5 Nearest Easy Day Trips from Salzburg (Austria and Germany)
Located right next to the border between Austria and Germany, north of the Alps, Salzburg is the ideal starting point for exploring one of the most stunning areas in the German-speaking world.
From the historic sites along the Salzach Valley, to the charming villages in the Salzkammergut region, and the breathtaking natural beauty of Upper Bavaria, there’s a wealth of places to visit around Salzburg!
What could be better?
From Salzburg, it’s incredibly easy to reach some of the region’s most spectacular destinations.
Take for instance, Hellbrunn Palace, Hohenwerfen Fortress, St. Gilgen, and Berchtesgaden — they’re all just a short ride away from the city. Even Hallstatt, Austria’s enchanting fairytale village, is within reach for a day trip from Salzburg.
If you’re planning a 2-day visit or a 3-day Salzburg escapade and you’re interested in exploring the surrounding area, these five destinations are my top picks for your day trip.
A glimpse to the 5 nearest day trips from Salzburg
Before you set off on a day trip, though, don’t forget to explore the attractions right in Salzburg.
The city is home to beautiful discoveries and remarkable historical landmarks like the:
- Salzburg Cathedral,
- Hohensalzburg Fortress,
- Mirabell Palace,
- Nonnberg Abbey,
- Mozart’s Birthplace, and more.
These sites are conveniently close to each other, making them perfect for a walking tour of the Old Town.
Going back to the day trips:
1. Hellbrunn Palace
Nestled in the rolling hills of Austria, just a short bus ride from the city, lies a hidden gem: Hellbrunn Palace.
Here are some day trip tours that you can join to visit Hellbrunn Palace:
- Original Sound of Music Tour — Recommended
- The Hills are Alive Do Re Mi Tour — Private Tour (best for groups)
- Boat Ride to Hellbrunn and Palace Visit — Unique way to visit Hellbrunn Palace
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2. Hohenwerfen Fortress
Hohenwerfen Fortress is a stunning castle located in the town of Werfen, just 40 kilometers south of Salzburg.
Below are the entrance tickets and tours to Hohenwerfen Fortress:
3. St. Gilgen
Nestled in the Salzkammergut region of Austria, you’ll find St. Gilgen, a charming village that’s sure to capture your heart.
If you are traveling in a group and wish to explore not only St. Gilgen but also the stunning surrounding areas of Salzkammergut, here are some tours to consider:
- Original Sound of Music Tour — Recommended
- Full-day Private City & Lake District Tour — traveling with your family, group of friends? Check out this tour with skip the line perks.
4. Berchtesgaden
Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, just 25 kilometers from Salzburg, lies the picturesque town of Berchtesgaden.
Here are some of my recommended Berchtesgaden day trips from Salzburg to join:
- Highlights of the Bavarian Mountains incl. Eagle’s Nest — Best for groups
- Full-Day Super Saver Bavarian Mountains Tour — Best for solo travelers
- Private Eagle’s Nest Tour & Königsee from Salzburg — No hassle and luxury private day trip tour
5. Hallstatt
Hallstatt, known for inspiring Frozen, is a picture-perfect village in the Salzkammergut area, hard to miss when visiting Salzburg.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to explore Hallstatt and other beautiful places in the region on a day trip from Salzburg, there are plenty of tours available to help you make the most of your visit:
Unique Day Trips
Salzach Valley, Salzkammergut, and the Bavarian Alps may be located on different sides of Salzburg, but that doesn’t mean you can only visit one at a time.
In fact, these regions are neighboring each other, making it possible to visit two in a single day, especially if you’re traveling by private car.
For example, Berchtesgaden and Hohenwerfen Fortress are only 45 minutes apart by car. Similarly, Werfen and St. Gilgen are just an hour away from each other under ideal road traffic conditions.
With the right combination of tourist attractions in your itinerary, you can have a unique and unforgettable day trip from Salzburg.
However, if you’re really looking for some recommendations for unique day trips from Salzburg, here are a few to consider:
- Sound of Music & Salt Mines Tour — A combination of different experiences, best for families and fans of the movie.
- 8-Hour Tour with Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride — Unique fairytale experience to try during winter.
- Werfen World’s Largest Ice Caves — Incredible works of nature to discover when it’s summer.
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