Salzburg, Austria is a charming little town in Austria that is most well known as the filming location for the Sound of Music and being the birthplace of Mozart. While there are a ton of things to do in Salzburg, it is also a great place to base yourself for exploring the surrounding area. There are so many amazing and best day trips from Salzburg, you could easily spend a week or two in the area.
Table of Contents
Where to Stay in Salzburg
Salzburg is a fantastic place to base yourself to take many amazing day trips. Thus, you will want a convenient and affordable hotel. This post will cover some of the various options, but the Holiday Inn Salzburg City is a good location for day trips. It is close to the train station and has affordable parking options.
Best Day Trips from Salzburg: Less Than One Hour
Gosausee, Austria
By Angie of We’re Not in Kansas Anymore
Travel Time: 15 minutes
If you are visiting Salzburg and want to get out of the city and back to nature, you are in luck because one of Austria’s prettiest and most easily accessible lakes is an easy day trip away! Gosausee is an emerald green alpine lake surrounded by the Dachstein Mountain range.
The glasslike surface of the lake reflects the surrounding mountains creating a picture-perfect landscape! Gosausee Lake is a one hour and 15-minute drive (50 miles) south of Salzburg and is best done by car.
Don’t have a car? The trip can also be done by bus since buses stop just steps from the lake. However, expect a very long day if you take this trip by bus. It’s a 3.5-hour bus ride from Salzburg. No matter how you arrive at this magical lake, it’s well worth the effort!
There are many ways to spend your time on Gosausee, one of the most popular being the forested trail that circles the lake. Laze the day away on the shores of the lake swimming and sunbathing or take a rowboat out on the lake itself.
Another popular activity is to make your way up the Gosaukamm Cable Car for panoramic views of the surrounding area. While you’re in the area don’t miss the famous lake-hugging storybook town of Hallstatt, which is located just 13 miles down the road! Hallstatt is one of the best day trips from Salzburg.
Gaisberg, Austria
By Audrey of That Backpacker
Travel Time: 30 minutes
If you’re craving time out in nature but don’t want to venture too far outside Salzburg, I recommend a hiking day trip to Gaisberg. Gaisberg is a local mountain east of Salzburg that stands 1,287 meters above sea level. It forms part of the Salzkammergut Mountains, a range in the Northern Limestone Alps.
Getting to Gaisberg from Salzburg is super easy since it’s only 9 miles away. You can catch bus #151 at Mirabellplatz right in the center of town and it’s a 30-minute ride to Gaisberg Gaisbergspitze at the peak. If you plan to hike, you can get off even sooner at Gaisberg Zistelalm, where you’ll find several trailheads.
The beauty of Gaisberg is that you can enjoy a variety of forest trails ranging in level of difficulty, go tandem paragliding, or even perch yourself at one of the mountaintop restaurants and enjoy a pint of beer with Marend, a snacking board with assorted meats, cheeses and bread. It’s the perfect day out in the mountains and it feels worlds away from the city!
As a tip, be sure to double-check the bus schedule so you don’t miss the last #151 bus down the mountain. Otherwise, it’ll be a long walk down to Koppl Guggenthal before you can catch another bus back into the city. No matter what, it is one of the best day trips from Salzburg.
Lake Wolfgangsee, Austria
By Martina of PlacesofJuma
Travel Time: 30 minutes
One of the best day trips from Salzburg is to Lake Wolfgangsee, undeniably a beautiful experience and a recommendation for those looking to explore one of the most stunning lakes in Austria. Situated approximately 20 miles east of Salzburg, the car journey takes about half an hour, making it easily accessible for a day excursion. Alternatively, you can opt for public transportation, such as the bus, to enjoy a scenic route through the Austrian countryside.
Lake Wolfgangsee, a breathtaking lake surrounded by mountains, charming villages, and lush greenery, boasts a picturesque setting straight from a storybook. It serves as a serene and charming contrast to the hustle and bustle of Salzburg.
The lake is also renowned for its association with Mozart, who composed several pieces during his visit to the region. A must-visit is St. Wolfgang, one of the most beautiful villages along the lakeshore, where you’ll find the White Horse Inn, a historic 15th-century hotel offering delightful dining options.
During a trip to Lake Wolfgangsee, you can engage in a variety of activities, from boat rides on the crystal-clear water to exploring charming lakeside villages like St. Gilgen and Strobl. For the adventurous, there are hiking trails that provide panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
A true highlight is the journey on the Red Train up to Schafberg. In just about 30 minutes, covering a distance of 4.2 km, the SchafbergBahn reaches the Schafbergalm station at an elevation of 1,364 meters. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy arguably the most spectacular panorama of the Salzburg region, with its many beautiful lakes.
Mondsee, Austria
By Melissa of Parenthood and Passports
Travel Time: 30 minutes
Mondsee, Austria is a delightful lakeside community just 17 miles, or a 30-minute drive outside the city of Salzburg.
Mondsee is best known for the stately centuries-old basilica that stands at the center of the village. The Mondsee Abbey, or Basilica St. Michael as it is formally known, was the filming location for the wedding of Maria and Baron Von Trapp in the iconic movie The Sound of Music. Although the pale yellow exterior of the church was never actually shown in the movie, it is a must-visit for cinema lovers and fans of the classic film.
Aside from touring the basilica, the alpine lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, is a popular place to spend a day. During the warm summer months, you can swim, windsurf, or rent a paddle boat to explore the crescent-shaped lake.
You’ll also find plenty of beautiful hiking trails around the lake that range from leisure strolls to more intense mountaineering terrain.
The easiest way to get to Mondsee is to rent a car and drive from Salzburg, however, you can also take a bus, or join the popular The Sound of Music tour, which makes a brief stop in Mondsee. Mondsee is one of the best day trips from Salzburg.
St. Gilgen, Austria
By Joanna of the World in My Pocket
Travel Time: 45 minutes
St. Gilgen is a beautiful mountain town that makes for one of the best day trips from Salzburg. The direct bus takes 44 minutes to reach St Gilgen, from Salzburg’s main train station. You can also drive to St Gilgen in about half an hour and because the village is located on the Romantic Road of Austria, you will have a very scenic drive. The distance between Salzburg and St Gilgen is 17 miles.
There are plenty of things to do in St Gilgen, no matter which season you are visiting. In summer, you must take the Zwölferhorn cable car up to the top of the mountain with the same name. There are several easy hiking trails starting from the cable car station, as well as several alpine restaurants serving typical mountain dishes such as Käsespäetzle or the Schmalz platter. The views from the trail are spectacular.
If you are into adrenaline sports, you can take a paragliding lesson. The office is located in the same building as the cable car, and the experience includes the equipment and the ride up the mountain. In winter, the slopes of the mountain become ski pistes.
Because St Gilgen is located on the shores of the Wolfgangsee Lake, you can also go swimming at the Lido, or hire an electric boat for a relaxing one-hour sail with stunning mountain views.
The village of St Gilgen itself is very charming. You can easily spend one hour just strolling around, taking photos of the wooden buildings with balconies decorated with flowers.
Lake Königssee, Austria
By Adri of Traveltipzone
Travel Time: 30 minutes
Lake Königssee, a natural lake in the enchanting Bavarian Alps, is a great destination for nature lovers. Located near the German-Austrian border, within the Berchtesgaden National Park, the lake is known as one of the most beautiful places in the Bavarian Alps.
The Königssee is easily accessible by car from Salzburg, with a distance of only 30 km (19 mi), reachable in just over half an hour. It makes it a perfect choice for day trips from Salzburg.
While the Königssee can be reached by train from Salzburg, there is no direct train to the lake since the nearest train station is in Berchtesgaden. From Berchtesgaden, you can take a bus to the lake, which is only 5 km away.
The Königssee is navigable only by electric boats, rowboats, and pedal boats. Unfortunately, hiking around the lake is quite challenging as there is no road circling the lake. The more distant parts of the lake can be reached by hiking trails or by boat. Boat tours depart from the northwest side of the lake, offering a chance to experience the lake’s echo with an interesting trumpet performance.
With its crystal-clear water, lush forests, and majestic mountains, the Königssee is an ideal destination for a summer excursion, whether you enjoy hiking, photography, or swimming.
During the boat tour, you have the opportunity to visit the famous Saint Bartholomew’s Church, located on the western shore of the lake, known for its spectacular red onion domes. Another must-see near the Königssee is Obersee, situated to the south, offering an ideal place for hiking and relaxation.
If you have more time to explore the area, Königssee offers several other interesting attractions, including waterfalls like Königsbach, Schrainbach, and Rötbach waterfalls.
In conclusion, at Königssee, you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities by the lake. Therefore, Königssee is an excellent destination for day trips from Salzburg if you’re looking for outdoor adventures.
Berchtesgaden National Park, Germany
by Susanna of Curiosity Saves Travel
Travel Time: 30 minutes-1 hour
Visiting Berchtesgaden National Park makes for one of the most incredible day trips from Salzburg filled with nature, history, and culture. The stunning national park, adorned with snow-capped mountains, beautiful lakes, and charming alms (farms), lies just across the border in the German Alps.
Several transportation options are available to reach Berchtesgaden. For those on a road trip through the region, a scenic 16-mile drive takes just over 30 minutes. Alternatively, mass transit options include bus 840 for a 1-hour ride from Salzburg Hbf to Berchtesgaden Hbf, or train travel involving the S3 from Salzburg Hbf to Freilassing, followed by a transfer to the BRB train to Berchtesgaden Hbf.
Once in Berchtesgaden, visitors can enjoy numerous experiences, making it hard to choose how to spend the day. A recommended starting point is the House of the Mountains Visitor Center to gain familiarity with the national park and its ecology.
For active outdoor enthusiasts, numerous hikes are available, ranging from a challenging full-day trek to Gotzenalm to a more leisurely walk along the Wimbach River. Alternatively, a ride up the Jennerbahn to the top of a mountain offers scenic views and an opportunity to relax with a beer.
Berchtesgaden is also an excellent place for renting mountain bikes or trying activities such as canyoneering or Klettersteig with a guide. Culture and history enthusiasts may find interest in visiting the Eagle’s Nest or the Dokumentation Museum, exploring the WWII history in the park.
While there are buses that can take visitors to popular areas of the park, navigating Berchtesgaden itself can be challenging. Planning ahead, or booking a tour or excursion with a guide is advisable, especially for those who do not drive a personal vehicle.
Best Day Trips from Salzburg: 1-2 Hours
Hallstatt, Austria
By Sabrina of Shades of Summr
Travel Time: 1 hour
Hallstatt is one of the most iconic destinations and one of the best day trips from Salzburg. The historic little village is located next to a lake, and nestled in between some impressive mountains. It is definitely a sight to see.
Hallstatt is about 49 miles away from Salzburg. The easiest way to get there is by car. There is enough parking, and the drive is pretty scenic. It takes about an hour to get there. You can also take the train or book a guided day tour. When taking the train from Salzburg or Vienna to Hallstatt, you need to switch trains in Attnang Puchheim, so it takes a bit longer.
The cute city of Hallstatt is protected as a World Heritage Site. But that is not the only reason you should visit. You can take a furnace up the mountain and will be rewarded with a one of a kind view over the lake and the village.
Adventurers can check out the Hallstatt Salt Mines, some of the oldest in Europe. You can visit an interesting museum and even go down the mines yourself. Another cool but slightly creepy place to visit is the Charnel house, where old and painted skulls are stored. But my favorite thing to do in Hallstatt is explore the cute town center. Take a walk and make sure to have your camera ready for some great snapshots.
The best time to visit Hallstatt is in winter. With some snow, the village looks extra scenic. Hallstatt even has its own Christmas market. But the village is popular year-round, so make sure to avoid the high season in summer, since it can get pretty crowded.
Zell Am See, Austria
By Kami of My Wanderlust
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
One of the most popular places to visit in Austria and an easy and one of the best day trips from Salzburg is Zell am See (55 miles away), a town located picturesquely right on the Zeller lake shore, surrounded by magnificent mountains. The best way to get there is by train, there are connections from Salzburg every hour, either direct or with a convenient change in Schwarzach-St. Veit. The journey time is a bit over an hour and a half.
Once you are there, you can enjoy all the great things to do in Zell am See. Right outside the train station, you can find a pleasant promenade along the lake – one of the highlights of the town.
Don’t miss the boat ride on Zeller Lake – the views from that perspective are simply stunning. You can choose between panorama tours or regular boats crossing the lake – either way, you are in for a treat. Since Zell am See is one of the oldest settlements in the area, there is a nice yet small old town, with the Church of St. Hippolyt dominating the area.
For the best views of the surrounding mountains, you can take one of the cable cars up and enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Alps. The one that can take you the highest, up to 2000 meters above sea level, is Schmittenhöhebahn. From the top, you can admire the vista of over thirty peaks with an altitude of 3000 meters and more. There are also panorama platforms, photo points, and more. You can even do a bit of hiking there before returning to Salzburg.
Bad Gastein, Austria
By Ashley of Jetset Jansen
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Just a short drive away from Salzburg is a charming town tucked into the Alps. Bad Gastein is surrounded by mountains and the town is staggered on the slopes so there are stunning views all over. It is one of the best day trips from Salzburg.
The winding roads take you through town where there’s a waterfall that runs right through the middle and a beautiful church in the center. If you want a bird’s eye view of the town, there’s even a zipline to take you from one side to the other.
It’s located about an hour and fifty minutes directly south of Salzburg and has some great mountain activities whether you visit in the winter or summer. Winter is a great time to visit when the town is cozy and snowy, but if you visit in the summer, you’ll get beautiful, green views of the mountains and can do some hiking in the Alps.
It’s located at the foot of the Stubnerkogel mountain–a ski resort with a gondola at the top of Bad Gastein. You can spend the day skiing or go up the mountain to take in the views from the suspension bridge across the Alps or the viewpoint platforms. When you come off the mountain, you can hit the bars for après skiing or relax at a theme–a thermal spa with saunas and hot water pools.
Mauthausen, Austria
By Taylor from Traverse With Taylor
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
A popular day trip from Salzburg is a visit to what remains of the Nazi Concentration Camp, Mauthausen. Located about an hour and a half from Salzburg (just over 140km), this may be one of the more difficult trips to make from Salzburg- simply because visiting a site that is steeped in so much tragedy is mind-blowingly overwhelming. Nonetheless, it is important to visit Holocaust sites to learn from them.
Although not as well-known as concentration camps such as Auschwitz, Mauthausen is still incredibly well-preserved and worth your time. It is a tough place to visit but one of the best day trips from Salzburg.
If you have rented a car in Salzburg, the drive to Mauthausen is a straight shot up the A1. If not, I recommend you book a guided day trip tour. Tours leave from Salzburg to Mauthausen every day, and they often include hotel pickup, a local guide, and sometimes even lunch or other stops along the way.
The majority of the concentration camp site is still intact, meaning that a tour around the grounds will show visitors barracks, guard towers, many perimeter walls, crematoriums, and numerous museum and memorial exhibitions. Visitors will also see the stairs of death, though you cannot walk down them.
There is no charge to visit Mauthausen. A free electronic guide is available for smartphones, or you can purchase an audio guide at the site for €3.00. Guided tours are also available at the memorial for €5.00. It is worth noting that children under the age of 14 are not recommended to visit.
Kitzbühel, Germany
By Marina of Paulmarina
Travel Time: 1 hour
Located in the Tyrol region, Kitzbühel is about 1 hour, or 50 miles, away from Salzburg city by car. The best way to get there is to hire a car and drive across the scenic small German corner, Berchtesgaden, from Salzburg via Bad Reichenhall and Lofer to the Kitzbühel Alps.
The Kitzbühel ski resort is also a popular hiking destination in the warmer months of the year and offers also some easily accessible panoramic view points, such as the one on the Kitzbühlerhorn mountain. The small colorful city is a popular hangout for jet-setters and famous people and therefore, you will find a few luxury stores such as Louis Vuitton and Bogner there.
Two major international sporting events are held in Kitzbühel every year, the Hahnenkamm downhill skiing race in January and the Generali Open Tennis competition in the summer months.
The black lake, near the old town, is a great place to unwind any time of the year. The lake is freely accessible for a swim in the summer, and electronic boats can be hired to go out on the lake. From there you get a fantastic view of the Kaiser mountain range.
On a day trip, visit some other authentic Tyrolean villages nearby, such as St. Johann in Tirol, Going am Wilden Kaiser or Hopfgarten to immerse yourself in rural Austrian mountain village life. A few unique boutiques selling local specialties can be found hidden in these villages. No matter what, Kizbuhel is one of the best day trips from Salzburg.
Munich, Germany
By Jenelle of Happy Little Rover
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
If you’re searching for one of the best day trips from Salzburg, look no further than the ancient city of Munich, just over the border in Germany. Easily reached on public transportation, admire scenic villages as you travel the 1.5 hours to the Bavarian capital. Alternatively, it will take a similar amount of time to drive the 89 miles to Munich.
Boasting an impressive array of enormous churches and fairytale town halls to marvel at, you simply can’t miss seeing these beauties up close. Stop by the delightful Neues Rathaus in time for the Glockenspiel show at 11am and 12pm each day. Life sized figurines twirl and joust high above visitors and locals alike, accompanied by classical music.
You can also climb the bell tower of Alter Peter (Old Peter) for an incredible view over the Old Town, the vista stretches off to the Bavarian Alps if the weather is good. For lunch, stop by one of Munich’s famous beer halls for a taste of Bavarian hospitality. The Hofbräuhaus is famous for its live oompah music and hearty meals, make sure to order a stein of golden beer to wash down your schnitzel! It’s about as close as you can get to experiencing Oktoberfest if you won’t be visiting in time for the famous folk festival.
It goes without saying that if you’ll be here in time for the celebrations, it’s well worth popping over to the beer tents to join in the fun. If you’re searching for more ideas on what to see on your trip to Munich, I have the perfect walking tour all written up for you to help you make the most of your time in this stunning city.
Werfen Ice Caves
By Anna of Big World Short Stories
Travel Time: 1 hour
The whole area surrounding Salzburg is very scenic and there are many great day trips available from Salzburg. One of the best day trips is visiting the largest ice caves in the world, the Werfen Ice Caves. The caves are located in the town called Werfen less than an hour’s drive from Salzburg. Distance between Werfen town and Salzburg is about 55 km (35 miles), plus an additional 5 km (3 miles) from the train station to hike to the ice caves.
Several trains are going from Salzburg main train station to Werfen. You can take either the S3 or REX train line. One way ticket costs 9,30 euros, and you can buy it at OBB ticket vending machines directly at the train station or online. Austrian trains are very modern and comfortable, equipped with all the basic amenities. After you arrive at Werfen train station, you will find a shuttle bus which will take you directly to the visitor center of the ice caves where you can buy your entrance tickets.
You need at least 3-4 hours for visiting the ice caves including a short but very scenic hike to the entrance. If you start your day trip from Salzburg very early, you can also visit Hohenweren Castle which is also located in Werfen town very close to the ice caves. The Werfen ice caves are one of the best day trips from Salzburg.
Linz, Austria
By Viktoria of Chronic Wanderlust
The capital of Upper Austria, Linz, is only a little over an hour away by train from Salzburg. Connections run several times an hour by ÖBB (Austrian national railways) and Westbahn (a private railway company). It’s a high-speed train that connects the two cities, and the distance is 82 miles. Do yourself a favor and avoid driving to Linz, as the traffic is unpredictable, and it will take you a lot longer than the train ride.
Linz is a great place for a day trip from Salzburg, and while it doesn’t quite compare to Mozart’s birthplace, there’s still plenty to explore. Once you arrive in Linz, hop on the tram or enjoy the short walk to the city center. Stroll along Landstraße, which is the main street with plenty of shops. One of my favorite alleys is called Bischofsstraße, and this is where you’ll find cute little shops selling home decor, stationary, and other things you might not need but definitely want.
For grand views of Linz either join a tour of Mariendom (New Cathedral) and head up to the roof (this option is for those who don’t mind heights), or walk up to Schlossmuseum (castle museum) and enjoy the views from the terrace. Another option is to take the tram up to Pöstlingsberg and see all of Linz and its surroundings from up there.
Linz is also known for its art and especially for its Ars Electronica Center. It’s a futuristic museum with lots of interactive parts. When there, make sure to check the schedule for their Deep Space and plan your trip accordingly.
Best Day Trips from Salzburg: 2+ Hours
Mayrhofen, Austria
By Morgan of Crave the Planet
Travel Time: 2 hours
The alpine mountain town of Mayrhofen is one of the best day trips from Salzburg to soak in impressive and awe inspiring glaciers, mountains and hiking paths for the adventurous at heart.
Mayrhofen is at the end of the famous Zillertal Valley and only a 2-hour car ride at 110 miles away. The train is fairly direct but takes on average 2:45 min depending on the time of day.
It’s worth a day trip because this range of mountains is mightier than near Salzburg and gives you a real opportunity to feel the Alpine lifestyle, from festivals bringing home the cows in September to rafting underground inside the Hintertux glacier at Nature’s Ice Palace.
The absolute most incredible views can be had at the nearby Olperer Hutte bridge sitting at 7,837 ft of elevation over the cerulean blue Schegeisspeicher lake. You can ride the flying fox off the dam itself, or even hike a total of 8 miles to cross over the peaks of the Alps and into Italy for lunch at the lovely Pfitzerjochhaus rifugio.
The town itself has a variety of lovely restaurants and shops for alpine gifts if you want your adventure to be a bit more mellow.
Innsbruck, Austria
By Lavina D’Souza of Continent Hop
Travel Time: 2 hours
The Austrian Alps hide a paradise called Innsbruck, which is just waiting to be found. It is also very convenient to get here from Salzburg. It is about 190 kilometers (or 120 miles) away from Innsbruck. It will take two hours to drive or ride a train and the place is one of the best day trips from Salzburg.
This quaint town provides a mix of urban and alpine in an enjoyable setting. It is famous for its breathtaking mountain background, vibrant cultural life, and historical monuments. Old Town is indeed fascinating with its medieval architecture which can be witnessed in the famous Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) and Imperial Palace (Hofburg).
Adding Innsbruck to your 10-day Europe itinerary is a wonderful idea because this lovely city’s combination of nature, history, and culture in addition to its proximity to Salzburg makes it one of the best places for day trips with memorable scenes.
On the other hand, for lovers of nature pursuits, skiing at Nordkette mountains – belonging to Austria’s biggest national park- can be done by cable car. The spectacular views available from Seegrube Station at 1905 meters are highly recommended. Winter transforms these slopes into a skier’s delight. Summer provides good hiking trails for nature lovers.
The Tyrolean Folk Art Museum and Ambras Castle, which represents the local culture in terms of history and art would be appreciated by cultural fans. As a modern highlight, the architectural spectacle of Bergisel Ski Jump features a panoramic restaurant at its peak which offers culinary delights like no other.
Begin your day early and wear comfortable walking shoes, also make sure that you enjoy authentic Tyrolean delicacies. Innsbruck has a superb public transport system that enables you to travel within the area effortlessly.
Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from Salzburg
It is not hard to fall in love with the charming town of Salzburg. It is a great place to base yourself to take some of the best day trips from Salzburg. If you have more time, spend time in Vienna or Munich to round out an amazing trip to Bavaria.
