The city of Salzburg, Austria, is located close to the border with Southern Germany. Salzburg is perhaps best known for its musical ties, since it is the birthplace of Mozart as well as the backdrop for the iconic film The Sound of Music.
The Austrian city is also home to stunning architecture, which includes the castle called Schloss Hellbrunn and the impressive Hohensalzburg Castle. In order to fully appreciate the Austrian culture, scenery and history, try to add a few of these day trips from Salzburg to your itinerary.
9. Herrenchiemsee
A 45-minute drive west of Salzburg will bring you across the German border, into Bavaria and straight to the lake known as Chiemsee. Within the lake itself are three major islands, one of which is called Herreninsel. On this island, you’ll find a complex of royal structures known collectively as Herrenchiemsee.
These buildings were built under the orders of King Ludwig II, and they are among the most important architectural features in Bavaria. You won’t want to miss a tour of the Neues Schloss, which was modeled after the Palace of Versailles in France. Surrounding the castle there are beautiful gardens as well as an impressive sculpture collection.
Getting to Herrenchiemsee
- To get to Herrenchiemsee by public transport, you first want to take the train from Salzburg to Prien am Chiemsee railway station. Once you arrive, take a wonderful 15-minute boat trip to Herrenchiemsee itself. All in all, the journey should take you around an hour and 15 minutes.
8. Zell am See
Zell am See is a popular health and tourism resort located south of Salzburg. The biggest attraction is the lake, which the entire town is built around. The waters of the lake come from the surrounding glaciers, and snow-capped mountains create a stunning visual backdrop.
You may want to visit Zell am See if you’re into outdoor sports, because recreation is a big part of the location’s appeal. In the summer, boating, cycling and hiking are common, and in the winter people head to the nearby Schmittenhöhe for skiing.
Getting to Zell am See
- As direct trains run quite frequently from Zell am See, it is very easy to get from one to the other. The journey usually takes between 90-120 minutes. On the way, you’ll pass through some spellbindingly beautiful scenery, and once you arrive, everything is within walking distance.
7. Liechtensteinklamm
One of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Austria is Liechtensteinklamm. Located 70 km (45 miles) south of Salzburg, Liechtensteinklamm is an extensive gorge, or ravine, with tall, high sides. Waterfalls and flowing water eroded the gorge into what it is today, and you can walk right through it along a series of paths and bridges.
As you walk, you’ll hear the roaring sound of water rushing through the gorge, you’ll see waterfalls and you’ll be able to admire the lush greenery thanks to constant precipitation. A visit to Liechtensteinklamm can truly feel like an otherworldly experience you won’t ever forget.
Getting to Liechtensteinklamm
- By public transport, it is straightforward to get to Liechtensteinklamm, although you will have to take a train and then a bus. First of all, hop on a direct train from Salzburg Hbf to St. Johann im Pongau station. These run very frequently, and the journey takes around an hour. From the station, take bus 540 for the last ten-minute stretch of the trip. Once you get off at St. Johann im Pongau Steglehen stop, you’ll see signs telling you where to go.
6. Hohenwerfen Castle
Above the city of Werfen, located just 40 minutes south of Salzburg, stands a majestic castle and fortress. Hohenwerfen, which literally means “Above Werfen”, was constructed in the 11th century. Surrounded by the beautiful Berchtesgaden Alps as well as the Tennengebirge Mountains, Hohenwerfen looks like something out of a fairy tale.
The history of the castle includes many wars and even a brief stint serving as a prison, but today the structure is primarily a museum. If you visit, you can view many of the refurbished rooms as well as interesting features like the weapons collection and the falconry, which boasts a number of beautiful birds of prey.
Getting to Hohenwerfen Castle
- Overlooking the city of Werfen, Hohenwerfen Castle couldn’t be simpler to visit from Salzburg. Just hop on a train at Salzburg Hbf and alight at Werfen railway station around 45 minutes later. From here, you can either hike a scenic pathway up to the castle or take a short taxi ride. While in Werfen, it is well worth visiting the impressive Eisriesenwelt Cave at the same time, as it lies nearby.
5. Eisriesenwelt Cave
Also in the town of Werfen are the Eisriesenwelt Ice Caves. These are naturally formed ice and limestone caves in the Hochkogel Mountain. Eisriesenwelt, which translates into English as World of the Ice Giants, is considered to be the largest ice cave in the entire world. The cave is only open from May to October each year, but don’t let the summer climate aboveground fool you.
In the cave, temperatures are often below freezing. Some of the top attractions on a tour of the cave include Alexander von Mörk Cathedral, which is the largest room in the cave, and the enormous stalactite called Posselt Tower.
Getting to Eisriesenwelt Cave
- By public transport, Eisriesenwelt Cave is very easy to get to from Salzburg; direct trains run regularly to Werfen – the nearest railway station. From Salzburg Hbf, it takes about 45 minutes to get there. Once you arrive, you’ll find shuttle buses that will take you to the spectacular cave in no time at all.
- A great way to see the Eisriesenwelt Cave is to take a guided tour. Not only will you get to see all of its amazing sights and learn about its fascinating history, but you’ll also get to visit the beautiful Golling Waterfalls and the spectacular Salzwelten – the oldest salt mines in the world. See prices
4. Munich
Direct train links connect Salzburg and Munich, making the Bavarian capital a great day trip destination for visitors. Munich is an incredible city with lots to see. In the city center, or Altstadt, you will definitely want to check out the New City Hall built on the Marienplatz. Listen for the sounds of the Glockenspiel, which goes off regularly all day.
There are dozens of museums to explore in Munich, so pick the subject that appeals to you most: BMW cars, antiques, Bavarian history and so much more. Even if you’re not in Munich during Oktoberfest, join the crowds of tourists at beer halls like Hofbräuhaus for a pint.
Getting to Munich
- To get to Munich by train from Salzburg usually takes between an hour and a half to two hours, and trains run very regularly. While some are direct trains to Munchen Central Station, others stop at Munchen Ost, from which you can take a short metro journey into the center. Although a lot of the trains are direct, with some, you need to change trains at Rosenheim, so make sure to check before buying your tickets.
- To fit as much into their day at the Wolfgangsee as possible, lots of people decide to take a sightseeing tour to Austria’s Lake District. As well as exploring both St. Gilgen and Sankt Wolfgang, tours include a scenic boat ride on the lake and a trip to Castle Fuschl. See prices
- Hallstatt is about two and a half hours away by public transport. The scenery you pass through on the way there and back is absolutely stunning. From Salzburg Hbf, you first want to take bus 150 to Bad Ischl, where you then take bus 542 or a train to Hallstatt station. After that, you still have one more leg of the journey to complete: a beautiful ferry ride across the lake to the town itself.
- A slightly longer route which is a bit more comfortable is to take the train from Salzburg to Hallstatt. You will, however, have to get off and change around half-way there at Attnang-Puchheim station. This option still includes a ferry ride from Hallstatt stop to the charming lakeside town.
- Another option for visiting Hallstatt is to take a guided tour to the scenic little town. This also includes a stop at the impressive Muhlbach Waterfall and the chilling but fascinating Hallstatt Bone House. [tk href=”https://www.touropia.com/tour/blog/3595HALLSTADT”]
- By public transport, it is very easy to get from the center of Salzburg to the stunning Berchtesgaden just over the border in Germany. Simply hop on bus 840 from Salzburg Hbf, and you’ll find yourself in Berchtesgaden roughly 50 minutes later after having passed through some lovely scenery.
- To make the most of their time in Berchtesgaden, many people opt to take a guided tour to the famous Eagle’s Nest, which offers up breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. See prices
3. Wolfgangsee
Less than 30 km (20 miles) east of Salzburg is Wolfgangsee, a lake in the resort region known as Salzkammergut. On the banks of the Wolfgangsee, there are lots of charming restaurants and small towns with a rich, historic appeal. One such town, St. Gilgen, boasts so-called “chocolate box houses” with visible exterior timbers and a classic Austrian style.
The Wolfgangsee is a place for outdoor adventure, and pastimes like hiking and boating are a big draw to the area. Don’t leave without trying the local culinary specialty, Steckerlfisch, which is a local fish grilled on a skewer over an open flame.
Getting to Wolfgangsee
- By public transport, it only takes an hour and a half to get to Sankt Wolfgang. Just hop on bus 150 from Salzburg Hbf and get off at Strobl Busbahnhof, where you’ll then need to take bus 546 for the last 15 minutes of the journey.
Another option is to take bus 150 again, but instead, get off at St. Gilgen at one end of the Wolfgangsee. You can then take a lovely ferry ride to Sankt Wolfgang.
2. Hallstatt
Southeast of Salzburg is Hallstatt, a small town that overlooks the gorgeous blue waters of Lake Hallstatt. The history of this town dates back for more than 4,000 years, with the region being used primarily because of its available salt mines.
Today, most visitors arrive for the picturesque views and the charming town itself. During the summer, cars aren’t allowed in Hallstatt, making it a completely pedestrian-friendly spot to explore on foot.
You can tour the original salt mines, if you wish, or you could explore a very unusual attraction called the Beinhaus. The Beinhaus, or Bone House, is where the stacked bones of previous residents are dried and stacked because of limited burial space in the town.
Getting to Hallstatt
1. Berchtesgaden
Just over the German border, is Berchtesgaden. This charming, postcard-perfect town is beautiful in its own right, and its backdrop is made up of stunning mountain peaks and salt mines. These salt grottoes look like they are made from diamonds, not to mention the surreal subterranean lake.
However, what makes Berchtesgaden so popular is that it houses the Eagle’s Nest, or Kehlsteinhaus. From this vantage point, you can admire spectacular vistas, and it was created as a gift for Adolf Hitler. Even after the end of World War II, Kehlsteinhaus was preserved. It is, today, a poignant reminder of the past.
It was all together great experience in Austria.we were there in Saalfelden n then roamed around the Scenic Spots like Cable car ride on one of the Highest Mountain, Konigssee Lake, Hallstatt, Mirabell Garden n Palace, Eagles nest, Hochkoing, Zell am See lake,Mozart birth place, n many other spots.