All About Sports in Salzburgerland!
The Olympic Games are currently underway (August 2024). The entire sporting world has descended upon Paris to showcase their talents. Austria is also well represented with 81 athletes, but covering all the notable Austrian athletes in this blog would be too much. Therefore, we focus on athletes, clubs, and events in the federal state where we rent out the most properties: Salzburg. This province is rich in stunning nature and also offers a splendid mix of top athletes, prestigious sports clubs, and impressive sporting events. The Alps often serve as the backdrop for these sporting highlights, but the historic centre of Salzburg also plays an important role. In this blog, we delve into the remarkable story of an Austrian top athlete who now competes for the Netherlands, as well as the story of the legendary Formula 1 driver Niki Lauda. Read on to discover more!
Alpine Skiing
Marcel Hirscher is a well-known alpine skier who competed for Austria until 2019, but as of 2024, competes under the flag of the Netherlands. He was born in Annaberg-Lungötz in Salzburgerland and won multiple gold medals at both the Olympic Games and World Championships. In 2010, he competed in the Olympics for the first time in Vancouver (Canada). He then participated in the Games in Sochi (Russia) in 2014 and Pyeongchang (South Korea) in 2018. Over these three Games, he won a total of two gold and one silver medal.
In 2012, he won his first world title in giant slalom and was named Austrian Athlete of the Year. He would go on to win this world title five more times in his career. Additionally, he won the overall World Cup eight times and was the best in the world in slalom six times before deciding to retire in 2019.
In April 2024, however, Hirscher felt the itch to return to skiing, so the now 35-year-old former world champion decided to put on his skis again. This time, however, not as an Austrian, but as a Dutchman, the country of his mother.
Formula 1
Besides Hirscher, one of Austria's most famous top athletes is, of course, Niki Lauda. The now-deceased Formula 1 driver was born in Vienna and had already gained some fame after winning his first world title in 1975. Internationally, Lauda only truly became known after being involved in a terrible accident in Germany in 1976. Lauda suffered severe burns to much of his face and lungs. Despite the nearly fatal crash, he quickly returned and won his second world title in 1977. His third and final World Championship victory was in 1984.
In 1981, something happened that brings Niki Lauda into this blog about sports in Salzburgerland: that year, Mathias Lauda was born in the city of Salzburg!
Lauda Jr. aspired to a career in motorsport, just like his father. Although he participated in various racing classes such as the GP2 Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans and was a talented driver, the born Salzburger could not achieve the same successes as his flamboyant father.
Cycling
Amateur and professional cyclists who, like the Lauda family, try to achieve high speeds, annually tackle the Grossglockner High Alpine Road during the cycling race Glocknerkönig. The course begins at the foot of Austria's highest mountain, the Grossglockner, and winds its way up to an altitude of 2,500 meters through the Alps. With steep inclines and challenging bends, the race is a true test of endurance, strength, and skill!
The spectacular event attracts not only the cyclists themselves but also tourists from Salzburgerland. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road offers spectators breathtaking views of the beautiful green valleys of the Hohe Tauern National Park with towering white mountain peaks above them, alongside the excitement and thrill of the cycling race.
Football
Another popular sport in Salzburgerland is football. The football club Red Bull Salzburg, originally founded as SV Austria Salzburg, is one of the most successful clubs in Austria. The team has won the Alpine country championship 17 times. 'Die Roten Bullen', as the club's nickname goes, have produced some great players such as Sadio Mané, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Marcel Sabitzer. In the past, the club was coached by prominent figures like Giovanni Trapattoni, Huub Stevens, and Marco Rose.
Despite the successes, Red Bull Salzburg is not loved by everyone. Critics see the club as a symbol of an era where rich owners or sponsors try to 'buy' success with a lot of money. Of the mentioned 17 titles, 14 were won after Red Bull entered in 2005. However, this success is not solely due to money, as the club is seen by many other clubs as an example of excellent policy.
Red Bull Salzburg is not the only football club that is part of the famous energy drink's network. In Germany (RB Leipzig), the United States (New York Red Bulls), and Brazil (Red Bull Bragantino), you will also find clubs that belong to this network.
Ice Hockey
A club that has also been part of Red Bull (since 2000) is the ice hockey club EC Red Bull Salzburg. Like the football club, the ice hockey club has grown enormously in terms of sporting achievements thanks to the main sponsor. The club was originally founded as EC Salzburg and has won eight national titles between 2007 and 2022. They have participated multiple times in the Champions Hockey League, competing against some of the best clubs in Europe. EC Red Bull Salzburg is also known for its strong youth academy and the development of local talent from Salzburgerland.
Running
The Salzburg Marathon, which takes place every year in May, is a running event through the heart of the city of Salzburg. Participants can choose between different distances to run. The course starts and ends at Kapitelplatz, with the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress in the background. Runners also pass along the Salzach River and through several beautiful green parks. Since its first edition in 2000, the marathon has attracted runners of all levels and offers a great way to combine athletic performance with the beauty of Salzburg! The entire marathon is usually won by runners of Kenyan descent.
Golf
Salzburgerland in Austria is an ideal destination for golf enthusiasts, with beautiful courses such as Golfclub Zell am See-Kaprun, Golfclub Radstadt, Golfclub Gastein, Gut Brandlhof Golf & Country Club, and Urslautal Golf Club. These clubs each offer unique 18-hole courses with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, well-maintained greens, and challenging fairways. They also feature extensive facilities such as clubhouses, restaurants, and practice areas, providing a complete and enjoyable golfing experience amid picturesque scenery.
Sports Province
All in all, Salzburgerland combines beautiful nature and historical charm with sporting highlights. From Marcel Hirscher in the Austrian mountains to marathon runners in the streets of picturesque Salzburg, the region breathes sport. While Niki Lauda's son Mathias also tries to inspire the new generation for Formula 1, cyclists tackle the Grossglockner, and footballers and ice hockey players shine under the Red Bull flag. The diversity of sports makes Salzburgerland a true paradise for sports enthusiasts!