Woman trail running on rocky mountain path near a lake with snow-capped peaks in the background.
© SalzburgerLand Tourismus

Pushing It to the Limit

Trailrunning-Events im SalzburgerLand

Running over roots and rocks has a long tradition in the SalzburgerLand. Long before trail running became a trend, runners were already drawn to mountain paths and remote valleys here. Today, the SalzburgerLand is regarded as a true trail running paradise, attracting athletes from all over the world – not least thanks to spectacular events that set new standards year after year. Welcome to the Trail Running Year 2026.

Upcoming Events

Schwarzach Trail 16.05.2026

This year marks the 26th edition of the Schwarzach Trail, which takes place as part of the major Schwarzach Running Festival on May 24, 2025. Or rather, across the mountains. After all, participants in the K47 category must conquer 47 kilometres and four summit ascents before being rewarded with well-deserved cheers at the finish line. Things are a little more relaxed in the K15 category, though runners still face a demanding 15.6 kilometres of mountain running. In addition, the Schwarzach Trail offers a middle-distance race covering just under 33 kilometres with around 1,500 metres of elevation gain. There is also a team competition, with one runner competing in each category (K47, K33 and K15), and prizes awarded among all teams. Although the event continues to grow in popularity year after year, the organisers place great importance on preserving an authentic running experience while protecting the natural environment. For this reason, participation is limited to 250 athletes per category – so early registration is strongly recommended.

www.schwarzach-trail.at

mozart 100 23.05.2026

Immerse yourself in the natural rhythm of the Salzkammergut, where crystal-clear alpine lakes, iconic peaks, and centuries-old trails create a trail running experience like no other. Follow in Mozart’s footsteps through the breathtaking landscapes of Fuschlsee and Wolfgangsee, conquer legendary summits such as Schafberg and Zwölferhorn, and discover a race where culture, endurance, and alpine beauty come together in perfect harmony.

www.mozart100.com

Hochkönigman Trail Running Festival – 5–6 June 2026

Trail running under the toughest conditions, set against one of the most stunning backdrops in the alpine world – that’s one way to describe the Hochkönigman. And it’s true. Participants compete in nine different categories across a variety of courses, from the Kids Trail (0.5–1.5 km) and the Speed Trail (19.9 km, 1,020 m elevation) to the Endurance Trail (84.2 km, 5,030 m elevation), all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Hochkönig. The question is whether you can fully take in the panorama while pushing yourself to the limit. New to the program since 2024 are the K3 Panorama Trail (32.7 km, 2,052 m elevation) and the Raiffeisen Business Trail (3.6 km, 120 m elevation) on 30 May 2025 in Maria Alm. The latter focuses on teamwork – perfect for strengthening team spirit within your company as participants tackle the course in teams of three.

With the Hochkönig Skyrace (31.2 km, 2,580 m elevation), the Hochkönigman also serves as the first Austrian venue of the Skyrunner World Series, an international series where the world’s best skyrunners compete. Runners can choose which races to participate in.

www.hochkoenigman.run

Lungauer TAUERN KRONE Challenge – 27 June 2026

On 6 September 2025, the Salzburger Lungau will become the stage for an unstoppable new adventure in the heart of the mountains. The inaugural Lungauer TAUERN KRONE Challenge offers a variety of trail running and hiking routes that take you through scenic heights, over blooming alpine meadows, and up to picturesque summits.

One Event – Six Experiences! The Lungauer TAUERN KRONE Challenge combines trail running and hiking in a breathtaking mountain setting. Whether you choose the shorter panoramic route or tackle the longer trails with over 2,000 metres of elevation gain, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views and an unforgettable natural experience. Hikers are well catered for too! The Family & Leisure Tour leads from the picturesque Prebersee to the Preber Halterhütte and on to the Grazer Hütte, before returning at a relaxed pace. Whether as a team, a family, or an individual, this event will take you to new heights!

Lungauer Tauern Krone

Sanct Bernhard Sport Obertauern Trailrun Summit (OTS) | 10–12 July 2026

The advantages of a ski holiday in Obertauern, well known from winter, can also be perfectly transferred to trail running in summer. Thanks to its altitude of over 1,600 metres, Obertauern offers a unique ski-in/ski-out guarantee in winter – and a trail-in/trail-out guarantee in summer: straight from your bed onto high-alpine trails with a magnificent 360° panorama, without the need for a car. In winter, the SUPER SEVEN thrills skiers, while in summer – since 2024 – the OTS has been inspiring trail runners with routes that include 8 summits on the Trail Ultra, 2 summits on the Marathon Trail, and 1 summit on both the Short Trail and the Half Marathon Trail.

In winter, the family-friendly ski area of Obertauern offers slopes for all abilities and ages. In summer, the same applies to the many trails around Obertauern – and especially to the OTS, with its seven races ranging from 3 to 76 km.

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www.trailrun-summit.com

Grossglockner Ultra-Trail – 23–26 July 2026

At 3,798 metres, the Grossglockner is Austria’s highest mountain and, with its striking and imposing peak, the undisputed king of the Hohe Tauern. The Grossglockner ULTRA-TRAIL leads straight into the realm of this king – and is considered one of the toughest trail running races of all. Three federal states, seven valleys, six towns, past 14 glaciers and 300 peaks rising above 3,000 metres, 110 kilometres of distance and 6,500 metres of elevation gain – these are the conditions for one of the greatest adventures you can experience in trail running shoes in the Alps. For those not aiming to tackle the full distance, there are alternative routes ranging from 37 to 84 kilometres. In addition to Zell am See, the main hubs of the event include Kals am Grossglockner – where the children’s races “Mini GGUT” (1 km and 3.1 km) take place – as well as the Weißsee Glacier World, the starting point of the GGT55.

The five available distances are:

www.ultratrail.at

Runners climb a rocky trail by a turquoise alpine lake with snow-capped mountains in the background.

© SalzburgerLand Tourismus

Saalbach Trail & Skyrace – 15–16 August 2026

The Saalbach Trail & Skyrace takes place for the 11th time this year. And anyone familiar with the region knows that this is certainly not a leisurely run along the valley floor. Peak-rich running high into the airy alpine heights is a far more fitting description. Six races across various distances take athletes from summit to summit, pushing them to the very limits of endurance. The undisputed highlight is the 13 Summits Sky Marathon (47 km, 3,500 m elevation gain), but the 6 Summits Martini Skyrace (19 km, 2,100 m), 6 Summits Speed (16 km, 1,100 m), Soultrail (9 km, 450 m) and the Vertical Extreme (3.3 km, 1,000 m) are equally demanding. In addition, the 6 H Challenge offers a unique test: on the Vertical Extreme course, participants have six hours to rack up as many vertical metres as possible.

The seven available distances are:

 

www.saalbach.com

Mountainman Grossarltal – 28–29 August 2026

In the Valley of Alpine Pastures, breathtaking landscapes, stunning single trails, impressive peaks and ridges, as well as some of the most traditional and welcoming alpine huts await you – with refreshments provided along the way. Six routes ranging from 10 to 70 km, plus a kids’ trail.

The six available distances are:

 

Mountain Man

adidas TERREX INFINITE TRAILS in the Gastein Valley – 4–6 September 2026

There are many athletic challenges for trail runners, but at the adidas TERREX INFINITE TRAILS in Gastein, you’re not just running for yourself – you’re running for your team. In addition to the 100K Team Race, four distances for individual runners have been offered since 2024: the spectacular 60K Ultra crossing three Gastein peaks (5,000 m elevation gain), a 45K course corresponding to Team Loop L, a new 30K route, and the 15K loop, which – with 871 metres of elevation gain – is also suitable for trail running rookies. Participants are rewarded with fantastic views and an electrifying atmosphere.

Located on the edge of the Hohe Tauern National Park, Gastein is an impressive destination offering around 600 kilometres of hiking paths and trails. Majestic mountains and countless adventures are waiting to be discovered and experienced. The INFINITE TALK podcast and the episode Trailcation in Gastein provide fascinating insights into the trail running destination of Gastein.

Alpin Team Trail in Werfenweng | 26 September 2026

Trail running for a good cause – that’s what the Alpin Team Trail, a charity mountain running event, is all about. The Alpin Team Trail, or ATT for short, takes place every September in Werfenweng. Participants run through the breathtaking mountain scenery of the Tennengebirge, collecting not only kilometers but also an impressive amount of elevation gain. All proceeds from the ATT go directly to families in need.

The race is contested on two courses:

K23: 23 km with 1,523 m of elevation gain

K50: 52 km with 3,450 m of elevation gain

Salzburg Trailrunning Festival 23.10 – 25.10.2026

What a city has to do with trail running can be experienced in an impressive way at the Salzburg Trailrunning Festival. Over three days in October, the Mozart City offers everything a runner’s heart desires – from beginners to professionals. A variety of courses and races lead through the narrow streets of the provincial capital, over the city’s local mountains and all the way up to the Gaisberg. Discover the city from a completely different perspective than you may be used to. A worthy finale to the trail running season in SalzburgerLand.

www.trailrunning-festival.at

Silhouette of a person fell running with poles at sunset in the mountains.
GO OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Trail running offers the perfect opportunity to explore nature at its finest in SalzburgerLand.
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a group of people walking on a grassy hill
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What exactly is Trail Running? In SalzburgerLand "Trail Running" runners leave known terrain and switch to Alpine roads, forest trails and meadow paths.
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