Discover Mauterndorf: Castle, Trails and Lungau History

Mauterndorf combines a distinctive historic townscape with mountain scenery and a wide range of activities. Stepped-gable houses characterise the town at the foot of Mauterndorf Castle, while trails, cycling options, a museum collection and nostalgic train rides open up different travel ideas. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in the Lungau can choose between culture, activity and special excursions here, without having to commit to just one type of holiday.

Mauterndorf Castle and History in the Townscape

Mauterndorf Castle dates back to the 13th century and was formerly the summer residence of the prince-archbishops of Salzburg. Its history in the surrounding area goes back even further: Mauterndorf’s toll station was first mentioned in a document in 1002. An approximately one-kilometre circular trail leads around the castle through the grounds of the old palace park, offering its own opportunity to explore this historic place.

There are also different cultural highlights inside the castle. The 44-metre-high fortified tower offers views across the Lungau. The castle chapel contains a High Gothic fresco dating from around 1350. The chapel gallery has been accessible to visitors since 2018. The collection of the Lungau Landscape Museum can also be viewed in the castle. The museum covers customs, rural life, minerals and religions, thereby conveying various facets of the region. In summer, the opening hours of Mauterndorf Castle apply; in winter, the museum is closed.

The Samson figure is another part of local tradition. Mauterndorf is one of ten municipalities in the Salzburg Lungau with such a figure. In fine weather, Burgschenke Lungau serves regional specialities on a terrace overlooking the surrounding mountains. This adds a regional culinary option to a cultural stay.

Hiking, Walking and Cycling

Mauterndorf offers marked hiking and walking trails for active days. The range extends from an hour-long local circuit to excursions in the surrounding area. Grosseck-Speiereck is Mauterndorf’s local mountain and a hiking area in summer. From the valley, it can be reached on foot via several routes in around 2.5 hours or by cable car. Depending on the type of activity you prefer, you can therefore include a trail in the town or a mountain tour in your travel plans.

Cyclists will also find various options. Mauterndorf offers mountain bike, road bike and trekking tours. The Mur Cycle Path, also known as the Tour de Mur, begins in Mauterndorf. In winter, a 25-kilometre cross-country ski trail to Tweng/Lanschfeld starts at the campsite in Mauterndorf. The range of options makes the town interesting for travel plans that combine culture and activity or summer and winter experiences.

Special Excursions in the Lungau

The Taurach Railway offers nostalgic steam train rides through the Lungau from Mauterndorf to St. Andrä and back. Mauterndorf airfield provides a different perspective: it is the starting point for varied flight routes through the mountainous surroundings. Passengers can enjoy a special flying experience there; under the supervision of an experienced flight instructor, it is also possible to take the controls yourself.

When choosing your holiday apartment, you can therefore consider which travel ideas should shape your stay: a historic town with a castle and museum, marked trails for walks and hikes, cycling tours or an excursion on the Taurach Railway. The available options can be combined into a varied stay, without every day having to look the same.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to compare other places in the same region in addition to Mauterndorf, you will find Thomatal, Begöriach, Sankt Michael Im Lungau, Sankt Andrä Im Lungau, Zankwarn, Lessach, Schellgaden and Weißpriach here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Tamsweg.