Salzach River

Location: Near Salzburg, Austria

The whitewater rafting section of the Salzach River runs between the towns of Taxenbach and Schwarzach. Other nearby towns include Zell am See, Saalbach Hinterglemm, and St Johann. The river itself runs directly through Salzburg below the rafted section.

Level of Difficulty: Class III-IV and Class V / Intermediate – Advanced

The Salzach River is broken into several different sections for rafting:

Gries to Schwarzach: Class III-IV

This section provides 12 kilometers of beginner Class IV whitewater rafting. A little adventurous for a first-timer but definitely do-able. Kids 12 years and over are welcome by most outfitters.

Salzachöfen: Class V

Here the Salzach enters an extremely narrow, sheer-walled gorge. Partly because of the boulder-choked rapids and partly because of the commitment the gorge requires, this is a Class V stretch and is considered one of the more challenging to raft in Austria. Participants must be at least 18 years of age, physically fit, and be looking for some thrills!

The Canyon: Wide Powerful River Flowing Through Alpine Forests

The Salzach River Valley sits between two high mountains: Mönchsberg and Kapuzinerberg. Born in the glaciers of the Kitzbühel Alps, the Salzach’s water is a pure aqua blue color, a beautiful contrast to the dark green forests that line the river’s banks. The valley itself is the stuff of fairytales; distant waterfalls, green pastures, and castles are all part of the scenery.

Season: May through September

Rafting trips on the Salzach River are available throughout the summer.