Alongside the Lech and the upper Isar in the Karwendel valley, the upper Salza is the most beautiful whitewater river in Austria. The Salza valley is almost uninhabited, the river without any hydraulic engineering works. For stand-up paddlers, the upper section is sporty and ideal for training. Race pro Peter Bartl therefore loves the route from Klausgraben through the Salzaschlucht gorge. The rock faces rise directly out of the river. If you are in the region for longer, you can also cycle to Wildalpen after the reservoir (16 km, WW II-III). Bartl's training route (only for absolute experts) goes from Wildalpen to the lower reservoir (22 km, WW II-III+).
Approach:Via Salzburg, continue south on the Pyhrn motorway to the Zwirtnersee exit, Ardning, continue east to Altenmarkt and Palfau. Camping:Naturfreunde-Campingplatz in Wildalpen or Camping Wildalpen ( www.camping-wildalpen.at ).
Country AustriaDifficulty Upgrades/ExpertsTrafficable Spring/after rainTour suggestion Klausgraben - reservoir (15 km, WW I-II)
