Werfenweng and surroundings
The Konrad Deubler Heim is situated on the outskirts of the village centre of Werfenweng, at the foot of the Tennengebirge mountains, in the heart of the Austrian region of Salzburg.
Werfenweng is located on a sunny, south-facing plateau at an altitude between 900 and 1,000 metres. Access is readily available both by car (6 km from the motorway) and by train (10 km from the Bischofshofen/Werfen Intercity stations). The village has a population of approximately 1100 residents.
Nonetheless, Werfenweng is perceived as being far removed from the everyday bustle of modern life. A charming village centre is complemented by a variety of hotels, while numerous small hamlets with huts, farms, and guesthouses are distributed across the plateau. Facilities for tourists are well provided for: the village centre provides an ATM, a grocery store, a sports shop, and the tourist information office.
In addition, a range of restaurants, a pizzeria, and a patisserie are available. For après-ski, facilities are provided by the Liftstübert, the Stroblhaus, and the “Schirmbarren” at the two valley stations of the gondolas. Although these venues are not large in scale, they are widely regarded as highly enjoyable.
Both in summer and in winter, Werfenweng offers abundant opportunities for an excellent holiday.
Summer activities
Walking
Werfenweng is a fantastic place for walking. The valley may be explored along the Spazierhimmel trails, or at higher elevations high into the mountains. There are also two cable cars as well as charming mountain and alpine huts where refreshments may be enjoyed.
Cycling
The beautiful Almenrunde is the only mountain bike route in Werfenweng connecting with the St. Martin routes. The Tauernradweg runs through the Salzach Valley. Werfenweng is also a great starting point for road cycling and gravel biking routes. Bikes can be rented at Sport Werfenweng.
Swimming
A lovely swimming lake is just a 5-minute walk from the Konrad Deubler Heim. The brand-new Family Spa features a 20-metre outdoor pool and various children’s pools and saunas. The popular Therme Amadé is located in Altenmarkt and includes several water slides, including a looping slide.
Adventure
Adventurepark Dein Berg is located near the Werfenweng village gondola, featuring a mountain cart track, a climbing park and a zip line. Rafting on the Salzach is available in a nearby valley. The mountains around Werfenweng also offer excellent climbing opportunities.
Paragliding
The Bischling is regarded as one of Austria’s premier paragliding mountains. The cable car makes an ascent of 900 metres in a single journey, reaching an altitude of 1,834 metres. Take-off is possible directly from the Bischling mountain restaurant. In Werfenweng, aaParagliding school is available where instruction can be received or tandem flights can be arranged.
Excursions
Two major attractions near Werfenweng are the Eisriesenwelt and the Burg Hohenwerfen. The spectacular Liechtensteinklamm lies just beyond and the old town of Salzburg is easily accessible by public transportation.
Winter activities
Alpine skiing & snowboarding
Werfenweng has a ski resort with 2 gondola lifts, 2 chairlifts and 5 T-bar lifts. There are 29 km of slopes, and the Kids Snowpark has everything children need to learn to ski and snowboard. The resort is particularly well-suited to families and groups, with prices that are still very reasonable. Those looking for more can head to one of the nearby resorts in the Ski Amadé area.
Cross-country skiing
The Werfenweng plateau splits into the two valleys of Wengerau and Zaglau. A cross-country ski trail runs from the village centre into both valleys. The Wengerau trail in particular offers stunning scenery. Together, they cover a distance of 14 km and are suitable for both classic and skating styles.
Ski touring, snowshoeing and winter walking
Excellent off-piste opportunities are also available in the area. Tour skiing may be undertaken via the designated ascent to the Bischling, with the descent made along the piste, or excursions may be made into more remote terrain to destinations such as the Elmaualm, Frommerkogel, Korein, and Eiskogel. Snowshoeing through the forest and across the open plains can likewise be enjoyed. For those seeking a more leisurely pace, the winter walking trails are also available.
Horse-drawn sleigh
The winter landscape of Werfenweng may also be experienced from a horse-drawn sleigh. A pleasant excursion to the Wengerau can be taken from the village centre, where refreshments may be enjoyed at the Wengerau Alm.
Tobogganing
Tobogganing is also available at various locations in Werfenweng. A dedicated toboggan run is provided for children. A fast descent with banked bends may be enjoyed on the Köpfl-Flitzer, with access provided by the village gondola. Toboggans may be rented at Gasthof Tennenblick, which also provides a run by the same name. It is hoped that the 7 km-long toboggan run from Strussing will also reopen in the near future.
Excursions
Various Christmas markets can be visited from early December until New Year’s Eve, such as those at Burg Hohenwerfen, Hellbrunn, the old town of Salzburg or Berchtesgaden. Even without the Christmas markets, these are lovely places to visit. There is also a skimuseum in Werfenweng itself.