Why Lungau: UNESCO Biosphere in the Austrian Alps

Planning an alpine holiday often forces a compromise: you either choose a famous mega-resort with top-tier infrastructure but suffer overcrowded slopes, concrete-heavy valleys, and inflated prices — or you seek a remote village, sacrificing modern comforts along the way. Salzburger Lungau proves there is a superior third option. Recognized as one of Austria's best-preserved secrets, this high-altitude region combines state-of-the-art winter and summer infrastructure with an unblemished natural landscape, entirely free from the mass commercialization of Tyrol or Arlberg.

Tucked between the Radstadt Tauern range to the north and the Nockberge mountains to the south, the Lungau rests on a sun-drenched plateau shielded from harsh northwest winds and low cloud bands. This unique geographical advantage yields an above-average number of sunshine hours, making a Salzburger Lungau holiday a reliable choice year-round. Whether you are searching for a modern holiday apartment in Tamsweg as a base for high-altitude trekking or premium accommodation in Lungau for an extended winter break with your family, the region delivers uncompromised quality.

The pristine nature here is not just a marketing claim — it is legally protected under international law. In 2012, UNESCO officially designated the region as a Biosphere Reserve. Together with the neighboring Carinthian Nockberge, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Salzburger Lungau forms the largest protected reserve of its kind in Austria. This title is awarded exclusively to model regions that demonstrate exemplary sustainable development, balancing ecological conservation with responsible tourism and centuries-old cultural heritage.

The area owes its ecological diversity to an extreme elevation gradient. Spanning from roughly 600 meters above sea level along the valley floor to towering 3,000-meter peaks in the Central Eastern Alps, the Lungau exhibits a complete continuum of alpine ecosystems. Hikers encounter lush mountain meadows, sensitive peat bogs, ancient pine forests, and crystal-clear tarns. For guests, this status guarantees an unpolluted environment where nature is actively preserved rather than artificially staged. An alpine holiday in the Lungau brings you directly into a sanctuary of global ecological importance.

To maximize your stay, understanding the local layout is essential. The region comprises 15 distinct municipalities centered around Tamsweg — the historic, economic, and logistical hub of the valley. Distances between valley ends and ski lifts are notable, making location a pivotal factor when booking your apartment in Lungau. Choosing a centrally located base ensures you can reach all major alpine entry points in 15 to 30 minutes.

The region thrives on two equally strong seasons. In summer, the protected high plateau converts into one of Austria's most versatile outdoor sports arenas. Featuring over 1,200 kilometers of marked hiking trails and 480 kilometers of officially approved mountain bike routes, it accommodates every performance level. A defining feature is the collection of more than 60 glacial mountain lakes, including the famous Lake Preber (Prebersee) at 1,514 meters above sea level, renowned for its dark, peat-rich waters and unique microclimate.

In winter, the valley transforms into a snow-reliable skiing paradise. Following the launch of the unified LUNGO WinterCard for the 2025/26 season, regional ski passes are fully streamlined. A single ticket unlocks 250 verified kilometers of slopes serviced by 59 modern lifts. The pass covers four main resorts — Obertauern, Katschberg-Aineck, Grosseck-Speiereck, and Fanningberg — plus several local practice lifts. Beyond downhill skiing, winter visitors enjoy 150 kilometers of groomed cross-country tracks and 200 kilometers of cleared winter walking paths.

The Lungau's authentic character stems from its deeply rooted local traditions. Here, culture is not a performance for tourists, but a lived reality. The most famous tradition is the procession of the Samson Giants. These towering wooden and canvas figures, carried through the streets by a single bearer, represent biblical themes and are unique to specific villages like Mauterndorf, Muhr, and Sankt Andrä. This tradition is officially enshrined in UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

This commitment to authenticity extends into local hospitality. Instead of large, impersonal hotel complexes, the valley is dominated by family-run guesthouses and apartments. In local inns and alpine huts, menus showcase regional produce — such as the Lungauer Eachtling (a protected local potato variety of exceptional quality) and fresh game from surrounding forests. When booking your holiday in Lungau, you step into a genuine, welcoming mountain community.

Explore the region across all seasons and plan your specific routes with our dedicated guides for Summer in the Lungau as well as the perfect Ski Holiday in the Lungau.

For further official information about the region, visit:

Salzburger Lungau Tourist Board — lungau.at

Austrian UNESCO Commission — unesco.at