
About Salzburg and Innsbruck
If you’re after alpine adventures with a side of musical history, Salzburg and Innsbruck make the perfect Austrian double act. Located in western Austria, these two cities are just a scenic two-hour train ride apart and pack in culture, history, and epic mountain landscapes. Salzburg, near the German border, is all about Mozart, charming old streets, and The Sound of Music, while Innsbruck – nestles in the heart of the Austrian Alps – brings winter sports, outdoor thrills, and imperial history to the mix.Top 3 things to do in Salzburg & Innsbruck1. Explore Salzburg’s Old Town and Hohensalzburg FortressStart in Salzburg’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, where cobbled streets, pastel-colored buildings, and ornate churches set the scene. Stroll along Getreidegasse, pop into Mozart’s Birthplace, and don’t miss the Salzburg Cathedral. Then, take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for some of the best views over the city and the Alps.2. Ride the Nordkette Cable Car in InnsbruckIn just 20 minutes, you can go from Innsbruck’s city center to the top of the Alps. The Nordkette cable car takes you straight to the ski slopes, hiking trails – and camer-snapping views. Whether you’re here in summer or winter, this is an easy way to get right into the mountains.3. Follow The Sound of Music in Salzburg and see Innsbruck’s golden roofIf The Sound of Music is your thing, Salzburg is the place. Visit Mirabell Gardens – the Do, Re, Mi scene – Leopoldskron Palace, and the lakeside town of Mondsee’s wedding church. Over in Innsbruck, check out the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) – a balcony covered in 2,657 gold tiles, built for Emperor Maximilian I. It’s Innsbruck’s most famous landmark and right in the heart of the Old Town.
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With a snowy summit scraping the sky, the Grossglockner is one impressive alpine peak. Venture to the base of Austria's highest mountain for a chance to meet marmots, hit the museum or just take in grandstand views across the landscape. Journey through green pastures and rolling hills and you'll make the steady climb towards the base of Austria's highest peak – the Grossglockner. Arrive almost 2000m above sea level to enjoy striking views across the landscape and the chance to learn fascinating facts on the mountain's past, present and future in the museum. And if you're lucky, you may even spot a marmot or two – oversized squirrel creatures that call these parts home.Afterwards, you'll wind your way deeper through High Tauern National Park – there's over 300 peaks alone here, as well as alpine scenery that mirrors classic film The Sound of Music. Along the way, you'll stop off at a café for an Austrian favourite, coffee and cake.
The jewel in the crown of the Austrian lakes, Hallstatt is a waterside village surrounded by staggering mountain scenery. Find fairytale charm and Gothic churches in its centre, or head below the surface for an exploration of its fascinating salt mines and subterranean lake. With towering peaks and pastel coloured houses perched precariously on the edge of a pristine lake, Hallstatt's landscape borders on the realms of fantasy. Explore its narrow lanes of 16th century houses, drop in to the churches, or just sit back, relax and soak up the atmosphere. It's so idyllic that they've even built a replica of the village in China.Or, if you prefer, you can hop on the funicular railway and head for a tour of the Bronze Age salt mines. Descending into the depths, you'll learn all there is to know about the 7,000-year history here of mining for what was once known as 'white gold'. And if you're brave enough, you can even zoom down the longest miners' slide in Europe.
Lakes, mountains and riverside villages – this day trip is the Alps to a tee. You'll discover Rattenberg, take the opportunity to visit Kisslinger, and pop by the famous crystal glass store to watch glass-blowing. Then, head off along the Inn Valley to Achensee – a fjord-like lake framed by peaks. This is Mother Nature at her best.
Local legend has it that Krimml Waterfalls has magical healing properties – and there's certainly something rejuvenating about a visit here. Enter the alpine surrounds of Hohe Tauern National Park and marvel at the sweeping valleys and dramatic landscapes of Austria's highest waterfall.Journeying through scenes of snow-capped mountains and colourful pastures, you'll head deep into the picture-postcard landscapes of Hohe Tauern. And when you reach the lowest tier of the falls, the lofty 380m height of Krimml Waterfalls will have you constantly looking up in wonder.Hear the roar of the water and feel the spray in your face as you see the power of Mother Nature plunge into the pools below. And with various viewing platforms around the falls, you can pick your perfect spot to capture those made-for-Instagram snaps and memories.
Home to pristine lakes and pine-clad hills buried deep in the Bavarian Alps, Berchtesgaden is one good-looking German town. Visit this mountaintop retreat for epic views across the valley plus the chance to tour of its salt mines and Hitler's hideaway, 'The Eagle's Nest'.Start with a journey through the awe-inspiring alpine countryside, and you'll pass an assortment of chocolate-box villages and fairytale towns nestled in lush green foothills – it promises to be a day of spectacular scenery.One of Germany's highest peaks looms large over Berchtesgaden. But it's not just Mount Watzmann that impresses here – there are spectacular sights to see beneath the surface too. Enjoy free time or sign up for an optional tour of a salt mine with a boat ride on an underground lake. The visit to 'The Eagle's Nest' is not included in the tour price, you can pay on the day. Once the mountain retreat of Adolf Hitler, there's a historical tour available or a beer garden serving up cold lager and wow-factor views of the Austrian border.
Waltz through your day in the UNESCO-recognised city of Salzburg, a baroque beauty echoing with Mozart's melodies. You'll get the lowdown on the history and highlights from your guide during the transfer, so you have more free time on arrival. Marvel at the historic charm of the old town - its ornate cathedral and hilltop Festung Hohensalzburg fortress are the showstoppers. Your journey continues through the scenic Salzkammergut lake district to Mondsee village, where The Sound of Music wedding scene was filmed. Sit back, soak up the alpine vistas and indulge in Austria's distinctive culture on this scenic tour.