Radstadt: The Old Town in the Mountains
Radstadt, often hailed as the "Old Town in the Mountains," is a rare gem in the Salzburgerland region. Unlike many purpose-built ski resorts, Radstadt is a living historical monument, located at a strategic crossroads and welcoming travelers since Roman times.
A glimpse into history
Founded in 1289, Radstadt was established by the Archbishops of Salzburg as a fortified town to guard the trade routes over the Tauern Pass.
The city walls: It is one of the few cities where the medieval city walls and towers are almost completely intact.
Strategic hub: Its name (literally "Wheel City") comes from its historical role as a hub for the salt trade, where carts and wheels were the lifeblood of the economy.
Peasants' War: In 1526, the city's sturdy walls famously withstood a massive siege by 5,000 peasants, granting the citizens special privileges from the archbishop.
Description and accommodation
Radstadt offers a sophisticated blend of medieval atmosphere and modern luxury. The town centre is characterised by narrow cobbled streets, Gothic churches and colourful facades.
When planning your stay, you'll find a wide range of luxury holiday homes. For those seeking privacy, there are several luxury villas tucked away on the hillsides with panoramic views of the Dachstein massif. If you prefer to stay closer to the town's history, many renovated historic buildings now house exclusive apartments and boutique holiday flats that combine rustic wooden beams with elegant, modern facilities. Many villas in the area also cater specifically to groups, with private saunas and ski-in/ski-out access in the winter months.
Activities & Nature
Radstadt is a two-season paradise, serving as a gateway to the Ski Amadé network.
Winter: Home to the Königslehenbahn, which takes you to the Radstadt-Altenmarkt ski area. It boasts the longest illuminated toboggan run in Salzburgerland (6 km). You can also enjoy cross-country skiing or romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Summer: The Rossbrand mountain is the local star, reachable on foot or by car. From the 1,768-meter peak, you get a "360-degree panorama" of 150 Alpine peaks.
Golf: Radstadt Golf Club has the world's only "Golf Gondola" (Birdie Jet), which transports players and their bags up the mountain to the 13th tee.
Typical foods (Alpine delicacies)
The local cuisine is hearty and designed to nourish mountain explorers.
Radstädter Kasnocken: Small dumplings fried in a pan with spicy mountain cheese and topped with caramelized onions.
Bauernschmaus: A "farmer's feast" that usually consists of smoked meats, sausages, fried pork, sauerkraut and bread dumplings.
Radstädter Knödl: The city even has its own dumpling festival, celebrating all variations from savory bacon to sweet apricot.
Salzburger Nockerl: For dessert, try this airy, soufflé-like mountain-shaped treat that represents the peaks of Salzburg.
Festivals and Tradition
Radstadt takes its culture seriously and often dresses up in traditional Dirndl and Lederhosen.
Radstadt Dumpling Festival (August): A huge outdoor long table where dozens of different dumpling varieties are served.
Medieval Market: Held in the summer, the town returns to its 13th-century roots with jugglers, knights and traditional craft markets.
Harvest Festival (Bauernherbst): A celebration of the cattle drive down from the mountain pastures with traditional music and crafts.
Christmas Market: One of the most atmospheric in the region, with the town's illuminated towers as a backdrop.
Natural highlights
The area around the town offers unique natural experiences all year round. The Tauern Mountains have rugged peaks that offer everything from gentle family hikes to technical climbing. For cycling enthusiasts, the Enns River is ideal for scenic cycling along the Enns Cycle Path. In early summer, the alpine meadows around Radstadt are transformed into a vibrant sea of ??gentian and alpine rose.