The Best Day Trips from Salzburg:

Vienna

do a walking tour of the historic City Center, visit the Schönbrunn Palace, go to the top of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, have a picnic in the Schonbrunn Gardens, ride the Wiener Riesenrad and have fun at the Prater Amusement Park.

Hallstatt

Top Activity Recommendations: walk the entire length of Old Town, shop at the Central Square Marktplatz, stroll through the Hallstatt Ossuary, take a boat out on the lake, go up to the Hallstatt Skywalk “Welterbeblick,” and ride the Salzwelten Hallstatt.

Innsbruck

Top Activity Recommendations: ride the Nordkette funicular, go hiking or skiing (depending on the season), cruise on the river, do a walking tour of the Old Town, visit Ambras Castle, see the Swarovski Kristallwelten, and shop on the Maria-Theresien Strasse.

Werfen

Top Activity Recommendations: hike or drive to the Do-Re-Mi field, take the funicular to the Hohenwerfen Castle, and shop in the town square.

The Eagle’s Nest

Top Activity Recommendations: tour the fortress, eat at the restaurant, have a drink at the beer garden, and enjoy the stunning views.

I recommend spending at least three days in Salzburg – two days for exploring the city and one day for a day trip.

The Best Things To Do in Salzburg:

Do a walking tour of Salzburg’s Old Town.

Ride the Festungsbahn funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Visit The Sound of Music filming sites with Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tours.

See Mozart’s residence and birthplace.

Walk along the Mönchsberg – start from the Mullner side next to the Mullner Church and the Augustiner Brau. You’ll head up a steep incline, then take the flat path that overlooks the river.

Visit Hangar 7.

Learn how to cook apple strudel at the Edelweiss Cooking School.

Go to a concert.

Walk on the old wall of the Kapuzinerberg – start by walking up the Linzergasse to the stone archway on the right-hand side. Then follow the pathway and steps to the Cappucine Monastery.

Tour the Stiegel brewery on their “Beer World” experience.

Yes! Salzburg is one of the best destinations to visit in Austria.

When To Go:

May to August is the peak travel season, so be prepared for high prices and crowds, especially for the world-famous music festivals. Book your accommodation and tours as early as possible to ensure availability and save some money. Summer has warm daytime temperatures in the 80s, but these are the rainiest months of the year, so always have rain gear with you.

September and October are shoulder months. Temperatures will be pleasant during the day and cool in the mornings and evenings, and the Fall foliage makes the city extra-colorful. Salzburg is significantly less crowded during these months, so accommodation rates will drop, and you can get pictures at the famous spots without competing with crowds.

Winter is the off-season when you can have Salzburg practically to yourself. Snow is expected from November – February, so bring your warmest layers and sturdiest boots. Many tour companies and restaurants will be closed or have limited hours, so you’ll need to research any activities you want to do in advance. You can also score great accommodation deals during these months, and ski slopes aren’t far from the city.

March and April are shoulder months when wildflowers and the city’s gardens start attracting visitors again. March usually still has snow in the surrounding mountains, so you can get some end-of-season ski deals. Daytime temperatures will be in the 50s and 60s, and you’ll want layers for the cold evenings. Rain is common during these months, so always have a rain jacket.