Bischofshofen combines a long-distance ore trail with cultural and natural attractions. The Erzweg is about 60 kilometres long; an easy walk starts in the centre and leads to Buchberg Church. Other highlights include Gainfeld Waterfall, just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, cycling routes and sports facilities. This gives you a specific question to consider when planning: would you like to focus your stay on mining history, a local walking trail, cycling or sports?

The Erzweg and mining history

The Erzweg connects Hüttau, Bischofshofen, Mühlbach am Hochkönig and St. Veit im Pongau. Along the slope of Buchberg, it leads to Bischofshofen and the visitor centre of the Erz der Alpen UNESCO Global Geopark. The centre is located in the area of the Paul Außerleitner ski jump; admission is free. In a joint exhibition, the four towns present prehistoric and historical ore mining. This brings together a route through several municipalities and a clearly defined cultural theme.

Buchberg Church and the waterfall

Buchberg Church is a late-medieval filial church built above the Salzach Valley. An easy walk starts at the tennis courts right in the centre of Bischofshofen, passes the St. Rupert Mission House and continues to the church. The starting point and landmarks make the route easy to follow; the church’s historical context and location above the Salzach Valley give it a distinct cultural significance. Unlike the Erzweg, this walk leads from the town centre to a named destination, while the Erzweg connects four municipalities.

Gainfeld Waterfall plunges 50 metres and is just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre. It offers a different focus from the church and the geopark centre: here, the main attraction is a natural site close to the centre. The details about the waterfall’s height and walking distance help you put this stop in context alongside the cultural and historical attractions.

Cycling and other routes

The leisure area in Bischofshofen is the starting point for several cycling and walking routes. The international Alpe-Adria Cycle Path is a separate route: it passes through Bischofshofen and connects Salzburg with Grado on the Italian Adriatic coast. The two details answer different questions for your planning. The leisure area is a starting point for several routes; the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path places Bischofshofen on a route connecting the named cities.

Sports and getting there

Sepp (Buwi) Bradl Stadium is known for hosting the annual final of the Four Hills Tournament. If this event is a deciding factor for your trip, check the event date in advance. Bischofshofen adventure pool has an adventure pool with a water slide, a lazy river and a water mushroom, as well as a swimming and diving pool and an area for small children.

Bischofshofen lies about 50 kilometres south of Salzburg and is easy to reach by plane, car, train, bus or bicycle. The railway station offers regular train connections to Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vienna and Graz. If you’re travelling by train, it’s a good idea to check the timetable for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Sankt Johann Im Pongau, Mandling, Feuersang, Karteis, Bad Gastein, Altenmarkt Im Pongau, Dorfgastein, Goldegg

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