Property in Maria Alm
The village consists of several key areas, each with unique property options. At the heart of Maria Alm lies the traditional village centre, characterised by its car-free streets, local shops, restaurants, and the iconic church with Austria’s longest spire.
This property market in the centre is dominated by hauptwohnsitz (main residence) apartments and newer modern luxury apartments but for touristic use.
The hillside areas surrounding the village features many of the large chalets and penthouses with spectacular views of the Hochkönig mountain range.
Anything within walking distance of the ‘Naturn’ mountain and the ‘Naturnbahn’ gondola will command a significant price premium.
The nearby districts of Hintermoos and Hinterthal are also popular second home destinations and also part of the Hochkonig ski region.
Here you are most likely to find a second home (Zweitwohnsitz) chalet for sale since much of the land in Hintermoos was designated for second homes many years ago.
There are also a few apartment residences in ski-in ski-out location as you ski down into Hintermoos. Many of these are also designated Zweitwohnsitz and you will often find a swimming pool in the basement. Just be prepared to renovate your apartment since many of these buildings date back to the 1970s.
The final two villages in the Hochkonig are Dienten and Mühlbach.
Dienten is a sleepy little village with another iconic church overlooking it all. There has been very little development here and the supply or property very limited. The village attracts families with young children who want to be close to the piste and don’t need the infrastructure of a larger resort.
Slightly bigger, Mühlbach has recently seen the opening of a new Alpen Parks residence in the centre of the village. Although sold out on completion in 2021, it is possible to find the odd resale apartment for sale. Expect to pay from EUR 350,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment.
Larger chalets sit on the hillside where you get the most sunshine and south-facing views. Again, it is often possible to find a rare Zweitwohnsitz chalet here or possibly one with permission for touristic use. If you do find a chalet for sale, expect to pay from EUR 1.5m.
The recent opening of the Sonnbergbhn means that the Hochkönig ski region is now fully joined up and it is possible to ski all the way from Maria Alm's to Mühlbach. This has significantly enhanced the area’s appeal to international buyers.
This development, along with a strong summer tourism market has made Maria Alm and the surrounding villages an increasingly popular choice for property investment.
Prices vary depending on location with central Maria Alm being the most sought after with large luxury chalets now commanding prices of EUR 3m+.
Hinterthal and Hintermoos are also popular with families looking for more space. Apartments here can be found from around EUR 350,000 with Zweitwohnsitz chalets available from EUR 1.5m.
Winter in Maria Alm
With natural snowfall averaging 250 cm annually and snowmaking coverage over 90% of the pistes, skiing conditions in Maria Alm are usually excellent from early December to mid-April.
The Hochkönig ski area, which Maria Alm is part of, has 120 kilometres of pistes with 34 modern lifts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, the varied runs, including the exhilarating 1 km-long Hochmaist descent, cater to all skill levels.
For those looking beyond traditional skiing, Maria Alm has many winter activities. Cross-country skiers can explore 40 kilometres of prepared trails, while others can enjoy snowshoeing, winter hiking, tobogganing on floodlit runs, or even gliding across the ice on skating rinks.
Night skiing is available several times a week on the Simmerl lift, and every Tuesday, the village hosts a night show featuring fireworks, torchlight processions, and thrilling freestyle performances.
For avid skiers, the Königstour circuit, a 32 km route traversing five summits and three villages, delivers unmissable panoramic views.
Maria Alm also celebrates the winter with a variety of cultural and festive events. December brings charming Christmas markets and holiday traditions, while March sees the Alpine Craft Festival, combining music, homemade beer, and delicious Austrian cuisine.
Summer in Maria Alm
The warm months transform Maria Alm into an outdoor playground with 340 kilometres of well-marked hiking trails. Mountain bikers can tackle scenic trails, including the demanding 74-kilometer "Königsweg" route.
Prinzenberg Natrun, Maria Alm’s summer highlight, is an adventure mountain that features a forest slide park with stainless steel slides, a forest ropes course reaching heights of up to 14 meters, and the "Flow One" trail. Which is perfect for mountain bikers seeking an exhilarating ride. You can also visit the wildlife enclosure, home to red deer, mouflons, and alpacas.
There is an outdoor swimming pool, complete with a 40-meter slide, and nearby, the serene Ritzensee Lake offers a picturesque spot for relaxation and leisurely swims, surrounded by alpine scenery.
Maria Alm boasts an 18-hole golf course in Urslautal, set against a stunning mountain backdrop. Visitors can also enjoy tennis, minigolf, horseback riding, paragliding, and climbing, ensuring there's something for every thrill-seeker.
The village hosts an array of cultural and traditional events, including the Hochkönig Trailrunning Festival in June, the enchanting Summer Solstice Fire on June 24, and the Hochkönig Roas folk music festival in July.
The season culminates in late August with the renowned Saalfelden Jazz Festival and the start of the Farmer’s Autumn Festival, which runs through October.
Families will find plenty of attractions tailored for younger adventurers. The adventure playground at Mount Natrun and the Schlawutzel-Kinderbaumweg (children's tree path) provide endless entertainment. With the Hochkönig Card, families can enjoy free rides on the Natrunbahn cable car, making it easy to access the village’s best summer spots.
