Great daytrips from Salzburg

Most visitors flock to the city – often outnumbering the locals during holidays – to see the birthplace of Wolfgang Mozart and other memorabilia related to one of the world’s most famous classical composers.

Salzburg is also the place where the famous musical and film The Sound of Music was set and again, there is plenty to see on this front too. The many examples of Baroque architecture that line the Salzach River within the Old City are yet more reasons why this place is so popular and no doubt contributed to UNESCO’s decision to categorise Salzburg as a World Heritage site.

Make sure you don’t spend all your time within the confines of the city however, as the greater Salzburg region is equally spectacular, if not more so. Nearby Obendorf, which can be reached in 20 minutes by car, is the site of one of the most famous chapels in Europe, the Silent Night Memorial Chapel, which stands on the same spot where the famous Christmas carol was first conceived and later composed. A trip here in December guarantees a memorable look at this idyllic festive setting when the chapel is usually blanketed in snow. On 24th December, a special Christmas service is held, with throngs of visitors making the short trip here from Salzburg.

For some of the best views of the city and the surrounding area, pick a clear day to drive to the 2,000-meter tall Untersberg to the south. For those that feel up to it, it’s a steep climb all the way to the summit or there’s a cable car with fantastic vistas across the whole area for a quicker way to the top, a trip that rises 1,300 meters from the base of the mountain.

Equally impressive are the ice caves 30 miles by road outside of Salzburg, close to nearby Werfen. The largest ice cave system in the world, this subterranean world almost never sees temperatures above 0°C, even in the hottest months of July and August, meaning it’s best to bring a pair of gloves and a woolly hat. Driving from Salzburg to Werfen town, simply follow the road signs to the caves.

Among the most fascinating historical sights from the recent past is the much-visited WWII-era Eagle’s Nest, a holiday home purchased for former Nazi leader of Germany Adolf Hitler just across the border in the Bavarian Alps, less than 45 minutes by car from Salzburg. The drive to the building, which is now a restaurant, is a looping route of hairpin bends up 1,800 metres to the summit of Kehlstein Mountain.

The former property of Hitler was previously reached by a lift bored into the rock face and makes for a dramatic setting, with views extending miles into both Germany and Austria. Although popular with WWII buffs, it should be noted that Hitler only visited the property on about 10 separate occasions during the war period.

Salzburg is perhaps most famous for its myriad ski resorts in the surrounding region south of the city, with resorts like Obertauern, Zall am See and Saalbach popular with tourists throughout mainland Europe. By purchasing the Salzburg Super Ski Card, winter sports fans can make the most of 23 different resorts, mostly within a 1 hour, 30 minute drive from Salzburg. With a three-day pass, keen skiers can reach Untersberg, Postalm and Hintersee in just 30 minutes from Salzburg by car to maximise time on the slopes while still enjoying city life. Longer term passes are also available for those that wish to experience more of the region’s excellent skiing facilities.

Salzburg is not just about snow either. Visit in summer to make the most of the beautiful outdoors in the Salzkammergut region, less than 1 hour’s drive from the city centre. With its many lakes and high peaks, Salzkammergut is very popular for cycling, bathing, trekking and golf, along with numerous other outdoor pursuits. The views here are spectacular, with the 2,000-meter high mountains reflecting in the pristine lakes below.

For those that find trekking a chore, it is still possible to get to the top of mountains like Shafberg by rack railway, or Zwolferhorn by cable car, while those that wish to do things on foot can bring camping gear and explore the area over a period of weeks rather than hours.

Salzburg city is a holiday destination in its own right, but hiring a vehicle opens up a whole host of other attractions that should also not be missed.

Great daytrips from Salzburg - Austria