No list of Salzburg running tracks can be complete without mentioning Hellbrunn alley, a 2.5-kilometre long path constructed in 1615 connecting Nonntal with the Hellbrunn castle, which grew popular among runners all year long.
When I lived in Nonntal a few years ago, it also became my favourite running playground. Our apartment was at a relatively busy street (for Salzburg standards), but as with almost any place in Austria cross the street, walk a couple of metres. Suddenly, you are amidst nothing but trees and open fields this case, Hellbrunn alley.
Along the gravel path are some beautiful, traditional buildings like Frohnburg castle, where you can hear students practising their instruments as the University of Music and Dramatic Arts (Mozarteum) currently uses the building.
At the end of the alley, surrounded by one of Salzburg’s most beautiful parks, lies Hellbrunn castle. This area offers more variety of running opportunities (like uphill on the Hellbrunn “mountain”).
The cool thing about this running course is, that the options to extend it are countless: along the Salzach river to Rif (or Hallein), passing the Salzburg zoo to Anif, or through Gneis and Leopoldskron back along the Almkanal to name just a few. 25k+ almost entirely on paths and minor roads through beautiful landscapes? No problem!