This Alpine village in Salzburg sits at the foot of Austria's Großvenediger mountain, with ski slopes, hiking trails and traditional Hohe Tauern farmhouses from the 1800s.
At 856 meters above sea level in Austria's Salzburg state, Neukirchen am Großvenediger sits in the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park. The town spreads beneath the Großvenediger peak (3,666m) and Wildkogel mountain, where you can watch theater performances at the Cinetheatro or speed down Europe's longest illuminated toboggan run at night.
Winter Sports at Wildkogel Arena
You can ski across 75 kilometers of runs at Wildkogel Arena, using 20 modern lifts to access different slopes. Beginners practice on gentle slopes near the base, while advanced skiers head to the steeper runs above 2,000 meters. Children learn their first turns at Kogel-Mogel Kinderland, complete with magic carpets and mini-slalom courses. At 2,100 meters, the resort's solar power plant generates 75 percent of the lift system's electricity needs.
The 14-Kilometer Toboggan Adventure
The toboggan run begins at 2,100 meters and winds 14 kilometers down to Bramberg, dropping 1,300 meters in altitude. You can reach the starting point from either the Smaragd lift in Bramberg or the Wildkogel lift in Neukirchen. The run stays open until 10 PM, with lights illuminating the entire track.
Summer Mountain Trails
Walk the Venedigerweg trail system to find ten interactive play stations in the Obersulzbachtal valley, each with clear views of the Großvenediger peak. National Park Rangers guide daily walks into the side valleys from June to September, explaining the local plants and wildlife. Choose from easy 2-hour valley walks or full-day summit routes, with stops at alpine huts serving regional dishes.
Untersulzbach Waterfall
Walk around the Untersulzbach Waterfall on platforms built at different heights above its 80-meter deep gorge. The platforms give you multiple perspectives of the falling water, and sturdy walkways connect each viewing point. A paved path leads from the parking area to the main platform, making it accessible for most visitors.
Cycling Routes
Cycle the Wildkogel Arena on routes ranging from the flat Tauernradweg valley path to steep mountain trails in the Tauern valleys. The 15-kilometer family circuit stays on paved paths around the valley floor, while the 30-kilometer Wildkogel summit route climbs to alpine meadows with views of surrounding glaciers. Stop at alpine huts along the way for local specialties like Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake) and house-made cheese.
Arts and Entertainment
Watch weekly cabaret shows, classical concerts, and theater productions at the Cinetheatro throughout the year. The Tauriska cultural center hosts local musicians and maintains exhibits about the region's farming traditions, woodcarving, and textile crafts.
