23 Fun & Unique Weekend & Day Trips from Salzburg, Austria

Posted on February 12, 2024February 12, 2024 by Admin

Trips from Salzburg. Salzburg is the perfect starting point for seeing the neighboring German and Austrian landscapes because of its location in the eastern Alps, on Germany’s border.

Day tours from Salzburg provide a wealth of outdoor recreational possibilities, a history spanning the Middle Ages and Austria’s Imperial era, and cultural experiences. Discover the area’s mountain lakes, go hiking in the summer, and go Nordic or Alpine skiing in the winter.

Trips from Salzburg

1. Werfen Ice Cave

One of the most visited locations in Salzburg is Werfen, the largest ice cave in the world. The cave remained unknown until Anton von Posselt-Czorich made the first exploration of it in the late 1800s. Despite his writings about his discoveries, the cave was once more forgotten until the Great War.

A lodge was constructed in the area in the 1920s, enabling thorough exploration. Today, rails, stairways, and planks make trips simpler and the cave is accessible via cable car. Inside the cave, visitors should still anticipate ascending to a height of about 500 feet. Water flows through crevices in the alpine limestone cave, forming ice that forms into strange formations.

Phone: +43-0-64-68-52-48; Werfen Ice Cave, Eishöhlenstraße 30, A-5450 Werfen, Austria

2. Lichtensteinklamm

One of the Austrian Alps’ longest and deepest canyons is the Lichtenstein gorge. The gorge, which is in the Salzburg area, has been accessible to tourists since 1875 and features several wooden walkways and bridges.

Boardwalks lead between the 1,000-foot-tall cliff cliffs and the water that has gradually sculpted this valley over ten million years. Savor the sight of magnificent waterfalls, verdant stone covered in moss, and rainbows formed by the interplay of mist and sunlight. The gorge boardwalks were rebuilt in the summer of 2017 following a rock fall, offering a safe and sustainable experience. In the fall of 2019, it reopens.

Austria, St. Johann im Pongau / Lichtensteinklamm

3. Rupertus Therme

Rupertus Therme in Germany is a family-friendly spa and resort located around a naturally briny, naturally salty hot spring that rises to the surface through the Austrian Alps. The spring is rich in minerals and trace elements. Naturally healing waters range in temperature from 90 to 104. Tourists use soaking to calm their joints, nourish their skin, reduce inflammation, and relax their muscles. Numerous indoor and outdoor thermal spas are equipped with pools. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels fronts the indoor spa, providing an amazing view of the neighboring mountains. Saint Rupert, the patron saint of salt miners and salt mines, is the source of the spa’s name.

Rupertus Therme: +49-8-65-17-62-20; Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 21, 83435 Bad Reichenhall, Germany

4. Hohenwerfen Castle

Located in the Pongau region of Salzburg is the ancient fortification known as Hohenwerfen. Perched atop a hill with a commanding view of the Salzach valley, the castle was constructed between 1075 and 1078 as a vital military stronghold for Salzburg’s Archbishop Gebhard. It has served as a home, a hunting refuge, a jail, and a military training center over the years. Currently serving as a museum, the castle welcomes visitors and features a sizable collection of weapons in addition to other historical exhibits. In addition to touring the nearby falconry museum at the regional falconry facility, guests can partake in refreshments at the on-site bar. Daily flying displays with falcons, eagles, vultures, and other local wildlife are available at the historic center.

Burgstraße 2, Hohenwerfen Castle, 5450 Werfen, Austria; phone: +43-64-68-76-03.

5. Hallein Salt Mine

A trip through the thousands of years of geology, mining, and cultural history is offered by a visit to the Hallein Salt Mine. Discover miles of underground tunnels, ride a mining train beneath the surface, and hear from an expert guide about the history of salt and the miners. This natural resource, known as “white gold,” profoundly changed the course of Austrian history as it was mined and traded like gold, especially in the Salzburg region. The Hallein Salt Mine provides an unmatched underground trip and was the first in Salzburg to open to the public.

Phone: +43-0-6-13-22-00-85-11; Hallein Salt Mine, Ramsaustraße 3, 5422 Bad Dürrnberg, Austria

6. Berchtesgaden Old Town

Berchtesgaden is a small town situated in the Bavarian Alps on the German side of the Austrian border. It has a rich history that spans 500 years, beginning with salt mining in the area, continuing through the Nazi era, and ending with the location of Hitler’s mountain retreat, Eagle’s Nest, which is located just south of the town. A stroll around Old Town reveals the 12th-century monastery, the royal palace, the aristocratic residences, and the Rococo city center. At any of the outdoor cafes, take in the local Bavarian music and dance. Explore the town square’s market and pay a visit to the salt mines, which have been in operation since the sixteenth century.

Old Town of Berchtesgaden, Berchtesgaden, Germany 83471

7. Dachstein Ice Caves

Even though the Dachstein Ice Caves in Austria have undergone extensive renovations, including a rope bridge, light show, and enormous animated cave bears, they still provide one of the most accessible views of the thousands-year-old natural cave system that was created when water seeped through limestone fractures and froze. A twenty-minute walk to the cave’s entrance precedes the tour, which lasts fifty minutes underground with a guide. Remember that the temperature in caves is consistently below freezing, at about 29 degrees. After the trip, take some time to peruse the exhibits at the nearby museum, where you can discover more about the effects of climate change and the region’s geological past.

Phone: +43-5-01-40, Winkl 34, 4831 Obertraun am Hallstättersee, Austria

8. Dürnstein and Weissenkirchen

More than 200 heurige, or tiny, family-run vineyards in Austria’s Wachau Valley produce small-batch wines using locally grown and processed grapes. Among these rural locations with views of grapevine valleys and the Danube River are the hilltop villages of Durnstein and Weissenkirchen. Cycling excursions transport visitors between towns where they can taste wines, savor small meals, and take in the charming countryside landscape. Only wines produced on the property are permitted for service, and the majority of the wines are white and produced in tiny batches with low yields. No two visits to the area are the same because each village only has three heurige open at once.

vAt the base of the Dachstein, the second-tallest peak in the Northern Limestone Alps, lies Gosau Lake, a tiny alpine lake. The Dachstein glacier, which rises sharply above the valley, is magnificently visible from the lake’s edges. The mountain lake, which is also a well-liked spot for sightseeing and views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, is the ideal location to cool off after a hike in the summer or fall. Apart from swimming, guests have the option to rent a boat and explore the glacial lake, go diving in its pristine waters, or take on the fixed rope rock climb located at the edge of the water. The surrounding town of Hallstatt provides easy access to the World Heritage Region.

Austria’s Vorderer Gosausee 4825

10. Hallstatt

Located in the Northern Limestone Alps of Austria, Hallstatt is a small alpine town. At the foot of the Dachstein glacier, Lake Hallstatt is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. Aside from the salt mines, which gave rise to the region’s affluence, the town is well-known for its artisanal skills, which include woodworking, upholstery, hat and shoe making. Visit the museum devoted to regional crafts, Hand.Werk.Haus, to learn about the history of handmade goods. Savor a dinner at Steegwirt, a restaurant that has been serving freshwater fish, a specialty of the area, since the sixteenth century. Several of the local hamlets are connected by ferries that travel across the lake.

Austria’s Hallstatt

11. Innsbruck

The state capital of Tyrol in Austria is Innsbruck. The town is renowned for its contemporary Nordkette Cable Car, designed by Zaha Hadid, which transports guests from Innsbruck to Nordkette Mountain for skiing and sightseeing. It also stands out for its ancient Imperial architecture. See the renowned “Golden Roof,” which was constructed of more than 2,600 gilded copper tiles more than 500 years ago, at the Cathedral of St. James, and explore the Imperial Palace in the heart of Innsbruck’s old town. Take the cable car to the Alpenzoo, which is home to several endangered alpine animals and is one of Europe’s highest zoos.

12. Kaprun

One of Salzburg’s most reliable glacier ski resorts is Kaprun, which is located close to the city. Once a mining community, Kaprun now depends on tourism and was one of Austria’s first large-scale glacial ski resort developments. This location is home to the tallest cable car pylon in the world, which transports visitors to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier at an elevation of more than 2,500 feet. All skill levels can enjoy skiing around this village-style resort. Though it offers a more intimate and less crowded experience, the entire area is a part of the Zell am See ski area.

13. Konigsee

Many people call Germany’s Lake Königsee the most picturesque mountain lake. Situated south of Berchtesgaden, the well-known alpine ski resort renowned for being the location of Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest, this lake is unquestionably the purest and deepest. Whether it was Bavarian nobility hunting nearby, Eva Braun lounging on the lakeshore, or Hitler taking a boat ride during his visits, the area has long been a destination for nature enthusiasts. Hiking the lake’s perimeter is not possible due to the sheer rock cliffs rising from the coastline, but you can take an electric boat trip of the lake, stopping at the mountain settlements of Salet and St. Bartholoma.

14. Lungau Ski Region

The ski areas of Großeck-Speiereck and Katschberg-Aineck make up the Lungau Ski Region. The backcountry ski areas and tracks appeal to snowboarders as well as alpine and nordic skiers. With over 60 high-speed lifts and cable cars, eight family-friendly ski destinations catering to all skill levels are easily accessible. Among the best is the Katschberg Ski Resort, which has two peaks and more than 40 km of terrain. At about 2,400 feet, the highest peaks are located in the Großeck-Speiereck resort. Apres-ski is the resort’s primary focus, and rooms at Obertauern offer easy access to the slopes and lifts. Skiers can access the resort from the well-known Tauernrunde circuit at any time.

15. Melk Abbey

The Benedictine abbey of Melk is perched atop a rocky promontory with a view of the Danube River. The present-day monastery was constructed in the 18th century and is a Baroque masterpiece, having been founded in the 11th century. In addition to being the final resting place for various members of Austria’s first royal line, it has a library filled with medieval manuscripts, a collection of musical manuscripts, and murals painted by the Baroque Austrian painter Paul Troger. The marble hall, balcony, imperial stairway, imperial hallway, and abbey museum are among the places to visit. A park and a baroque garden with a pavilion encircle the abbey. Worship services are held on Sundays and holidays.

Dietmayr-Str., Berthold-Abt-Str. 1 – A 3390 Melk, Austria; 03-31-58-69 / +43-6-76

16. Munich

Salzburg may make a culturally and historically interesting day excursion to Munich, located in Bavaria, Germany. See the magnificent Nymphenburg mansion, a Baroque mansion from the 17th century that was originally the summer retreat for Bavarian kings. One of Munich’s most recognizable sights is the New Town Hall, located in the heart of the city.

The neo-gothic tower, which dates back to the late 1800s, is home to a well-known Glockenspiel that plays three times a day. Admire the views of Munich and the surrounding countryside from the top of the 150-foot tower. The well-known Ratskeller restaurant, open since the middle of the 19th century, is located in the cellar below. Munich’s main event, Oktoberfest, is the biggest fair in the world.

Munich, Germany

17. Neuschwanstein

Built in the Romanesque Revival style in the 19th century, Neuschwanstein is a castle straight out of a fairy tale. King Ludwig II of Bavaria commissioned the castle as a tribute to German composer Richard Wagner. As a result, Wagnerian opera elements are prominent in a number of the castle’s themes. Despite being modeled after a romanticized image of the Middle Ages, the castle was distinctly contemporary and equipped with several innovations at the time, like indoor plumbing, an electric call system for calling servants, and flowing hot water in every room. The renownedly bashful king spent the majority of his life as a recluse in the castle until his passing in 1886. The castle was made public six weeks after it was first built.

Neuschwanstein: +49-83-62-93-08-30; Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany

18. Oberndorf

Located in the Black Forest, Oberndorf is a small German town that is most recognized for being the headquarters of Heckler & Koch, a company that makes firearms. The charming German town has been a gun manufacturing hub since 1811 and has long been a center for machine manufacture. Its biggest and most contentious employer nowadays is Heckler & Kock. Germany is now the third-largest arms exporter in the world thanks to Heckler & Koch, and in 2014, it was estimated that the company’s weapons murdered over 114 people every day globally. A minor military museum may be found at Oberndorf, which is also well-known for its annual Karneval celebrations.

19. Ramsau am Dachstein

Situated at an elevation of roughly 4,000 feet, Ramsau am Dachstein is a resort in the Schladming-Dachstein region of Austria. The plateau is separated into multiple areas with verdant meadows, pristine alpine streams, and tiny villages encircled by the striking mountain peaks of the Dachstein glacier. Ramsau am Dachstein is an ideal starting point for a vacation in the Styrian mountains, with activities including rock climbing, hiking, and skiing. With more than 130 miles of cross-country skiing loops, this top Nordic ski resort has plenty to offer every skill level of athlete. Ski lifts serve hikers and climbers visiting the Dachstein, the highest summit in Styria, throughout the summer.

Phone: +43-3-68-72-33-10; Address: Ramsau am Dachstein, Ramsauerstraße 756, A-8970 Schladming

20. Saalachtaler Naturgewalten

Austria’s Salzburgerland is home to several Saalachtal Natural Wonders, including the Seisenburg Gorge. A gigantic rock formation with a human history spanning over 12,000 years is a natural wonder. Ever since 1831, when woodcutters constructed a 2,000-foot trail through the canyon, it has been a popular tourist site. Though it can be explored in less than an hour, the gorge is the entry point to the Weissbach Nature Park and the beginning of several longer treks. Participate in the once-weekly nighttime torch-lit stroll with live music for a dramatic and unforgettable experience of the gorge.

Saalachtaler Naturgewalten: Phone: +43-0-65-82-83-52; Address: Unterweißbach 36, A-5093 Weißbach, Austria

21. Salzkammergut Region

In Upper Austria, the Salzkammergut Region is situated between Salzburg and Styria. The region is renowned for its little towns with unique cultures, architectural styles, and culinary traditions, as well as its magnificent natural beauty. The area was richly mined for salt in the past, which drew the nation’s aristocracy who constructed resorts, spa towns, and hunting lodges. This is why the area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site. Aspiring journeyers cycle or trek between lakes, making stops at each community along the way. The most well-known towns are those around the Wolfgansee, with Hallstatt being the oldest. The church where the wedding scene from The Sound of Music was filmed is located in Schafbergbahn.

Austria’s Salzkammergut Region

22. Vienna

Austria’s capital city, Vienna, is situated on the Danube River’s eastern bank. Vienna has a strong cultural past and was the birthplace of Beethoven and Mozart. Imperial palaces like Schonbrunn, the summer home of the Habsburg dynasty, are historical landmarks. The State Opera, Parliament, and Natural History Museum are located on the 3-mile-long Ringstrasse, which serves as a major thoroughfare featuring imperial architecture. Some of the most significant art collections in the world, as well as the creations of Austrian painters like Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele, may be found at more than 100 museums. Vienna, a modern city that has been voted the “most livable city” in Europe, has great food, convenient transit, and lovely outdoor areas.

Austria’s Vienna

23. Wolfgangsee Lake

One of the most visited tourist spots in Austria’s natural wonderland, the Salzkammergut region, is Wolfgangsee Lake. Known by many as Lake Wolfgang, the region offers kilometers of outdoor leisure, history, and culture amidst the surrounding mountains, valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. Savor a lunch at the famous 500-year-old hotel on the lake’s edge, Im Weissen Rössl. Within the lake itself, the inn has a heated pool. The village of St. Wolfgang was established in the Middle Ages. Stroll by charming stores and old houses. Travel from village to village on a 19th-century steamship by boat across the lake. From some of the nicest viewpoints in Austria, hike up into the hills above.

Austria’s St. Wolfgang

Wikipedia