger Land.
Sporting activities in Lungau and hiking in Salzburger Land
Visitors are drawn to the Lungau above all because of the many charming hiking and cycling trails. After a hearty breakfast in the holiday apartment in Salzburger Land , we start. One of the most popular hiking trails is the Mur Cycle Path, which is considered one of the most varied river cycle paths in the Alpine region. The Mur Cycle Path runs through several culinary destinations.
The highlight is the pleasure city of Graz . The cycle path begins in the Hohe Tauern, which forms the western border of the Lungau. In addition to cycling, hiking in the Salzburger Land is one of the most popular activities during the Harvest Festival.
Discover fascinating themed trails: The Leisnitz waterway has nine stations, including a water walking trail and a waterfall. On a hike along the Ramingstein ore trails, you will learn interesting facts about iron and ore mining in the region. The Harvest Festival in Salzburger Land is the perfect season for extended hikes: the air is pleasantly fresh in the morning, the sun shines during the day. After the summer thunderstorms, the weather situation is calmer and more stable.
The most beautiful hiking trails in Lungau
The many hiking routes in Lungau connect the most beautiful places in the region. When hiking in Salzburger Land, you will discover historical sights and breathtaking natural panoramas. Hikers will enjoy the Lungau Cultural Trail, which runs along numerous historical monuments. The entire trail has a total length of around 30 km, but you can do it in stages. Start your hike in Mauterndorf, where you will visit the castle of the same name.
A hilly dirt road takes you to Mariapfarr. The place is considered the sunniest municipality in Austria and can also boast that the words to “Silent Night, Holy Night” were written here in 1816. The next stage destination is the Passeggen. On a hill is the place of execution, where numerous alleged witches were executed in the 18th century in the course of the witch hunt.
The Richtstättenweg, a themed circular hiking trail, was opened in 2012 and tells the gruesome history of the place. In Tamsweg you will visit the pilgrimage church of St. Leonhard and stroll through the idyllic market square. From the pilgrimage church, you have a magnificent view over Tamsweg and the peaks of the Niedere Tauern. In autumn, it is also worth taking a detour to the Prebersee, which is embedded in a picturesque pine forest. Events around the Harvest Festival in the Salzburger Land Every year, the Harvest Festival is duly celebrated in all 15 towns of the Lungau. There are parades with lavishly decorated floats, in many places you can watch folk dance performances or taste products from local farmers.
Catering establishments make every effort to do justice to the season and therefore put special dishes on the menu. One of the most famous dishes is “Schöpsernes” (tender sheep’s meat), which is served with Eachtlingen, a native potato variety. For the Lungau, the biblical hero Samson has a special meaning. On the occasion of the many events in the Harvest Festival in Salzburger Land, Samson figures up to 6.5 m high are brought out.
The Harvest Festival in Salzburger Land is a special season that you should not miss. Enjoy the unique beauty of nature, indulge in local delicacies and discover the charming villages that give the region a very special charm. The best way to explore the landscape of the Lungau is by hiking in Salzburger Land. Choose one of the many popular hiking trails that crisscross the Lungau and let yourself be enchanted by the beautiful panoramas.
