6 Best Day Trips from Salzburg

An excursion is one of the best things to do in Salzburg and a fun way to venture out and get to know the city and its surroundings. It is also an ideal plan to share with friends or family, as well as for romantic getaways.

Most excursions available from Salzburg allow you to see a wide variety of destinations in a short time at an affordable cost. Ideal if you plan to visit Salzburg in two days or more, you'll be able to make the most of your stay - here are the best excursions from the city!

From the heights Salzburg looks truly impressive. It's well worth it, as you can enjoy the alpine scenery from the moment you leave the city.

Booking a trip to Berchtesgaden and the Eagle's Nest gives you the opportunity to discover one of the most important peaks in the region. This is Berchtesgaden, a mountain that was very important in the Second World War and where the building known as the Eagle's Nest is located.

This place is well known for being the mountain and place of Hitler's retreat, so you can learn a little about the history of this Nazi leader. You can also take advantage of the blue route of the Salzburg sightseeing bus tour to get here.

Some places to visit

• Hellbrunn Castle: if you have enough time I invite you to visit it.
• Lake Königsee Valley: also known as the King's Lake, it is an oasis located between Germany and Austria where many people spend their summer holidays.
• Obersalzberg: is a mountain village surrounded by small farms. You can find places to stay, in case you want to spend the night.
• Hoher Göll Mountain: located on the way to the Eagle's Nest, it is an ideal area for mountaineering or hiking.

Interesting details

• Price: from 94 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately five hours.
• Means of transport: includes return transfer in an air-conditioned bus.

Booking a tour to Hallstatt from Salzburg allows you to experience the best alpine destinations in the Salzkammergut, a mountainous district in one of the highest areas of Austria. Here you can explore at your own pace and see some of the most iconic sites.

During this tour you will fall in love with its landscapes, culture and traditions. The Narzissenfest ( Daffodil Festival) takes place here between May and June, when you can sample daffodil sweets and marvel at the spring decorations.

Places to visit

• The historic town of Hallstatt: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most beautiful areas in Austria. If you are planning things to do in Salzburg in winter, you can take advantage of the best markets, festivals and nature shows.
• The salt mines: The salt mines are approximately 7,000 years old and you can explore inside on the miners' train. As you enter, you'll find impressive underground labyrinths.
• Muhlbach Falls: the highest waterfall in Europe. They are ideal for adventurers, as you can go diving, hiking or cycling here.
• Lake Gosau: allows you to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing walk. It offers captivating views that are not to be missed.
• The Skywalk: the highest viewpoint in town.

Interesting details

• Price: from 70 euros per person.
• Duration: about six hours.
• Means of transport: return transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle are included, as well as the bus tour.

The Silent Night Chapel is a very special place, as it was here that the Silent Night song was first sung in 1818, later toured the world and translated into more than 300 languages.

If you're on your own, you can use the train line 3 or the bus line 210, which are cheaper options for getting around the city. You can also take advantage of the blue route by booking the Salzburg sightseeing bus that will take you to your destination.

If you're looking for things to do in Salzburg in December, you can take advantage of this experience on Christmas Eve. It's a magical night that allows you to listen to Austrian carols, participate in a thanksgiving mass and experience a wintry Christmas right out of a postcard.

Interesting details

• Price: from 65 euros per person.
• Duration: about 4 hours.
• Means of transport: by coach.

Explore the natural majesty of the Bavarian Mountains on an exciting half-day excursion from Salzburg. Situated on the border between Austria and Germany, this mountainous region offers spectacular scenery and a perfect getaway for nature and adventure lovers.

You'll have the opportunity to take in the mountains, impressive snow-capped peaks and meadows dotted with wildflowers. The surrounding area is also home to towns such as Berchtesgaden and Obersalzberg, where summers are mild and do not exceed 20°.

The Bavarian mountains are located high above the border, offering breathtaking views. It's one of the best things to do in winter in Salzburg, so dress warmly and be prepared for the altitude.

Interesting details

• Price: from 60 euros per person.
• Duration: about four hours.
• Means of transport: including return journey from a strategic point in Salzburg.

Among the best things to do in Salzburg is a visit to the Bavarian salt mines. It's a great adventure for all ages, so it's a must if you' re travelling with the family.

Accommodation in the mountains and mines is really expensive, but to save a few euros you can book a tour from the city. You'll be able to see the most important parts of this area in a short time, so it's an ideal plan if you're visiting Salzburg in 1 day.

With this activity you're free to decide when to do it, as the visit to this Bavarian mine is available during the day or at night. You can discover its stories and venture into the Bavarian Alps.

Interesting details

• Price: from 75 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately four hours.
• Means of transport: air-conditioned bus.

For the best holiday in Austria, I recommend you take advantage of this experience that takes you on three excursions. You'll get to see iconic sites in a perfectly condensed itinerary. It's ideal if you plan to visit Salzburg in at least two days and want to make the most of your time

These excursions will take you to the Bavarian Mountains, which are located between the Austrian and German Alps. You can spend the afternoon exploring or take a dip in Lake Königssee, if you plan to do this in the summer.

Don't miss the opportunity to climb Kehlsteinhaus, a historic site known as the Eagle's Nest. It is surrounded by small villages and can be accessed from a hiking trail. For this type of excursion, you should be in good physical condition. The area is also home to the famous salt mines.

Interesting details

• Price: from 144 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately nine hours.
• Means of transport: a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Please note that pick-up and return to the hotel is not usually included.

Hire a guide

Austria is a safe country where you can venture out on your own. However, if you're a first-time visitor and want to take advantage of the best things to do in Salzburg, I recommend opting for a guided experience.

Besides, a tour will save you time and money and you won't have to worry about the itinerary or transport.

Excursions outside Salzburg focus on alpine destinations, lakes or nearby towns. But you can also visit two countries at the same time thanks to the fact that the city borders Germany. The most common is to visit the German state of Bavaria.

Use GPS or a map

Regardless of whether you opt for a guided experience or on your own, it is always important to have a map of the city at hand. Free WiFi is available at some locations, as well as telephone services for tourists.

However, in the outskirts the internet can fluctuate or you may run out of battery, so I recommend bringing a physical map, downloading it to your phone or using GPS. This way, you will always be located and you will be able to hike without any problems.

Additionally, if you want to know, for example, how to get to Vienna from Salzburg, you can use apps that track the best transport or book a return trip.

Book life insurance

For most Austrian activities, you will be asked for health or life insurance. Without this paper, you can't go on excursions. It's a form of prevention, as you'll be travelling in the mountains, climbing steep trails and facing high altitudes.

Insurance will cover your medical expenses, which is indispensable in case you suffer from altitude sickness, or need immediate medical assistance.

Additionally, if you're taking an excursion to the mountains, I recommend getting plenty of rest in the hours beforehand to avoid altitude sickness. If you are planning things to do in Salzburg with children, this is a must.

Be prepared for an emergency

In the mountains or alpine destinations it is always important to be equipped. When booking a guided tour your guide or tour promoter will ask for a hiker's kit depending on where you are going. In some cases, this may be included in the cost or for an extra fee.

In summer, it is advisable to bring sunscreen, hydration, personal or general ailment medication, comfortable sneakers and appropriate clothing, among other things. In addition, you should wrap up warm in winter, as temperatures are extreme.

Get the Salzburg Card

The Salzburg Card is an ideal tourist card for your city holiday. It saves you money and gives you unlimited access to attractions and transport.

Buying the Salzburg Card can be a very useful resource during your excursion around Salzburg. You don't need to book in advance (except during the high season).

You can buy it at hotels, train stations and at the airport, so it is quite affordable. It is activated after the first use and you can choose its duration depending on how many days you plan to stay in Salzburg.

Avoid the rainy season

From May to September it tends to rain quite a lot in Salzburg, which makes some excursions more difficult. It's not the best time to plan outdoor activities, and roads may be closed during storms.

If you have no choice but to visit Salzburg during this time of year, you can check with your guide to make sure only those experiences are available, regardless of weather conditions.

You can also opt to take the Salzburg sightseeing bus tour, which allows you to hop on and off at any point.

It's up to you to choose your destinations, but I recommend you take the opportunity to visit the Austrian Alps. These destinations tend to be expensive if you stay there, as their luxurious huts offer the best views. So taking a tour is a more economical way to discover them.

Note that there are tours to many destinations including lakes, mountains, villages and more. If you wish, you can visit Vienna from Salzburg or escape to the German border of Bavaria.