One of my favourite places in Austria is Mauterndorf, a little village in the middle of the Alps. Whatever I feel like doing, enjoying nature, diving into history or just hanging out, it is all here to indulge.
“Off the beaten track” has become somewhat of a cliché since fewer such places exist. In Europe, anyway. Mauterndorf is not entirely run over by large hordes of tourists as many other places in Austria are, not because of a lack of things to do or see. On the contrary, there are plenty of activities to engage in, whether you are a young couple, a family with children or seniors. Mauterndorf, located in the Lungau region at the southeastern tip of Salzburgerland, is an excellent destination for exploring the Austrian Alps.
Culture & History
Like many other villages in Austria, Mauterndorf has taken good care of its heritage. Take your time and stroll around the village to discover medieval architecture, traditional houses and the odd henhouse. After all, the village centre mainly consists of historic buildings that add great character to the place. An unmissable factor in Mauterndorf’s “skyline” is the medieval castle that towers over the village’s northern end. It would not be an authentic historical village without a castle. For a nice view of the village and the Mauterndorf Castle, walk up to the “Sky Lounge”. You can get there via the small alley (Lemonigasse) next to the Tourist Office or via Am Burgstall at the end of the Marktplatz, near the bridge.
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On two wheels
Lungau, the region surrounding Mauterndorf, is great for exploring on two wheels. Whether you like mountain biking or just staying on a firm surface and signposted roads, there are ample choices for everyone to get around. The valley between Mauterndorf and Tamsweg offers plenty of different routes. I like to pedal along the small partly paved and partly gravel roads towards Weisspriach and Göriach via Mariapfarr. Another lovely trip is up the valley from Tweng (on the road to Obertauern). Importantly, there is little vehicle traffic on the minor roads, and safe for children. Wherever you turn your head, I’m surrounded by stunningly beautiful nature. Moreover, you do not have to bike these routes; they are also suitable for hiking.
Up in the mountains
Catch a cable car ride up or down the mountain to access some high-altitude trails. Especially the Grosseck-Speiereck mountains are great for hiking. Moreover, the view from the Speiereck (2411 m / 7910 ft) is nothing less than spectacular. The visibility can be as much as 100 km if the weather is good. On the other side of the valley, Fanningberg offers brilliant hiking and a ski lift that brings you to the top or down.
Furthermore, there are some pilgrim trails in the Tamsweg area as well. Not very far from Mauterndorf, you can hike to the source of the river Mur (Murursprung), which flows for another 480 km before it joins the Drava in Croatia. Pick up trekking maps and necessary information at the local tourist office in Mauterndorf before you head out.
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Eateries and nightlife
Plenty of eateries around the village serve primarily traditional Austrian cuisine, pizza, and other foods. For a snack, I recommend getting a sandwich (freshly made on order), either at the delicatessen shop at the Marktplatz or in the supermarket down the main road. The village also has a few bars, pubs and a disco. Nevertheless, if partying all night is what you are looking for, maybe Mauterndorf is not the right place. For a lively clubbing scene, I would guess you’d hit Ibiza rather than Austria anyway.
Other activities
Visit Mauterndorf Castle and step back into the Middle Ages. On a narrow-gauge track, the Taurachbahn Museum railway takes you between Mauterndorf and Tamsweg. On hot summer days, you can chill out in the local public pool in Mauterndorf. In addition, there is a golf course in St. Michael, just a few kilometres from Mauterndorf. Notwithstanding, these are just a few of the activities available in the region. Check out the links below to find further suggestions.
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The idyllic village of Mauterndorf, in the Lungau region at the southern end of Salzburgerland, is the perfect place to savour the Austrian Alps. In that picture-perfect setting, the Youth Hotel Mauser fits right in. Located in a 16th-century building in the centre of the medieval village, you will find almost everything you need for […]
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Time travel a few hundred years back to the Middle age when the entire village was full of people dressed in historical costumes, and armed knights roamed the streets mingling with flame breathers. The Middle Ages come alive at what has become the legendary folk festival in Mauterndorf, an hour’s drive from Salzburg. Every July […]
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We put together some suggestions for a self-drive from Salzburg that gives you a variety of experiences. Visit historic villages and medieval castles, get back to nature on fantastic family-friendly hikes in the Alps, enjoy a relaxing lakeside stay and drive on some truly stunning roads. So let’s hit the road! Historic Mauterndorf, Lungau Starting […]
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The castle in Mauterndorf is not to be overlooked as it is located on a mountain cliff at the edge of the village. The site has been fortified since 326 A.D., guarding the Roman trade route crossing the Tauern mountain pass. However, the castle itself is first mentioned in written records from 1253. The castle […]
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Austria has short urban funicular railways and longer tracks that take you up the mountains. A funicular railway consists of two vehicles that counterbalance one another rather than independently operated railway cars. Furthermore, they are usually barrier-free and perfect if you are a wheelchair user or travel with a stroller. 1. Hallstatt – Salzbergbahn A […]