Top 15 Salzburg Tours You Can’t Miss

Located near the border with Germany, the city of Salzburg in Austria offers a vibrant blend of history, distinctive architecture, and a rich cultural landscape. Surrounded by picturesque scenery that features the Salzach River, expansive plains, and magnificent views of the Eastern Alps, Salzburg is a destination that captivates visitors.

Guests to this European city can access numerous attractions. Museums, concert venues, cathedrals, top-notch restaurants, parks, and historical landmarks are among the various sites to explore.

Salzburg holds particular significance for admirers of the film The Sound of Music, as the renowned musical is set in this city. Additionally, it is the birthplace of Mozart, with multiple locations dedicated to celebrating his heritage.

The city hosts several annual festivals, including The Salzburg Festival, The Salzburg Easter Festival, and the Electric Love Festival.

Below are 15 top tours to consider while visiting Salzburg.

1. Private Tour to Werfen to Visit the World’s Largest Ice Caves

Begin this six-hour experience with an hour-long journey in a luxury minivan through the Salzach Valley and a segment of the Alps.

During the drive, take in remarkable sights, including Hohenwerfen Castle. Upon arrival, a 20-minute walk will lead you to a cable car, providing magnificent mountainous views as you ascend to The Werfen Ice Caves.

Inside, witness one of the world’s natural marvels. Journey beneath the surface of Hochkogel Mountain with a knowledgeable tour guide and admire the expansive caverns and impressive ice formations.

Subsequently, head to Golling to see the Gothic church of St. Nikolaus and the spectacular Golling Waterfalls, which rise 75 feet.

2. Take a Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride Tour from Salzburg

Winter provides an exquisite opportunity to experience Central Europe, and what better way than with a horse-drawn sleigh ride?

This eight-hour excursion departs from Salzburg, traversing the picturesque Styria Valley en route to Ramsau and Dachstein.

You will journey through renowned ski regions and stunning landscapes characterized by snow-covered mountains, deep valleys, and expansive plains.

A stop in the historic mining village of Schladming allows for a leisurely stroll through the charming town before enjoying lunch at one of the local bistros before returning to the city.

3. Explore Berchtesgaden and Konigssee From Salzburg

Depart from Salzburg to nearby Germany to discover the scenic region of Bavaria.

As you travel, you will encounter Hellbrunn Palace and the salt mines before reaching Berchtesgaden National Park. Here, take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking Bavarian Mountains and the King’s Lake, often regarded as Germany’s most beautiful lake.

Following this, you will explore the town of Berchtesgaden, using your free time to wander the picturesque streets adorned with historic structures.

4. Highlights of Salzburg and Surrounding Areas

Accompany your local guide for this five-hour tour, which provides a detailed exploration of Salzburg’s history and culture.

Marvel at notable sites, such as Mozart’s residence, Mirabell Palace, the Staatsbrücke bridge, Leopoldskron Palace, and the charming Old Town district.

As you exit the city, you will stop at Salzburg Basin, followed by a drive into the countryside.

At Fuschlsee Lake, take in the vistas of Fuschl Palace before proceeding to St. Wolfgang, from where you’ll embark on a boat journey to St. Gilgen, the birthplace of Mozart’s mother.

5. A Concert and Dinner at Hohensalzburg Fortress

The enchanting ambiance of this 900-year-old fortress, combined with breathtaking views of Salzburg, sets the stage for an unforgettable 3.5-hour evening.

Indulge in a three-course dinner at Panorama Restaurant, followed by a concert featuring classical compositions from Mozart.

Conclude your evening with a cable car ride, where you can admire the cityscape under the stars.

6. Explore the Lake District

Meet your guide at your accommodation and commence this eight-hour excursion with a brief yet thorough walking tour of Salzburg.

Discover key highlights of the city as you learn about its compelling history and dynamic present. Enjoy a delightful lunch prior to venturing into the countryside.

Upon reaching the Lake District, you will explore Lake Fuschl, St. Gilgen, and Mondsee, soaking in some of the region’s most delightful scenery.

Before returning to the city and concluding your tour, you will stop at Mirabell Park.

7. The Original Sound of Music Tour

This four-hour tour of Salzburg and its vicinity includes visits to numerous iconic sites, particularly those featured in the acclaimed film The Sound of Music.

You will be treated to enchanting views while listening to melodies from the original movie soundtrack as your knowledgeable local guide highlights significant landmarks, including Leopoldskron Palace, Nonnberg Abbey, Lake Fuschl, Mondsee Cathedral, and Mirabell Gardens.

8. Take a Guided Tour of Salzkammergut and Hallstatt

On this 5.5-hour tour, traverse the Lake District and the renowned resort area of Salzkammergut.

During your journey, experience the beauty of Lake Fuschl, St. Gilgen, Lake Wolfgang, and breathtaking mountain vistas. You will pass through charming villages, including Bad Isch and Bad Goisern, before reaching Hallstatt, celebrated as one of the most picturesque villages globally.

Your guide will provide insights into the history of Hallstatt during a walking tour, followed by some leisure time for exploration. You may choose to visit the Ossuary, which is home to painted human skulls, or embark on a trail ride to the world’s oldest salt mine.

The return trip to Salzburg will take a different route through Gosau and Abtenau, providing views of the Dachstein Mountain Range.

9. Salzburg Ghost Tour

Salzburg’s rich history includes dark tales and eerie legends, all highlighted during this 90-minute walking tour through the city’s historic streets.

Delve into the past by uncovering the stories of local executioners, torturers, and the reputed witches involved in the Salzburg witch trials. Your guide will share spine-chilling accounts of ghosts and supernatural occurrences.

10. Tour the Eagle’s Nest and Berchtesgaden

Experience the Bavarian Alps on this 4.5-hour tour, traveling along the Königssee river while relaxing in comfort on a luxurious bus.

Visit Berchtesgaden and watch as your skilled driver navigates steep inclines along cliffside roads, leading you to the Eagle’s Nest, which served as Adolf Hitler’s retreat.

Here, immerse yourself in breathtaking views of the snow-dusted Alps, uncover the history of this retreat, and explore the grounds that once served as a sanctuary for the notorious German leader.

11. Enjoy a City Tour and a Boat Trip

This two-hour itinerary is packed with activities that encompass both land and water exploration.

During the first hour, your guide will lead you through Salzburg to visit notable sites, including the origins of the Salzburg Festival, Leopoldskron Palace, Mirabell Castle, Mozart’s residence, Salzburg Cathedral, State Bridge, and the Baroque Old Town.

The second hour culminates in a boat cruise along the Salzach River, allowing for a distinct perspective of the city.

12. Apple Strudel Austrian Cooking Class

Source: www.viator.com

Over a span of 90 minutes, you will learn to prepare two of Austria’s signature dishes: apple strudel and Salzburg Nockerl souffle. This intimate class is guided by a professional chef to optimize your culinary experience.

At the conclusion of the class, savor your creation alongside a hearty bowl of goulash before returning to your hotel.

13. Take in a Marionette Show

This Marionette show appeals to audiences of all ages, particularly fans of The Sound of Music.

The performance occurs in the renowned Salzburg Marionette Theater, where expert puppeteers reenact scenes from the beloved film with lifelike marionettes for nearly two hours.

Included in your experience are refreshments, and transportation to and from your hotel is provided.

14. Take a Salzburg Food Tasting Tour

Meet your guide at the Mozart statue and embark on a three-hour walking journey through Salzburg, focusing on traditional culinary experiences.

The tour includes stops at well-regarded markets and artisanal shops, where you will sample an array of local beverages and dishes, such as pumpkin seed sausages and sweet specialties.

Along the way, you will also encounter some of the city’s most famous landmarks. At the end, participants will receive a goodie bag filled with local treasures.

15. Tour an Underground Salt Mine and See the Bavarian Mountains

Salt mining has been integral to Austria’s heritage for centuries, allowing visitors to witness the process of a genuine salt mine.

Accompanied by your local guide, this four-hour excursion begins with a scenic drive along the Deutsche Alpenstrasse in the Bavarian Mountains. Once in Obersalzberg, you will head to the salt mines for an engaging tour.

Before descending underground, you will don a traditional miner’s suit and embark on a slide into the 450-year-old mine. Experience a small train ride and navigate an underground lake on a boat while learning about the history of salt mining in this fascinating setting.

Before concluding your adventure, you will visit the charming town of Berchtesgaden.