Attractions Nearby Salzburg, Day Trips and Excursions

(Salzburg, Austria)

There is such a variety of interesting attractions close to Salzburg, that visitors often set aside a day or two to explore the more appealing. One of Europe's most spectacular mountain roads blessed with truly breathtaking panoramas and scenic attractions, the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse is near to Salzburg and one Alpine road not to miss.

Also close to Salzburg is the town of Oberndorf, best known for its St. Nicola Church, the 'birthplace' of the much-loved carol 'Silent Night' in 1818. The glorious lake of Mondsee lies directly east of Salzburg and is just 20 minutes away by car, making this the perfect place for some serious respite away from the city, with plenty of recreational attractions for all ages.

Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse (High Alpine Road)

The Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse stretches for almost 50 km / 31 miles and is only open to drivers outside of the winter months, from May until November. It is quite possible for visitors from Salzburg to complete a round trip of the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse in just one day, stopping off for lunch and views along the way.

Mondsee (Moon Lake) / Salzkammergut

On the northerly lake shore you will find the village of Mondsee, while to the south-west, the shoreline actually denotes the border between both the Austrian states of Salzburg and Upper Austria. The Mondsee Lake is a particularly scenic spot and is dominated by the imposing Drachenwand mountain. Other attractions include the neighbouring resort of Salzkammergut and its plentiful outdoor activities, which include a number of water sports, along with hiking, cycling and also golf.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Oberndorf

Oberndorf is to be found around 17 km / 11 miles to the north of Salzburg and with a population of just over 5,000 people, this small town is well worth a look. The world-famous Christmas carol 'Silent Night' was actually first performed at Oberndorf's St. Nicola Church almost 200 years ago. There are also a number of historic attractions dotted around Oberndorf town centre.

Werfen / Eisriesenwelt

Address: Eishoehlenstrasse 30, A-5450, Werfen
Tel: +43 (0)6468 5248
Email: info@eisriesenwelt.at
Website: www.eisriesenwelt.at
The biggest accessible ice caves are to be found within the mountains around the village of Werfen, 45 km / 28 miles south of Salzburg. Some truly breathtaking ice formations can be seen within Werfen's Eisriesenwelt Höhle (Giant Ice Caves) and easily reached by cable car. Guided tours of the icy attractions within the Eisriesenwelt Höhle last just over one hour and visitors are advised to take warm clothes, since it can get rather chilly at times. The journey from the car park to the cave entrance is via footpaths and cable car rides so visitors should allow at least an hour for travelling to the caves.
Also of interest and away from the ice, the 16th-century Hohenwerfen Fortress dominates Werfen and presides over the village from its hilltop situation. It is quite possible to visit both of these attractions in just one day, by touring the Eisriesenwelt Höhle ice caves first, and then heading to the Hohenwerfen Fortress, in time to catch the afternoon falconry display.
Open hours: May and June, September and October, daily - 09:00 to 15:30; July and August, daily - 09:00 to 16:30.
Admission: charge, discount available to children between four and 14 years old and groups of 15 and more people