Wagrain is a market town in the St. Johann im Pongau District in the Austrian state of Salzburg. It is located in a high valley stretching from the Salzach at Sankt Johann in the west to the Enns river in the east. The municipality includes the Katastralgemeinden Hof, Hofmarkt, Schwaighof and Vorderkleinarl.
Winter (Dec–March) ❄️: Excellent for skiing, snowboarding, snow fun
Summer (June–September) ☀️: Ideal for hiking, biking, and family nature holidays
Spring & Autumn: Quiet, budget-friendly, beautiful colors 🌸🍁
From Salzburg:
~1–1.5 hours by car or bus
Train to St. Johann im Pongau, then local bus/taxi (~20 mins)
From Vienna:
~4.5 hours by train + bus
By Air:
Salzburg Airport (SZG) – ~70 km from Wagrain
Ski Amadé Region – Part of one of Europe’s largest ski areas 🎿
Grafenberg & Flying Mozart Gondolas – Scenic lifts with great views and access to trails/lifts
WAGRAINi's Grafenberg – Summer mountain adventure park for kids & families
Wasserwelt Wagrain – Indoor/outdoor waterpark with slides, pools & saunas 💧
Jägersee Lake (nearby Kleinarl) – Crystal-clear mountain lake ideal for walks and picnics 🦆
Edelweissalm & Alpine huts – Authentic Austrian food with mountain views 🧀🥖
Bike Park Wagrain – Downhill action for MTB lovers 🚴♂️
Snow Space Salzburg – Direct connection to Flachau & Alpendorf ski areas
Stille Nacht Museum – Learn about the origin of "Silent Night" (nearby in Mariapfarr)
Parish Church of Wagrain – Peaceful, historic local landmark
Skiing & snowboarding for all levels – family slopes to freeride zones
Take a mountain cable car ride and hike alpine trails
E-bike tours & mountain biking – great trails in summer
Horse-drawn sleigh rides in winter ❄️
Enjoy a spa day – many hotels offer saunas, pools, and massage
Alpine dining at a rustic hut – try hearty Styrian or Salzburg dishes
Sledding/tobogganing for kids and adults alike
Attend a folk event or village festival (especially in summer)
Luxury:
Hotel Wagrainerhof – Wellness, indoor pool, central
Almmonte Sensum Suites – Chic, alpine-modern, next to the lifts
Mid-range:
Hotel Edelweiss – Family-friendly, close to slopes
Hotel Enzian – Cozy rooms and great food
Budget:
Jugendhotel Markushof – Great for groups & youth
Apartments & Gasthäuser – Local-run lodges with charm
Must-try dishes:
Kaspressknödel – Cheese dumplings
Brettljause – Cold platter of meats, cheese, pickles 🧀
Schlutzkrapfen – Local pasta filled with herbs and cheese
Apfelstrudel or Kaiserschmarrn for dessert 🍎🍰
Top spots to eat:
Almmonte 96 – Modern Alpine cuisine with flair
Gasthof Kogelalm – Mountain hut with traditional food
Bosek’s Salt & Sugar – Trendy café-bistro for light meals and sweets
Kuhstall Alm – Après-ski and hearty food with a view
Riverside – Chill place for burgers, pizza, and drinks
Wagrain is a traditional Alpine village with warm hospitality and strong farming roots
Locals are proud of their music, nature, and seasonal festivals
Expect to hear folk music, see locals in lederhosen or dirndls at events 🎶
It’s a family-focused destination, but also ideal for nature lovers, couples, and wellness seekers
Very eco-friendly and active lifestyle – hiking, skiing, biking are a way of life here