Lungau is the Salzburg region most people drive past on the A10 — which is exactly why it still feels like Austria before the crowds.
The short version
A high sunny plateau (about 1,000–1,100 m) ringed by the Tauern ranges: quiet villages, moor lakes, one proper castle, and ski areas where lift queues are a rumor.
Where to base yourself
Mariapfarr — one of Austria’s sunniest villages, central to everything, and home to Samspitze 2, a practical family apartment.
First-visit priorities
- Prebersee lakeside loop
- Burg Mauterndorf
- A mountain day (Grosseck-Speiereck in summer, Fanningberg in winter)
- Coffee on the Tamsweg Marktplatz
FAQ
Where is Lungau?
Lungau is the southernmost region of Salzburg state, Austria — a high sunny plateau around 1,000–1,100 m, reached via the Tauern motorway (A10) or the Obertauern and Katschberg passes.
How many days do you need in Lungau?
A long weekend (3 days) covers a lake, a castle, and a village. A full week lets you add mountain days and slow days without repeating yourself.
What is Lungau known for?
Sunshine records, the Silent Night connection in Mariapfarr, moor lakes like Prebersee, medieval Mauterndorf castle, UNESCO Samson processions, and uncrowded family ski areas.