Discover Laufen

Across the Europasteg bridge between Laufen and Oberndorf

The Europasteg is a 131.2-metre-long bridge for pedestrians and cyclists. It crosses the Salzach between Laufen and Oberndorf in Austria; the national border is marked on the bridge. Since 2006, the bridge at the site of the original bridge has once again connected Laufen’s Lower Town with Alt-Oberndorf. The crossing is therefore both a tangible part of local history and a way to cross the river on a cross-border route.

The Salzach and its bend also feature in the trails around Laufen, though in different ways. One hike follows the riverbank downstream and crosses the Europasteg; another follows the Salzach through riparian woodland and returns through glacial Nagelfluh conglomerate. If you are considering a holiday apartment in Laufen, you can decide whether this combination of Old Town, river landscape and excursions suits your holiday.

Hiking: Castle loop and Artists’ Trail

The circular hike to Triebenbach Castle starts and ends in Laufen. It is 11.8 kilometres long, takes 3.5 hours and is rated easy. The route follows the Salzach through lush riparian woodland; the return to Laufen passes through glacial Nagelfluh conglomerate. The distance and duration provide practical guidance for planning your day, while the woodland and rock formations characterise the landscape along the route.

The Artists’ Trail has a different focus. It follows the Salzach riverside path downstream, crosses the Salzach bend to the Europasteg and then returns to the starting point through the town park. Park benches along the trail bear the names of Laufen artists. Thus, the route is characterised not only by the river and the edge of town, but also by these named tributes to artists from Laufen.

For another route, the Pilgrims’ Way is a separate option: it starts and ends at the Salzachhalle in Laufen. Together with the two circular hikes, this offers routes with different named starting points and described courses, without combining them into a single tour.

Old Town, church and collegiate treasure

In the Old Town, the Old Town Hall, with its Baroque façade, is one of the special sights. The parish and collegiate church of the Assumption of Mary offers a different perspective on the town’s architectural history. It is considered the oldest Late Gothic hall church in southern Germany. Its three naves, all of equal height, are supported by massive pillars that hold up the vaulted roof.

The church and cloister contain nearly 200 marble epitaphs dating from the 14th to the early 19th century. Their number and the long period they span give a visit a distinct cultural and historical focus. A guided tour of the parish and collegiate church ends with a visit to the collegiate treasure. The church building, the epitaphs and the treasure are therefore distinct aspects of Laufen’s cultural history.

Cycling towards Salzburg

Laufen is also a starting point for a cycling tour: the route from Laufen to Salzburg can follow the well-signposted Mozart Cycle Route throughout. If you are considering Laufen as a travel destination, you can weigh up a cycling tour, hikes and exploring the Old Town. Deciding which of these to focus on can help you choose a holiday destination and a suitable holiday apartment.

Other places to research: Bischofswiesen, Teisendorf, Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden, Eck, Piding, Ainring, Saaldorf-Surheim and Bad Reichenhall.

For the broader travel overview: Berchtesgadener Land.