Salzburg: Day Trips and Tours from Vienna

The city of Salzburg is best known as the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for the Sound of Music. However, Salzburg has much more to offer than just music and history. The city is home to stunning architecture, as well as manicured gardens and Austrian schnitzel.

Day trips to Salzburg from Vienna are possible, despite the sizable distance between the two locations, and are worth the several hours spent on the road.

Read on for what you need to know about Salzburg, one of the most unique destinations for day trips from Vienna.

How to get to Salzburg from Vienna?

Salzburg is located in the west of Austria, just 45 minutes from the German border. The city is situated along the banks of the River Salzach and is almost 300 kilometers from Vienna.

From Vienna to Salzburg by car

It takes just over 3 hours to make the jaunt to Salzburg by car. The route takes you west out of Vienna and follows the A1 most of the way. Salzburg is well sign-posted and you'll take exit 288 towards the city.

From Vienna to Salzburg by public transport

You can catch a direct train to Salzburg, which is even quicker than driving. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and trains depart from the Wien Westbahnhof station.

Guided tour to Salzburg from Vienna

For a hassle-free trip to the city, consider booking a guided excursion to Salzburg. You'll usually meet at an easy-to-reach location in the center of the town, such as the tourist center.

If you choose a private tour, you will enjoy a convenient hotel pickup. Typically, excursions last 12 hours and begin between 7 AM, and 8 AM.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Salzburg from Vienna?

After meeting your tour guide and boarding your vehicle for the day, you'll journey to Salzburg through the Salzkammergut region. This area is known for its picturesque lakes and jaw-dropping scenery. Many Salzburg day tours make a stop at the most famous lake in this region — Lake Attersee — which has been inhabited since prehistoric times.

After taking in the view across the unending span of water, you may travel to several of the villages that line the lake shore, including St. Gilgen. While the village itself is charming, its association with the celebrated composer Wolfgang Mozart is what makes the township so famous. Reaching Salzburg, you'll usually participate in a walking tour of the Old Town before enjoying the city on your own.

During this free time, you can browse the shops, dine on traditional Austrian fare or explore the back alleys of the city. As your Salzburg day tour draws to a close, you'll hop back in your vehicle and drive back to Vienna.

What kinds of tours can you take?

There are several day trips to Salzburg and the surrounding area available, showcasing the many delights of Austria.

Guided tours to Salzburg from Vienna

After speeding through the picturesque Austrian countryside, you'll reach the historic city of Salzburg. Here, you'll participate in a walking tour of the most iconic city sights, including Mirabell Palace and Getreidegasse.

You may recognize several of these monuments from the 1965 blockbuster "the Sound of Music," starring Julie Andrews. Later in the day, you'll have free time to wander the streets of Salzburg at your leisure before returning to Vienna.

Day trip to Salzburg plus lake region from Vienna

This Salzburg day tour travels through Salzkammergut — the largest lake region in Austria — to Lake Attersee, which spans an area of over 450 square kilometers.

After admiring the dazzling stretch of water, you'll pay a visit to St. Gilgen — associated with the world-famous composer, Mozart. Once you reach Salzburg, you'll take a walking tour around its UNESCO-listed Old Town.

Private day tour to Salzburg plus Melk and Hallstatt from Vienna

Private Salzburg day trips provide a more personal experience. You'll travel with your loved ones to the renowned city of Melk, which is home to a grand 18th-century abbey.

Continuing on, you’ll stop at Hallstatt — a town that has been producing salt for over 2,500 years. After seeing a human mummy preserved perfectly in salt, you’ll head into the city center of Salzburg to see its main attractions

How much do tours to Salzburg from Vienna cost?

Salzburg day trips cost between €110 and €200 per person. Those on the higher end of this range take place in groups of eight or fewer individuals. Excursions that include the lake region of Salzkammergut in their itinerary also cost the same, but enable you to see more of the country.

The cost of private Salzburg day tours is dependent on your group size. Single travelers will pay around €840. However, the price reduces with every person you add to your group, and parties of three will pay €280 per head.

What will you see and do in Salzburg?

Mozart's Birthplace Museum

Born in 1756 as the seventh child of his musician father, Wolfgang Mozart made his entrance into the world at No. 9 Getreidegasse. A grand yellow building of many levels, the house was occupied by several families, and the Mozart clan lived on the third floor.

Today, the Mozart residence hosts a museum dedicated to Mozart's early years. Inside, you'll find the composer's first violin and early compositions of musical pieces, as well as more personal items, such as family letters. On one floor of the museum, there is a recreation of Mozart's original house with furniture that depicts how the young genius would have lived.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

The medieval Hohensalzburg Fortress was first constructed in 1077 and towers over the city of Salzburg. Over the following centuries, extra protection was added to the fortress, and the building you can see today was finalized in the 17th century.

Despite these cautious additions to protect the citizens of Salzburg, the city only came under attack once in the 16th century. This was the attempt to remove prince-archbishop Matthäus Lang from the throne, however, it proved unsuccessful and the attackers did not take control of the fortress. Today, you can wander through its turrets and battlements, and take a journey back in time.

Mirabell Palace

Prince-archbishop Wolf Dietrich originally built Mirabell Palace for his sweetheart in the 17th century. It now serves a different purpose, known as a grand wedding and events venue. The palace's pristine gardens include a flawless fountain shaped like the mythical creature, Pegasus.

You'll also find the unique dwarf garden, which features 17 marble dwarfs, on the grounds. The gardens are recognizable from "the Sound of Music", in a scene featuring the Von Trapp children merrily singing on the site.

What time of year is best to go to Salzburg?

Salzburg is a stunning location at any time of year. The summer season is when most tourists flock to the city for its balmy weather and artsy festival, which spans July, and August.

You can also plan your Salzburg day trip during December when twinkling lights illuminate the city and Christmas markets bring about a sense of wonderment.

Are there any tours to Salzburg from other cities in Austria?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Austria:

• Day trips to Salzburg from Munich

Travel tips

• Bring your camera to capture the stillness and tranquility of Lake Attersee on film.
• Salzburg day trips usually include a walking tour of the city. For this reason, wear comfortable shoes.
• If you wish to avoid the crowds of tourists in Salzburg, head to the city in September or October.