Discover the Best Day Trips from Salzburg

Salzburg, a gem in Austria's historic cities, is an ideal starting point for exploring the stunning countryside and nearby attractions. With an efficient rail network, cities like Vienna and Innsbruck are easily accessible for day trips.

Read on for the top day trip destinations from Salzburg.

1. Explore Werfen and the World's Largest Ice Caves

Just 30 minutes south of Salzburg lies Werfen, home to the Eisriesenwelt, the world's largest ice cave system. Nearby Abtenau is perfect for hiking and scenic drives. A guided tour is the best way to experience these natural wonders, including the Eisriesenwelt ice caves, Golling waterfalls, and Salzwelten salt mines. The tour includes hotel transport, a visit to Hohenwerfen Castle, and a cable car ride.

Official site: www.eisriesenwelt.at/en/

2. Ah, Vienna! Take a Day Trip to Austria's Beautiful Capital City

Vienna, a three-hour drive or 2.5-hour train ride from Salzburg, is filled with attractions like the Hofburg Palace, the Sisi Museum, and the Imperial Apartments. Don't miss the Spanish Riding School and the Demel Café, famous for its pastries.

Exclusive tours in Salzburg

3. Pop across the Border to Obersalzberg and Berchtesgaden, Germany

A 40-minute drive from Salzburg takes you to Obersalzberg in the Bavarian Alps, once a Nazi retreat. Today, it's a spot for hiking and enjoying alpine views. The Eagles Nest in Berchtesgaden Tour includes transport, a guide, and priority admission to Eagle's Nest. Also visit the Salt Mine Berchtesgaden, now a museum with an underground railway and raft ride.

4. Visit Austria's Most Picturesque Lake: Hallstatt and the Hallstätter See

An hour from Salzburg is Hallstatt, a charming lakeside town part of the Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut Alpine UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy water sports on the lake and explore Hallstatt's market square and churches. The Hallstatt Tour from Salzburg includes a visit to Muhlbach Waterfall, the Hallstatt Ossuary, and the Hallstatt World Heritage Skywalk.

5. Take a Trip to Innsbruck: Austria's Olympic City

Innsbruck, two hours from Salzburg, is known for its medieval architecture, including the Golden Roof and Innsbruck Cathedral. Enjoy the mountain views and explore the Old Town's narrow streets.

6. Climb Every Mountain: Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel, a 90-minute drive from Salzburg, offers year-round activities like hiking, biking, and golf. Explore the medieval town and take a cable car to the Hahnenkamm for breathtaking views.

7. Lovely Linz

Linz, on the Danube River, is 75 minutes from Salzburg. Visit Linz Castle, St. Martin's Church, and enjoy a Danube river cruise.

8. Historic Villach

Two hours south of Salzburg, Villach is known for its thermal springs and spas. Explore the Main Square, Trinity Column, and old churches like the Heiligenkreuzkirche.

9. Take a Walking Tour of the Old Market Town of Klagenfurt

Klagenfurt, 2.5 hours from Salzburg, boasts a historic Old Town with medieval streets, shops, and the Lindwurmbrunnen Dragon Fountain. Nearby Minimundus features miniature global landmarks.