From Salzburg Rott along the Saalach to Grünau

A round thing: the Saalach, the wildlife, and the visitors have more space again.

Von Christian Heugl

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From Salzburg Rott along the Saalach to Grünau

The fastest route to this destination

From Salzburg Rott along the Saalach to Grünau

A straight river hike that, thanks to the renaturation measures of the Saalach, takes smaller bends after all.

The hike shows the country’s second-longest river, the Saalach, from very different perspectives. Right at the beginning of the route in the Rott district, the river presents itself as a reliable energy supplier. The renovated power plant can supply around 8,500 households with green electricity with the generated 27.5 million kilowatt hours. Roughly 1,100 years earlier, the river was an important transport route for salt from the Reichenhall saltworks.  Nearly 2,000 years ago, Roman road engineers built a bridge over the Saalach, which they needed for their important connection between Lake Constance and Vienna. The location is assumed to be at the point where the newly created widening of the riverbed begins. Here, relaxing gravel banks have now formed, ideal for a foot bath in the river. Brand new is the Siezenheimer Steg, which was installed in a spectacular crane operation. Shortly after, the hike ends just past the Hammerauer Steg in Grünau.  

moderate

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1h 45min

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6.47 km

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Stroller-friendly

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A to B

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Wals-Siezenheim

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Seasons

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Icon Sonne
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Directions

From the Salzburg Saalbrücke bus stop (bus 24), the path leads to the power plant Rott a few meters away and stays on the narrow towpath until the railway bridge. The small settlement is bypassed; then the route follows the river course again for the next 5 km. This time on a wide riverside path, also used by cyclists. After 1 km, the first renaturation measures begin, which simultaneously serve flood protection, biodiversity, and people's recreational needs. It will take some time for vegetation and river dynamics to adapt to the new conditions, but the direction is right. Those who wish can cross sides after another kilometer via the Siezenheimer Steg and return 2.5 km later over the Hammerauer Steg back to Salzburg territory. A few meters later, the route branches left to the inviting Grünauer Wirt (open daily from 11 a.m.); the bus stop (line 181) is located directly opposite. 

Information & contact

www.wals-siezenheim.com, www.gruenauerhof.at   

Mag. Christian Heugl

5400 Hallein  

christian.heugl@gmail.com

Photo credit: Christian Heugl

By public transport

By bus 24 to Salzburg Saalbrücke. Return by bus 181 from Wals Gasthaus Grünau.

Timetable information and download: Online at www.salzburg-verkehr.at or on your smartphone via the free Salzburg Verkehr app for Android and iOS.

Route profile

All content has been researched by the editorial team to the best of their knowledge. However, the editorial team of Salzburger Verkehrsverbund GmbH cannot guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information provided. We kindly ask you to verify the details when planning your trip, as opening hours, admission prices, or other information may change. Any liability claims against the editorial team or Salzburger Verkehrsverbund GmbH relating to material or non-material damages arising from the use of the information provided, or from the use of incorrect or incomplete information, are generally excluded.