Alpine areas are now committed to reducing the carbon footprint left by tourists, and visitors to the Austrian province of SalzburgerLand this summer can learn more about playing their part.
SalzburgerLand’s unspoilt landscapes make an inspiring backdrop to the fascinating old city of Salzburg, with all the elements of classic Alpine scenery – snow-capped peaks, ancient forests and spring-fed lakes and streams with water clear enough to drink.
These valuable natural resources continue to be protected by pioneering eco-friendly policies first introduced in the 1970.
Organic food, e-transport, renewable energy and recycling are now the norm. The forests that cover more than half of SalzburgerLand is a paradise for wildlife and plants. The environment is also ideal for calming both body and soul.
In July, the BioArt Campus launches in Seeham, just outside Salzburg. Visitors to the world’s first ‘organic competence centre’ can learn about organic cooking, sustainable gardening and the latest green technology, and shop for sustainable, organic and ethically produced gifts and mementos.
For a complete immersion in sustainability, try the Lungau, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve boasting Europe’s largest continuous pine forest and the highest concentration of mountain lakes.
For 2022, the BE.GENUINE summer initiative invites visitors to a complete digital detox. Rustic farms, guest houses and remote Alpine retreats with no mobile phone signal offer a complete escape.
Get close to nature hunting for herbs and watching wildlife from hides. Yoga workshops, Kneipp sessions in the forest, and courses in bread-making and smoking fish and meat are all there to help guests unwind.
Throughout 2022, SalzburgerLand will present more than 4,000 cultural events.
* Explore the beautiful Baroque Salzburg City, celebrating 25 years as a UNESCO World Heritage site, by bike or on foot. Staging music, art and theatre across the city, The Salzburg Festival runs from 18 July to 31 August
* Enjoy Gastein Valley’s Klassic:Sommer presenting classical concerts in extraordinary locations from spa or forest to mountain plateau
* Now in its 42nd year, Saalfelden’s International Jazz Festival runs from 18-21 August
* SalzburgerLand’s official summer launch party on 12 June is hosted this year by Wolfgangsee, with traditional musicians, Alpine dancing, local cuisine and pop-up artisan craft stalls
* Weekly son et lumière shows in a breathtaking lakeside setting at Zell am See
Many villages offer deals for visitors who leave the car behind, providing mobility cards for free use of mountain railways (powered by 100% green electricity). Seek out the special offers on car-free holidays in the Alpine Pearl locations, Werfenweng as well as access to free local travel in Neukirchen am Grossvenediger
Purchase the SalzburgerLand card to visit 180 must-see attractions, enjoy discounts on many more, and use public transport free of charge. Valid from 1 May to 26 October (downloadable phone app available), 6-day and 12-day cards are €82 and €98 per adult respectively (discounts for children).
There is a wide variety of holiday deals on offer throughout the summer in SalzburgerLand with prices from €99 per person for a 3-night stay in Bruch or Fusch – at the base of the Grossglockner, based on 2 sharing B&B, including the Holiday Bonus Card (numerous discounts on attractions and excursions in the vicinity) and valid to 31 October 2022.
For more information and for reservations go to: salzburgerLand.com
Categories: Austria