Walchen: Cultural Landscape Trail, Salzach and History

Walchen combines an easy hike through the cultural landscape with scenic views, nature experiences along the Salzach and interesting traces of the past. Those planning a trip with children or wanting to combine different kinds of holiday activities will find plenty of specific options here: The Piesendorf Cultural Landscape Trail leads from Fürth via Piesendorf and Walchen to the viewpoint on the Naglköpfl. In addition, there is the Salzach between Walchen and Gries, as well as several cultural and historical features in and around Walchen.

Easy Hike to the Naglköpfl

The Piesendorf Cultural Landscape Trail is a short, easy hike without any major climbs. The route is suitable for children and can be walked almost all year round. This makes it possible to plan a hike without a long or particularly demanding ascent dictating the course of the day. The destination is the viewpoint on the Naglköpfl, which rises above Walchen and offers views across the Salzach Valley.

The route itself also offers special impressions. On the way to the Naglköpfl, a loggers’ bark hut has been reconstructed using original materials. For families, this is an illustrative addition to the landscape: the route leads not only to a viewpoint but also combines exercise with an insight into a traditional form of loggers’ life.

The Salzach and the Pinzgau Panorama

Those who enjoy adding another focus to their holiday can fish along the Salzach between Walchen and Gries over a distance of 17.8 km. This section is home to brown trout and grayling. At the same time, it offers views of the Pinzgau panorama. This creates a different way to spend the day than on the Cultural Landscape Trail: instead of a short hike, the focus is on time by the river. When planning your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether Walchen is of particular interest as a base for the hike, for the Salzach or for a combination of both.

Chapel, Castle and Farmhouse

There is also a chapel on the Naglköpfl dedicated to the four typical patron saints of the farming community: Saint Ambrose, Saint Joseph, Saint Leonard and Saint Hubert. The chapel provides another cultural point of reference for visitors who want to learn about regional history and religious traditions along the way.

The history of Walchen includes the first Walchen Castle. It was built in 1160 as the ancestral seat of the Lords of Walchen; today, only remnants of the walls remain. Walchen is also home to the large Vögeigut farmhouse, which once belonged to the “farmer kings” of the Pinzgau. Both sites give the village a historical dimension that differs from the natural experiences along the trail and river.

Orientation for Planning Your Trip

The Walchen stop is served by the Pinzgau Local Railway from both directions. From the stop, the route leads towards the village of Walchen. 50 m west of the church, the Bachweg branches off; from there, signs for the Cultural Landscape Trail point towards the Naglköpfl. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Walchen, you can therefore easily organise your holiday activities around your preferred days: an easy hike and scenic views, time by the Salzach or cultural and historical discoveries in the village.

More Destinations for Your Search

If you would like to compare other destination pages in addition to Walchen, you can find the direct selection here: Hinterthal, Lend, Dienten Am Hochkönig, Gumping, Viehhofen, Vorstanddorf, Lofer and Weißbach Bei Lofer.

To the higher-level travel overview: Zell Am See.