Grossglockner High Alpine Road | © Großglockner Hochalpenstraßen AG
Great excursions around Salzburg
Excursions around Salzburg combine nature, history, the region’s salt heritage, and experiences for all ages. From Gaisberg and Untersberg to the Ice Caves in Werfen, Salzburg Salt Mines, and historic fortresses, there is something to discover for every interest, no matter the weather or how much time you have. Most destinations are easy to reach by public transportation and simple to plan, making them ideal for both half-day and full-day outings from Salzburg.
The best excursions around the city at a glance
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Nature & Mountains: Gaisberg, Untersberg, Ice Caves in Werfen
- Salt & Mining: Salzburg Salt Mines, Salt Mine Berchtesgaden,Old Salt Works Bad Reichenhall
- History & Culture: Museum of the Celts in Hallein, Hohenwerfen Fortress, Salzburg Open-Air Museum
- Family & Kids: Zoo Salzburg Hellbrunn, Locomotive World Freilassing, Salzburger Open-Air Museum, Hellbrunn Palace, Trick Fountains & Park
- The Sound of Music: Lake Wolfgang Shipping & Schafberg Railway, Leopoldskron Palace, Hellbrunn Palace
- Technology & Mobility: Porsche Erlebniswelten fahr(T)raum, Locomotive World Freilassing, Auto & Manro – Classic Car & Music Museum
- Water & Lakes: Golling Waterfall, Liechtenstein Gorge, Lake Wolfgang Shipping, Königssee Shipping
Experience nature and mountains around Salzburg
Set on the northern edge of the Alps, Salzburg is surrounded by a striking mountain panorama. It’s an easy escape for anyone looking to unwind in nature and step away from the city’s energy. Gaisberg and Untersberg—Salzburg’s local mountains—are well suited for a half-day trip, while the Ice Caves in Werfen and the Grossglockner High Alpine Road are best explored with a full day set aside.
Discover the origins of salt
The region around Salzburg owes its name and wealth to “white gold” — salt. At Salzburg Salt Mines, Salt Mine Berchtesgaden, and the Old Salt Works Bad Reichenhall, visitors can learn how salt has been extracted over the centuries. Head underground and explore the history of mining firsthand. These sites are ideal for a half-day outing and make an excellent choice in any weather. Pair your visit with The Celtic Mountain, the Old Salt Works Bad Reichenhall, or the Museum of the Celts in Hallein to turn it into a rewarding full-day experience.
Exploring Salzburg’s history
Step back in time and explore Salzburg’s rich history. At the Museum of the Celts in Hallein and the The Celtic Mountain close to Hallein, visitors can discover how the Celts once lived. History enthusiasts can spend a full day exploring the impressive Hohenwerfen Fortress. At the Salzburg Open-Air Museum, authentic farmhouses from across the Salzburg region offer insights into rural life in centuries past, set against a backdrop of mountains and nature. Easily reached from the city, the museum is a great choice for a half-day outing.
Family adventures around Salzburg
Families will find plenty to enjoy in and around Salzburg. Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn is a great destination for animal lovers of all ages and is easy to reach by public transportation. On sunny days, Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains are perfect for a relaxed half-day or full-day family outing. Other favorites with children include Locomotive World Freilassing and the Salzburg Open-Air Museum in Großgmain.
The Sound of Music Highlights Around Salzburg
For fans of The Sound of Music, a day trip to St. Gilgen and a cruise on Wolfgangsee is a memorable experience. The lake and its mountain scenery served as filming locations for several scenes in the movie. Leopoldskron Palace and Hellbrunn Palace, home to the original Sound of Music Pavilion, are also popular places to visit. While both palaces are officially located within the city limits of Salzburg, they make ideal half-day excursions away from the Old Town. In autumn 2026, Hellbrunn Palace will also welcome the new The Sound of Music Museum.
Technology & Mobility Experiences Around Salzburg
Forget the idea of a traditional museum: the Ferdinand Porsche Erlebniswelten fahr(T)raum in Mattsee offer plenty of hands-on technology. Locomotive World Freilassing is equally interactive, while vintage car enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Manro – Classic Car & Music Museum.
Discover lakes and water adventures around Salzburg
Around Salzburg, water shapes some of the region’s most memorable landscapes, from lakes and waterfalls to dramatic gorges. A trip with WolfgangseeSchifffahrt offers a relaxing way to take in the sparkling water and mountain scenery. For even wider views, continue to the summit of Schafberg with the SchafbergBahn, where sweeping panoramas of the Salzkammergut await. Königssee Shipping, Golling Waterfall, and Liechtenstein Gorge are equally rewarding destinations for experiencing the beauty and power of water up close.
Häufige Fragen zu Ausflugszielen nahe Salzburg
What outdoor activities are available around Salzburg?
The area around Salzburg offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, paragliding, winter sports, and nature-based experiences. Top outdoor destinations near Salzburg include Gaisberg, Untersberg, Ice Caves in Werfen, Hohenwerfen Fortress, Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn, and the Salzburg Open-Air Museum. Find more information about hiking in and around Salzburg here.
Which excursion destinations are close to Salzburg city?
Some of the easiest excursion destinations to reach from Salzburg city include Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn, Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains, Gaisberg, Untersberg, Locomotive World Freilassing, and the Salzburg Open-Air Museum. Thanks to excellent public transportation connections, many of these destinations are also ideal for a half-day outing.
Which excursion destinations around Salzburg are free with the Salzburg Card?
The Salzburg Card includes one free admission each to Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn, Hellbrunn Palace, and the Trick Fountains. The new The Sound of Music Museum, scheduled to open there on September 20, 2026, will also be included with the card. In addition, admission to the Salzburg Open-Air Museum and a ride on the Untersberg Cable Car are included.
What are the best excursion destinations around Salzburg?
Among the most popular excursion destinations around Salzburg are Gaisberg, Untersberg, Ice Caves in Werfen, Salzburg Salt Mines, Salt Mine Berchtesgaden, Old Salt Works Bad Reichenhall, Museum of the Celts in Hallein, Hohenwerfen Fortress, Salzburg Open-Air Museum, Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn, Ferdinand Porsche Erlebniswelten fahr(T)raum, and Locomotive World Freilassing. Find a complete overview of all excursion destinations around Salzburg.
Which excursions around Salzburg are especially suitable for families?
Families with young children usually enjoy Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn, Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains, and the Salzburg Open-Air Museum. For children aged four and up, Salzburg Salt Mines, Salt Mine Berchtesgaden, Hohenwerfen Fortress, Locomotive World Freilassing, and Ferdinand Porsche Erlebniswelten fahr(T)raum are particularly popular.
Which excursion destinations around Salzburg are recommended on rainy days?
On rainy days, mines, museums, and exhibitions make excellent excursion destinations around Salzburg. Popular options include Salzburg Salt Mines, Salt Mine Berchtesgaden, Old Salt Works Bad Reichenhall, Museum of the Celts in Hallein, Locomotive World Freilassing, and Ferdinand Porsche Erlebniswelten fahr(T)raum.
