Salzburg is one of Austria's most stunning federal states, renowned as the birthplace of Mozart and home to the UNESCO-listed historic city of Salzburg. The state encompasses alpine landscapes, glacial lakes, and some of the best ski resorts in the Alps.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Hallstatt
One of the world's most beautiful and photographed villages, Hallstatt sits between a steep mountain and the emerald Hallstätter See. Its colorful lakeside houses, prehistoric salt mine, bone ossuary, and stunning scenery make it the most popular day trip from Salzburg. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights: Hallstatt village lakeside walk · Hallstatt Salt Mine (guided tours, oldest in world) · Bone Ossuary at St. Michael's Church · Hallstatt Skywalk viewpoint · Ferry crossing from train station · Dachstein Glacier (additional cable car)
Berchtesgaden & Eagle's Nest
A short trip across the German border (no passport control for Schengen visitors) to the spectacular Berchtesgaden valley. The Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus)—Hitler's mountaintop teahouse at 1,834m—provides extraordinary Alpine panoramas. The Königssee glacial lake is nearby.
Highlights: Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) at 1,834m · Documentation center (Nazi history museum) · Königssee glacial lake boat trip · Berchtesgaden town center · Alpine scenery and Watzmann mountain views
Mondsee
The warmest lake in the Salzkammergut—water reaching 26°C in summer—combined with the famous Mondsee Basilica where the wedding scene in 'The Sound of Music' was filmed. An easy half-day trip perfect for combining swimming with a cultural visit.
Highlights: Mondsee Basilica (Sound of Music wedding church) · Swimming in warmest lake (26°C in summer) · Lakeside promenade and restaurants · Water sports (sailing, windsurfing, kayaking) · Prehistoric lake dwelling museum
Krimml Waterfalls
Europe's highest waterfalls at 380 meters, located in the Hohe Tauern National Park. The three-stage cascade creates spectacular rainbow effects in the mist. A well-maintained 2–3 hour walking trail follows the falls through spruce forest.
Highlights: Three-stage waterfall cascade (380m total height) · Rainbow effects in mist zone · Hohe Tauern National Park · Alpine village of Krimml · Pinzgau museum and alpine exhibits
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Austria's most spectacular alpine drive—a 48km toll road with 36 switchbacks reaching 2,571m. Passes through Hohe Tauern National Park with views of the Grossglockner (Austria's highest peak, 3,798m) and the Pasterze glacier. Marmots, ibex, and golden eagles are regularly spotted.
Highlights: Pasterze glacier (Austria's largest glacier) · Grossglockner peak views (3,798m) · Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe viewpoint · Edelweissspitze panorama (2,571m) · Alpine wildlife—ibex, marmots, eagle · Hochtor tunnel (2,504m—historic road exhibition)
Innsbruck
The capital of Tyrol and host of two Winter Olympics is a stunning mountain city in its own right. The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), Imperial Palace (Hofburg), and Ambras Castle compete with spectacular mountain views from the city center. The Nordkette cable car rises directly from the city to 2,334m.
Highlights: Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof—15th century balcony) · Imperial Palace (Hofburg) · Nordkette cable car to 2,334m · Ambras Castle · Tyrolean State Museums · Old Town cobblestones
Vienna
Austria's imperial capital is just over 2 hours by fast train. The Ringstrasse museums, Habsburg Palaces (Schönbrunn, Hofburg), Vienna State Opera, and unparalleled coffeehouse culture can fill a full day. Best done as an overnight trip but possible as a long day trip.
Highlights: Schönbrunn Palace · Hofburg Imperial Palace · Vienna State Opera · Kunsthistorisches Museum · St. Stephen's Cathedral · Prater and Giant Ferris Wheel · Traditional Viennese coffeehouses
St. Wolfgang am Wolfgangsee
A charming pilgrimage village on the shores of Wolfgangsee lake. Famous for the White Horse Inn (Weisses Rössl—inspiration for the operetta), the magnificent Gothic pilgrimage church, and the Schafberg steam cog railway that climbs 1,783m. Perfect for combining lake swimming with scenic mountain railway.
Highlights: Wolfgangsee swimming and lakeside walks · Schafberg steam cog railway (May–October) · St. Wolfgang pilgrimage church (Gothic altarpiece) · White Horse Inn (Weisses Rössl) · Village market square · Water sports and boat hire
Multi-day tours from Salzburg
If you have longer than a day, these are organised multi-day trips that start here.
Browse multi-day tours from SalzburgWe may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.