Salzburg gegion (also known as Land Salzburg) is one of Austria’s most popular destinations for an unforgettable trip. Home to around 600,000 residents, its official name is Salzburgerland.
Most of Salzburgerland is mountainous due to the Alps, with only its northern part being rather flat. This state is located in northern Austria, bordering Bavaria, Germany to the northwest, Upper Austria to the northeast, Carinthia to the south, Styria to the east, and Tyrol to the southwest.
A part of Salzburgerland lies within Austria’s wonderful Lake District – Salzkammergut. This lake region is definitely something you won’t want to miss (especially during the warm summer months). Many visitors fly into Munich Airport in Germany or Austria’s capital, Vienna, and then rent a car for a multi-day trip filled with stunning landscapes and attractions.
In Salzburgerland, you can witness Austria’s authentic beauty. Without a doubt, this region is one of the most visited among Austria’s regions, and the mass of tourists can sometimes be felt during the summer months.
Nonetheless, you shouldn’t miss the picturesque towns, beautiful lakes, breathtaking Alpine mountains, exciting attractions, local festivals, authentic cuisine, and, of course, the wonderful traditional music. In this article, you’ll find information on all the best places in Land Salzburg with links to more detailed information on each attraction!
A trip to this wonderful region is suitable for everyone – families with children, older travelers, and young adventurers alike.
Here’s a small taste of the entire region and its beautiful nature:
Must-See Places in the Salzburg Region – Your Complete Checklist!
With so many attractions in Salzburgerland, we’ve put together a concise list featuring the most central and worthwhile places to visit. The places are organized by popularity (this ranking is just our opinion, and we’d love to hear yours after your trip!). This article covers:
- Top Central Areas for choosing your accommodation
- Majestic Mountain Peaks with convenient cable cars and stunning vistas.
- Powerful Gushing Waterfalls.
- Clear & Inviting Lakes perfect for swimming.
- Diverse Hiking Trails.
- Exciting Amusement Parks, Rope Parks, and Zip Lines.
- Fun Mountain Coasters for summer adrenaline rush.
- Zoos.
- Relaxing Spa & Water Parks.
- Salzburg City – the capital of Land Salzburg.
- Historic Castles, Fortresses, and Palaces.
- Other Attractions you shouldn’t miss.
If an asterisk (*) appears next to an attraction, it means it’s included in the Salzburgerland card.
Accommodation Areas in the state of Salzburg
Salzburg State isn’t small, but if you choose a central location that’s well-connected to major highways, you can easily reach all the popular attractions. This includes destinations in nearby areas like Hallstatt, Dachstein, or the Grossglockner Mountain. For more detailed recommendations, you can check out our comprehensive article on highly recommended accommodations in Salzburgerland by fellow travelers.
To make the most of your travel time, we suggest staying in towns or villages located in the heart of the region and close to main highways. You’ll often find that valuable time can be saved by avoiding daily drives on smaller roads to reach the main routes. Don’t forget to compare car rental offers for Austria and neighboring countries to find the best deal.
Cities and towns worth considering as a sleeping base for your trip: Salzburg, Hallein, Saalfelden, Zell am See, Flachau, Wagrain, Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein, Sankt Johann im Pongau, Radstadt.
The most central locations in Land Salzburg, ideal for “star trips” and popular with many travelers, are:
You can click on the names of these places to see lists of accommodation options in each area provided by Booking.com.
Looking at the map, you’ll notice these locations are close to each other and situated centrally within Salzburg State. Of course, you’re welcome to explore other fantastic options like Bad Gastein or Schladming, which are equally wonderful.
Mountain Peaks with Cable Cars and Breathtaking Views
While some of Austria’s most iconic mountain ranges are found in neighboring states (like Styria, Upper Austria, and Tyrol), Salzburg State proudly offers some truly magnificent mountains of its own. You can conveniently ascend to these peaks via cable cars, where you’ll often find fantastic family-friendly attractions and, of course, a variety of hiking trails boasting incredible scenic views.
Recommended Mountains:
Salzburg City Mountains:
- Mönchsberg: The cable car here is included in the Salzburg City Card.
- Kapuzinerberg: You can reach this mountain by walking along marked nature trails.
- Festungsberg: This is the mountain where Salzburg City’s impressive fortress stands.
Additional Mountains:
- Wagrain Grafenberg: At its summit, you’ll discover a wonderful activity world for children. *
- Maiskogel: Located near Kaprun, its peak features an amusement park with various activities for kids, including a mountain coaster.
- Schafberg: Offers stunning views overlooking Lake Wolfgang.
- Abtenau (Karkogel): Home to an exciting mountain coaster. *
- Untersberg Mountain
- Gaisberg Mountain
Gushing Waterfalls
Some of the waterfalls you’ll encounter in Salzburg State are truly unique in Europe. It’s an absolutely wonderful and special experience to stand at the foot of these powerful cascades or even admire them from a distance. Accessing most waterfalls involves a walk along a well-maintained trail, sometimes even through a natural canyon, which is an adventure in itself. The majority of these hiking trails are suitable for all types of travelers, including families with children and seniors. For those with young children, we recommend bringing a baby carrier, as many trails include stairs that aren’t suitable for strollers.
Recommended Waterfalls:
- Krimml Waterfalls (Krimml Fälle) – Austria’s largest waterfall! *
- Bad Gastein Waterfall (Bad Gastein Wasserfall) – A spectacular waterfall right in the heart of Bad Gastein (free entry).
- Golling Waterfalls (Gollinger Wasserfall) *
- Johannes Waterfall (Johanneswasserfall am Obertauern)
Crystal Clear Lakes for Swimming
The Salzburg region is part of the incredible Salzkammergut – the Austrian Lake Region. The diverse array of lakes scattered throughout the state makes them a must-see attraction for any trip. Some lakes are perfect for swimming, while others are ideal for a scenic picnic or simply breathtaking photos.
Recommended Lakes:
- Lake Wolfgang (Wolfgangsee) – Great for swimming and relaxation.
- Moon Lake (Mondsee)
- Lake Fuschl (Fuschlsee) – Excellent for swimming (one of the clearest lakes in all of Austria). *
- The Green Lake and the White Lake
- Lake Zell am See *
Recommended Hiking Trails
The natural beauty of Salzburg State is truly breathtaking. Mountains, lakes, and vast green expanses blend seamlessly, creating a postcard-like landscape. No matter where you are in the region, you’ll be surrounded by mesmerizing views. Every hill, mountain, or valley offers countless marked trails suitable for all fitness levels. While there are many trails not to be missed, the ones listed here are just a small taste of the thousands of routes available throughout the area.
Recommended Hiking Trails:
- Liechtensteinklamm – Powerful! Highly recommended!
- Sigmund-Thun-Klamm *
- Lammerklamm – Lammer Canyon *
- Saalachtal Valley
- Kitzlochklamm – Kitzloch Canyon *
Amusement Parks, Rope Parks, and Zip Lines
For thrill-seekers, Land Salzburg offers numerous attractions, including high-altitude rope courses and exhilarating zip lines descending from mountain peaks. These activities are often found within family-friendly fun parks. Even if you’re not keen on the extreme adventures, you can still enjoy nature walks or other entertainment options within these parks.
Tip for travelers without children: Don’t assume amusement parks are just for kids! Many of these complexes are located on mountain peaks offering fantastic views, and the main activities in the area often involve marked hiking trails of all difficulty levels. The amusement park itself is typically just one part of the wider area, not the only attraction. Additionally, you’ll find cozy hiker’s huts or diverse restaurants on the mountain peaks where you can relax, enjoy the scenery, and breathe in the fresh air effortlessly after taking a comfortable cable car ride up.
Recommended Amusement and Rope Parks:
- WAGRAINi’s Grafenberg: Wagrain’s nature and amusement park, situated on the summit of Grafenberg Mountain, offering a variety of activities and entertainment for children. *
- Kaprun Family Mountain (Familienberg Maiskogel)
- Geisterberg Alpendorf *
- Deinberg Rope Park
- Fantasiana Strasswalchen Amusement Park
- Flying Fox XXL zip line: Located in Leogang.
- Waldbad Anif Rope Park (Kletterpark Waldbad Anif)
- Hochseilpark Saalbach Hinterglemm Rope Park
Exciting Mountain Coasters (for Summer)
The hills and mountains of Salzburg State make this region ideal for thrilling and incredibly fast mountain coasters. These coasters consist of seats attached to a steel track that winds down from the summit, twisting and turning before reaching the base.
Recommended Mountain Coasters:
- Lucky Flitzer: Located in Flachau.
- Abtenauer Bergbahnen: The Abtenau mountain coaster. *
- Keltenblitz (Sommerrodelbahn Keltenblitz): The longest mountain coaster in Salzburg, found in Dürrnberg.
Recommended Zoos
Spa & Water Complexes in Salzburg State
Whether you’ve had a long day of hiking or outdoor activities, or if the weather isn’t cooperating, spending a few hours relaxing in the warm waters of the various spa complexes can be a wonderful experience. The impressive spa complexes in Salzburg State offer a range of heated pools, salt pools, and dedicated play areas for children, as well as quiet zones for relaxation.
Pampering Spa Complexes for Couples and Families:
- Therme Amade (Erlebnis – Therme Amade) – Located in Altenmarkt im Pongau. *
- Aqua Salza – Located in Golling. *
- Tauern Spa – Located in Kaprun. *
- Felsentherme – Located in Bad Gastein.
- Alpentherme – Located in Bad Hofgastein. *
- Therme Bad Vigaun – Located a short distance from the Hallein Salt Mine.
Castles, Fortresses, and Palaces
For those interested in exploring regional culture and history, there are truly impressive historical buildings to visit. Throughout the state, numerous castles and fortresses are scattered on mountain peaks or strategic hills. Many have survived the test of time and wars, remaining wonderfully preserved. In addition to these castles, you’ll find several magnificent palaces, testaments to the power and wealth that once defined Salzburg State. Today, these castles and palaces often offer guided tours and activities for children, such as bird of prey shows or medieval-themed events.
Magnificent Castles, Fortresses, and Palaces:
- Hohenwerfen Fortress (Festung Hohenwerfen) – Includes a captivating bird of prey show. *
- Hohensalzburg Fortress (Hohensalzburg) – Located in the heart of Salzburg city.
- Mirabell Palace and Royal Gardens (Mirabell Palace) – Found in Salzburg city.
- Hellbrunn Palace (Hellbrunn Palace) – Located in Salzburg city.
- Moosham Castle (Schloss Moosham)
- Mauterndorf Castle (Burg Mauterndorf) *
Capital of Salzburg State – Salzburg City
The capital of Salzburgerland is Salzburg City, often affectionately called “the City of Mozart.” It’s the largest urban center in the region, famously known as the birthplace of the brilliant composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and as the filming location for the renowned movie “The Sound of Music.” The Salzach River flows through the state, and Salzburg City is situated on its banks, just north of the Alps. With approximately 150,000 residents, it’s Austria’s fourth-largest city (after Vienna, Graz, and Linz).
The historic Old Town is home to a variety of fantastic attractions, and the surrounding mountains offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the entire region.
Key Attractions in Salzburg City:
- Mozart’s Birthplace
- DomQuartier – Residence Palaces
- St. Peter’s Abbey and the Old Cemetery
- Hohensalzburg Fortress
- Mirabell Palace and its elegant gardens
- Hellbrunn Palace, the famous trick fountains, and the gardens
- Salzburg Zoo
- Stiegl Brewery
- Hangar-7
For more interesting and detailed information on visiting Salzburg City, the capital of Salzburgerland, check out our dedicated guide. In the city, you can purchase a special discount card that provides free entry to most attractions. If you opt for the Salzburgerland card, you can choose whether to use it for the attractions within Salzburg City or for the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.
Additional Attractions Not to Be Missed in Salzburgerland
- Hallein Salt Mine (Salzburg Salzwelten)
- Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave
- Kaprun Dams
- Kitzsteinhorn Glacier
Truly, every corner of Salzburg State offers incredible attractions and stunning natural sites. Of course, it’s impossible to experience everything in just one trip! You can explore the many attractions throughout the area on the map we’ve created. This map brings together all the attractions across Salzburg State.
While the attractions mentioned so far are considered the most popular, that certainly doesn’t mean it’s all Salzburg State has to offer. One of the greatest advantages of visiting Salzburg State is the Salzburgerland card, which grants free entry to approximately 178 different attractions.
Tip: The best way to get around Salzburg State and reach all its diverse attractions is by rental car. You can learn more about recommended rental companies and how to rent a car wisely to minimize expenses and surprises during or after your trip by reading our dedicated guide.
If you rent your car in Austria, you’re entitled to receive the vignette, which allows you to use the highways. If you’re arriving from outside Austria (e.g., Germany, Slovenia, Slovakia), you’ll need to purchase this vignette separately. To navigate with ease, it’s a good idea to get a local SIM card. We recommend SIM cards from the Austrian company Hot, available at Hofer supermarkets. You can find their website at https://www.hot.at. If you’d like to explore other SIM card options, you can read our comprehensive review of SIM cards in Austria.
Important to remember: The best accommodations in the areas we mentioned earlier tend to fill up quickly as the summer season approaches. It’s always a good idea to book your accommodation in advance. You can search for excellent lodging through Booking.com or refer to our list of recommended accommodations in Salzburg compiled from traveler reviews.
In Conclusion:
To craft your perfect travel itinerary, you’ll also want to consider incorporating some incredible nearby spots that are just outside Salzburg State. These include the picturesque village of Hallstatt or the breathtaking 5 Fingers viewing platform in the Dachstein mountain range. For an overview of attractions across different regions of Austria, we highly recommend reading our article “Austria for Beginners.” This article consolidates the most crucial information about all of Austria’s regions. It’s well worth learning about attractions in Upper Austria, Styria, Carinthia and Tyrol.
How to Prepare for Salzburg State’s Weather Conditions:
It’s important to remember that the weather in Salzburg State can be quite different from what you might be used to. Even during the summer months, rainfall is common, and temperatures aren’t necessarily consistently high (though recent years have seen some exceptionally warm summer days). If you’re heading to the mountain peaks, be aware that temperature differences can be significant than the temprature in the valley. To be prepared for any situation, it’s best to dress in layers. Start with a short-sleeved shirt as your base layer, and make sure your outermost layer is rainproof (highly recommended!). Additionally, if you’re traveling by car, it’s wise to keep umbrellas in the trunk just in case.
For most nature walks, closed sports shoes are usually sufficient, as the majority of trails are well-maintained and not overly challenging. However, for better protection on varied terrain (which might include wet or slippery surfaces, or unpaved paths), we highly recommend packing proper hiking shoes.
We’re always happy to help with any further questions you may have. Feel free to join our travelers’ group on Facebook or send us a question directly through our website.
We wish you a fantastic trip to Salzburgerland! And don’t forget to share your amazing photos with us on our Facebook page!
