My Favorite Escape from Salzburg on Days Off

One of the most common questions I get from guests on my tours is: “Where do you go on your day off?” It’s a fair question. After all, I spend my workdays guiding visitors through Salzburg’s historic old town, the Lake District, Hallstatt, and even up to the Eagle’s Nest. While these places are postcard-perfect (and I genuinely love showing them to others), they’re also buzzing with tourists nearly all year round.

So when I get a free day to myself, I seek something different - quiet, authentic, and restorative. For me, there’s only one direction, south into the Alps, just a scenic 1 to 1.5-hour drive from Salzburg. One of my favorite places is Filzmoos.

Nestled in the mountains, Filzmoos is a charming alpine village that feels worlds away from the tour buses and selfie sticks. Traditional wooden houses line the streets. Many family-run guesthouses offer warm hospitality that’s hard to find elsewhere.

In winter, Filzmoos transforms into a relaxed, family-friendly ski resort, ideal for beginners and children, as well as perfect for those seeking a peaceful day on the cross-country trails without the high-speed chaos of larger ski areas.

But my favorite time to visit is from June to October, when the hiking trails are open and the alpine meadows are in full bloom. The walk up to the Hofpürglhütte is one of my all-time favorites - with panoramic views, crisp mountain air, and, of course, a slice of homemade strudel at the top. 

So no, you won’t find me in Hallstatt on my day off. But if you head toward Filzmoos, you just might catch me breathing deeply, boots on the trail, recharging in the place that keeps me grounded and grateful to call this corner of Austria home.

Tags: Private Active Tours in Salzburg, Decent hike on the Ice Caves Tour, Hike in the Bavarian Alps, Grossglockner Panorama Road, Travel Tips for Visiting Austria