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 variety of destinations in a short time at an affordable cost. Ideal if you plan to visit Salzburg in two days or more, as you can make the most of your stay, here are the best excursions from the city!

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

Booking an excursion 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 relevant 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. To get there you can also take advantage of the blue route of the Salzburg tourist bus tour.

Some places you can visit

• Hellbrunn Castle: if you have enough time I invite you to visit it.
• The Königsee lake valley: also known as the King's Lake, it is an oasis located between Germany and Austria where many people spend their summers.
• 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.

Details of interest

• Price: from 94 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately five hours.
• Means of transportation: includes round trip 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 get to know some of the most emblematic sites.

During this tour you will fall in love with its landscapes, culture and traditions. The Narzissenfest or Narzissenfest takes place here between May and June, when you can taste sweets made from daffodils and marvel at the spring decorations.

Places to visit

• The historic village of Hallstatt: considered a UNESCO 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: they are approximately 7,000 years old and you can explore inside on the miners' train. Upon entering you will find impressive subway labyrinths.
• The Muhlbach Falls: offer the highest waterfall in Europe. They are ideal for adventurers, as here you can go diving, hiking or cycling.
• Lake Gosau: allows you to enjoy a quiet and relaxing walk. It offers captivating views that you cannot miss.
• The Skywalk: it is the highest viewpoint in town.

Details of interest

• Price: from 70 euros per person.
• Duration: about six hours.
• Means of transport: round-trip 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 touring the world and being translated into more than 300 languages.

If you go on your own, you can use the train line 3 or the bus line 210, as they are cheaper options to move within 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 are 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 Christmas carols, participate in a thanksgiving mass and experience a wintry Christmas right out of a postcard.

Details of interest

• 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. Located 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. In the surrounding area you can also visit 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 is one of the best things to do in winter in Salzburg, so be warm and prepared for the altitude.

Details of interest

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

Among the best things to do in Salzburg is a visit to the Bavarian salt mines. It is an ideal adventure for all ages, so it can't be missing in your itinerary if you are traveling with your family.

Lodging in the mountains and the mines is really expensive, but to save some euros you can hire an excursion from the city. You will be able to visit the most important parts of this area in a short time, so it is an ideal plan if you are visiting Salzburg in 1 day.

With this activity you are 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.

To experience the best vacation in Austria, I recommend you take advantage of this experience that takes you on three excursions. You will be able to tour iconic sites in a perfectly condensed itinerary. It is 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 activity in summer.

Don't miss the opportunity to climb Kehlsteinhaus, a historical 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 I recommend you to be in good physical condition. The famous salt mines are also located in this area.

Details of interest

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

Hire a guide

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

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

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 in some locations, as well as telephone services for tourists.

However, in the outskirts the Internet may 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 problems.

Additionally, if you want to know, for example, how to get to Vienna from Salzburg, you can use apps that track the best transportation or hire a round-trip tour.

Book life insurance

For most Austrian activities, they ask you for health insurance or life insurance. Without this paper, you cannot access the excursions. It is a form of prevention, as you will be traveling through mountains, climbing steep trails and facing very high areas.

An insurance will cover your medical expenses, something indispensable in case you suffer from altitude sickness, or need immediate medical assistance.

Additionally, if you are going to take an excursion to the mountains, I recommend resting well the hours before, 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, it may be included in the cost or for an extra fee.

In summer it is advisable to bring sunscreen, hydration, personal medication or medication for general discomfort, comfortable sneakers and appropriate clothing, among others. In addition, in winter you should dress warmly, as temperatures are extreme.

Get the Salzburg Card

The Salzburg Card is an ideal tourist card for your vacation in the city. It allows you to save money, as well as unlimited access to attractions and transportation.

Buying the Salzburg Card can be a very useful resource during your excursion around Salzburg. It is not necessary 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 be in Salzburg.

Avoid the rainy season

From May to September it tends to rain quite a bit in Salzburg, which makes certain excursions difficult. It is 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, you can check with your guide to access only those experiences that can be done, 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.

The destinations to visit are up to you, but I recommend you to take advantage and visit the Austrian Alps. These destinations are usually expensive if you stay there, since their luxurious cabins offer the best views. So taking an excursion is a cheaper way to discover them.

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