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Writer's pictureAnna Tirol

3 best day tours from Salzburg: Hallstatt, Eagle Nest and Bavarian Alps, Sound of Music

Updated: Oct 30

If you're planning a trip to Salzburg, get ready for an exciting experience! This charming city is not only rich in history and culture, but it also an ideal starting point for a variety of memorable day tours. Salzburg is known for its musical heritage and connection to Mozart:

  • Mozart was born and lived in Salzburg

  • Salzburg was a location for "Sound of music" movie and von Trapp family lived in its suburbs.

Based on our experience, we have chosen the top 3 day trips for those visiting Salzburg, whether you are a fan of "The Sound of Music" or completely new to it!


  1. Hallstatt tour - the most beautiful and famous village in Austria. Day tour.


Hallstatt is often referred to as one of the most beautiful villages in the world. Nestled between the crystal-clear Hallstatt Lake and towering mountains of Dachstein, this picturesque town offers breathtaking views, charming streets, and rich history.


Important to know about Hallstatt Tour: Travelling by your own could be tricky - you need to change several ways of transport and arrive to town with boat. Travelling by car even more tricky, as Hallstatt very limited amount of parking spots are available (especially in august). I will do separate post on it.


We would recommend to take private tour to Hallstatt to have the most of the day and even visit lake region of Salzburg -Salzkammergut. If that sounds expensive - join the small group tour to Hallstatt (we like it the most among others).

What to do in Hallstatt:


  • Visiting the salt mines in Hallstatt could be very time-consuming (3 hours minimum) and makes sense only if you are with children. It is not a good idea for people with claustrophobia. Better take the cable car to Skywalk and back down. Tickets to the salt mines could be purchased online here (choose Hallstatt).

  • Taking a boat ride in case the weather is nice may take you far from crowds of people and provide a very scenic perspective of Hallstatt.

  • Some people like to visit additionally panoramic views to glacier and platform of 5 Fingers - to be visited by cable car.

  • Don't miss the Bone House (of course, if you have no fear of ghosts;).



If you travel on your own, our audio-guided tour with navigation could be a great help for your trip.



2. The Eagle's Nest and Bavarian Alp Day tour


For those who is interested in history, especially Second World War and Adolf Hitler this tour could make scene. It is a short, but scenic country side drive from Salzburg to Bavaria in Germany. It will be interested also for those, who just want to explore nature and see Alps from attitude 6000 ft.


Important to know about Eagles nest tour :

  • You can also visit it by car or taxi-ride, but you must reserve tickets to the bus uphill to Eagle Nest yourself on web-site. Tickets will have exact time and bus number. You must be 10 minutes before that time on bus stop. You purchase back tickets with at least 1 hour delay from tickets uphill. You always can change time of back tickets in info point near uphill bus stop. Here you can book tickets. I would not recommend restaurant on the top of mountain - too much touristy food, not authentic.

  • There is almost nothing left from time of second World War, so you will not see house of Hitler there. Only elevator and meeting hall (where restaurant now) are original from that time. To get more information on this topic - visit Documentary Center bottom near downhill bus stop.

  • Eagle Nest is closed in winter (from November).


So if you do not want to figure out about timing and tickets, and visit just Eagle Nest and Berchtesgarden, I recommend either a group tour or this private tour.


What to do in Bavarian Alps area:


I personally think this is the most useful part of tours - to see nature:

  • Visiting majestic Kings Lake and taking a boat to St. Bartholomä church

  • Driving in Bavarian Alps to see villages and countryside (Ramsau village)

  • Here you can also visit Saltmines if you want - that would not take as long as in Hallstatt. But the same recommendation as above.


For such a long day activity with Eagle Nest and Kings lake and Bavarian Alps, you would better to take private tour from Salzburg with expert. I would recommend that one.




  1. The Sound of Music tour from Salzburg - the hills are alive! Half day tour.


If you are not a fan of "The Sound of Music," please skip this part of the blog:)


No trip to Salzburg is complete without experiencing the magic of "The Sound of Music." This tour takes you to iconic filming locations, including the famous Mirabell Gardens and the stunning lakes of the Salzkammergut region. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking to enjoy the beautiful scenery, this tour will leave you humming the film’s classic tunes all day long!


If you go to Salzburg because of The Sound of Music, then you must definitely do the Original Sound of Music tour by the company "Panorama Tour," who first created the idea of this tour and even the manager of the company met the real Trapp family to present them with this tour!

That is a big bus tour with lovely and musical atmosphere on it, but for those who want to avoid crowds private tour from Panorama tours will be preferable. You can find it here.



Also, you can download our self-guided tour of Salzburg, which will lead you not only to historical places and sights, but also point out most of the Sound of Music locations!




Salzburg is not only a beautiful city but also a gateway to some of the most stunning day tours in Austria. Whether you’re interested in history, music, or the great outdoors, there's something for everyone. Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your Salzburg experience with these unforgettable day tours!


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