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Salzburg is a beautiful city where baroque architecture, classical music, and alpine charm come together. There are many places to visit near Salzburg that add to its appeal, offering scenic landscapes, historic sites, and cultural experiences, all within a short trip. Known as the birthplace of Mozart, the city itself enchants travellers with old-world streets, grand palaces, and a timeless atmosphere. Whether you’re into history, music, or nature, Salzburg and its surroundings have something special to offer. Let’s explore the top 10 attractions that make this region a must-visit for all travellers.
10 Best Places To Visit Near Salzburg
Here are the 10 best places to visit near Salzburg for a fun-filled trip in this idyllic destination.
1. Hallstatt
Photo: C.Stadler/Bwag / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most picturesque places to visit near Salzburg is Hallstatt. Set beside a serene lake and surrounded by the Dachstein Alps, it’s ideal for a day trip. Visit the historic salt mine, stroll along cobbled streets, or take the funicular up to the Skywalk for panoramic views. A boat ride on Lake Hallstatt offers peaceful moments and perfect photo ops. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast or nature lover, Hallstatt charms all visitors with its alpine beauty and rich history.
Location: Upper Austria
Nearest Airport: Salzburg Airport (80 km)
Best Time To Visit: April to October
2. Werfen & Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave
Photo: Hiroki Ogawa / Wikimedia Commons
Among the most adventurous places to visit near Salzburg, Werfen boasts the world’s largest ice cave, Eisriesenwelt. This 42-kilometre-long natural marvel features many guided tours through its frozen chambers and stunning ice formations. After your cave exploration, head to Hohenwerfen Castle for medieval flair and eagle shows. The surrounding mountains provide great hiking and photo opportunities. Easily accessible by train or car, Werfen is perfect for nature lovers, families, and history buffs.
Location: Salzburg State
Nearest Airport: Salzburg Airport (50 km)
Best Time To Visit: May to October
3. St. Wolfgang
Photo: Nick Stenning / Wikimedia Commons
Among the most peaceful places to visit near Salzburg, St. Wolfgang offers lakeside beauty with classic Austrian charm. Located on Lake Wolfgangsee, the village is famous for the Schafbergbahn, a cogwheel train that climbs to the summit of Schafberg Mountain. The lakeside promenade is lined with cafés, souvenir shops, and boat rentals. In summer, the lake becomes a hub for swimming and paddling. St. Wolfgang is ideal for couples, families, and photographers seeking serene mountain-lake scenery with a historical twist.
Location: Upper Austria
Nearest Airport: Salzburg Airport (60 km)
Best Time To Visit: June to September
4. Berchtesgaden & Königssee
Photo: Wikiuser100 / Wikimedia Commons
Berchtesgaden is one of the top cross-border places to visit near Salzburg, located just across the German border. It is home to Königssee, a crystal-clear lake ringed by steep cliffs and thick forest. Take a silent electric boat to the baroque St. Bartholomä Church or continue to Obersee for tranquil views. For history lovers, the Eagle’s Nest on Kehlstein Mountain offers panoramic views and WWII significance. With its blend of history, nature, and Bavarian hospitality, Berchtesgaden is perfect for a full-day escape from Salzburg into Germany’s Alps.
Location: Bavaria, Germany
Nearest Airport: Salzburg Airport (30 km)
Best Time To Visit: May to October
5. Golling An Der Salzach
Photo: Arne Müseler / Wikimedia Commons
A beauty among the places to visit near Salzburg, Golling an der Salzach is a peaceful village ideal for a half-day trip. Just 30 minutes away, it’s best known for Gollinger Waterfall, a 76-metre waterfall located within a forest. The trail leading up to the falls is a refreshing walk. Also worth visiting is the 13th-century Golling Castle, now a local museum. The surrounding region offers great hiking and cycling trails. Golling is a top pick for nature lovers and those seeking a break from the tourist crowd in Salzburg.
Location: Salzburg State
Nearest Airport: Salzburg Airport (30 km)
Best Time To Visit: April to October
6. Bad Ischl
Photo: Wolfgang Sauber / Wikimedia Commons
Bad Ischl is one of the most culturally rich places to visit near Salzburg, known for its imperial charm and relaxing atmosphere. Once the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph, the town still houses the Kaiservilla with its sprawling gardens. Visitors can soak in thermal baths, explore the Kurpark, or indulge in sweets at the historic Café Zauner. It’s also a gateway to the Salzkammergut region and offers beautiful riverfront views and spa experiences. Ideal for couples, wellness seekers, and history fans, Bad Ischl is a calm retreat from Salzburg’s city life.
Location: Upper Austria
Nearest Airport: Salzburg Airport (60 km)
Best Time To Visit: May to September
7. Zell Am See
Photo: Arne Müseler / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most dynamic places to visit near Salzburg, Zell am See blends mountain adventures with lakeside relaxation. Surrounded by the Hohe Tauern range, it offers year-round activities skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking, biking, and swimming in summer. The Zeller See lake invites boat rides and paddleboarding, while the nearby Kitzsteinhorn Glacier offers snow even in summer. The charming town centre has boutiques, restaurants, and wellness centres. Whether you’re looking for adventure or scenic tranquillity, Zell am See delivers a balanced alpine experience.
Location: Salzburg State
Nearest Airport: Salzburg Airport (95 km)
Best Time To Visit: December to March (ski), June to September (lake)
8. Mondsee
Photo: TVB Mondsee / Wikimedia Commons
Famous as the wedding church in The Sound of Music, Mondsee is a cinematic and cultural stop among the places to visit near Salzburg. The town is home to the grand Basilica of St. Michael, pastel-coloured houses, and lakeside cafés. The adjacent Lake Mondsee is perfect for swimming, sailing, or a quiet picnic. It’s a small town that packs in charm, heritage, and natural beauty. Ideal for a quick visit, it’s especially loved by film fans and those looking for a relaxing lakeside stop just 30 minutes from Salzburg.
Location: Upper Austria
Nearest Airport: Salzburg Airport (30 km)
Best Time To Visit: May to September
9. Dachstein Krippenstein & Five Fingers
Photo: Dirk Schmidt / Wikimedia Commons
Among the most adventurous places to visit near Salzburg, Dachstein Krippenstein is famed for its Five Fingers viewing platform that juts out over a 400-metre cliff. Reachable by cable car from Obertraun, the summit offers stunning views of Hallstatt, Lake Hallstatt, and the surrounding peaks. Explore glacier caves like the Ice Palace and enjoy scenic hiking routes. Ideal for thrill-seekers and photographers, this destination is best visited during summer and early autumn for clear skies and safe trekking. Don’t forget a jacket, it gets chilly up there, even in warm months.
Location: Obertraun, Upper Austria
Nearest Airport: Salzburg Airport (95 km)
Best Time To Visit: May to October
10. Oberndorf Bei Salzburg
Photo: Arne Müseler / Wikimedia Commons
Among the best places to visit near Salzburg, Oberndorf bei Salzburg is only 20 km from Salzburg, and is an interesting trip for those interested in music history and small-town culture. The Silent Night Chapel and museum mark the historic spot where the song was first performed in 1818. Beyond this, visitors can enjoy peaceful walks along the Salzach River, admire traditional Austrian architecture, or attend local events and markets.
Location: Salzburg State
Nearest Airport: Salzburg Airport (20 km)
Best Time To Visit: December (festive), May to October
While Salzburg itself is rich in culture and charm, there are many places to visit in Salzburg which are equally mesmerising. Perfect for day trips or short stays, they enhance your Austrian journey with variety and depth. So, the next time you’re planning your Salzburg trip, be sure to go beyond the city limits and uncover the many famous places around. Start planning your journey with TripXL today and turn your Salzburg visit into a full-blown alpine adventure.
Cover Photo: Bede735 / Wikimedia Commons
