Cultural attractions

Towns that are worth seeing, points of interest in the area

Taxenbach (10 km) – Kitzlochklamm

Kitzlochklamm is located near Rauris, and was formed following the corrosion of limestone by its waters. As early as 1553, the canyon was used for gold panning and mining. Along the two-hour visit, the road passes by the river bank, over the wooden bridges and in the shadow of the rocks. The creations of nature can be seen not only in the canyon but also in the Kitzlochklamm cave.

Klammstein (23 km) – Cavalry Fortress

Klammstein is the oldest inhabited settlement in the Gastein valley, where in the Middle Ages there was already a medieval fortress. Over time the fortress has deteriorated significantly, the total restoration lasted for 20 years, and now it watches over the area in its full glory. Today, here are chivalrous events, you can have dinner, and visit the historical exhibits in the area.

Kolm Saigurn (23 km) – Point of observation, sled slope

The road takes you up the mountain at the end of the Rauris Valley to the observation point that offers a breathtaking panorama. From the top you can see the entire valley, and where it ends. From here you can decide to choose one of the different levels of difficulty hikes, or go back to the foothills of the mountain and try your luck in the stream where gold has been panned for centuries.

Mühlbach (26 km) – Copper mine

The most interesting attraction in Mühlbach is a copper mine over 5.000 years old. Nowadays, the mine functions as a museum, and we have the opportunity to learn about past miners lives, as well as present with the guidance of an experienced miner. If you prefer the heights instead of the depths, then choose the panoramic road on the hillside of Hochkönig.

Zell am See (27 km) – The “headquarters” of the area

The city offers a wide variety of possibilities for a small trip. The town center takes your attention with its medieval streets, or one of the many shops. Everyone can swim with confidence in the lake in the area, you have nothing to fear, because the water quality is close to drinking. Those interested in water sports can find their preoccupation, whether it is water skiing or kayaking. From Zell am See you can also take the cable car that leads up to Smittenhöhe, from where you can choose one of the hiking trails available. Due to regular events, the program offer is complete.

Kaprun (27 km) – Kitzsteinhorn

Kaprun is the true uniqueness of the area. Thanks to the view and clean air, it is worth visiting, and the three cable cars take you to the 3.000 m height of the Kitzsteinhorn, overlooking the snow covered peaks of the area. On the Kaprun Glacier you can experience the skiing experience even in the summer, or go on one of the hiking trails. During winter the slope is a true paradise for skiers.
If you’re looking for an extreme experience, after a canyon tour in Kaprun you can find it.

Grossglockner (29 km) – Mountain climbing, trip

Grossglockner with its height of 3.798 m is the highest mountain in Austria and the Eastern Alps. The mountain was conquered for the first time in 1800, and nowadays, with the help of the 48 km long alpine road, anyone can easily reach it. The zoo at the beginning of the road shows the fauna of the Alps. Going forward to the Kaiser-Franz-Josef observation point we can admire the wonderful panorama, after reaching the plateau at 2.369 m.

Sankt Johann im Pongau (33 km) – Liechtensteinklamm

The point of interest of Sankt Johann im Pongau is Lichtensteinklamm, centuries ago people were impressed by it so much that the prince of Liechtenstein made it possible to cross the canyon with the help of wooden bridges. That’s where its name comes from. The tall walls of the canyon in some places are so close that the sky is seen as a narrow blue stripe. Of the 7 million visitors, few are the ones who have not been impressed by the play of lights and shadows made by the waters of the canyon.
The city also takes into account the young visitors, the Geisterberg’s playground awaits them, which gives them an unforgettable memory.

Bad Gastein (40 km) – Thermal baths

The biggest tourist attractions of the city are the thermal baths. Due to the thermal water that contains radon and because of the high altitude, it is a unique combination. The thermal water helps heal various diseases, and injuries. Whether it’s the thermal wellness spas or the outdoor swimming pools of Felsentherme, the summer holiday is guaranteed. The thermal baths offer an unprecedented experience even during the winter period, the outdoor swimming pools with hot water have a superb view of the surrounding snowy mountain peaks.

Leogang (47 km) – Hiking and biking trails

Going to Leogang you can choose from a variety of programs. The village is the starting point for many trails, but you can decide not to walk this distance. The Leogang cable car takes care of you, so that you will still have energy when you reach the summit. If you would like to go back in time, then choose the mining museum, where exhibits both below and above the ground await you, which represent the lifestyle of the people who lived here.

Werfen (49 km) – The fortress of Werfen and the ice cave

The fortress was built in the 11th century, and today it watches over the region. Historic exhibitions, birds of prey and knightly programs await you in the city. In the nights of the summer months special events take place, which give life to the fortress. Despite the extra charge, you can use the cable car to reach the fortress. Also here is the place Where Eagles Dare was filmed, played by Clint Eastwood and Richard Burton.
The second attraction in Werfen is the ice cave, which is the largest in the world. The cave is characterized by unique ice formations. Even though most of the cave was formed over a million years ago, it is still in a continuous transformation, depending on the outside temperature the ice formations melt and rebuild. A total of 40 km is at the disposal of visitors, who along the route make a height difference of 134 m, the effort is not in vain due to the view.

In a 90 km area.

Golling (65 km) – Waterfall

The waters of Golling creek fall in the valley from a height of 75 meters, thus giving an impressive sight. Many painters have been inspired by this waterfall, so the waterfall can be found in many paintings. It is one of the most romantic and preferred tourist locations in the area.
The city of Golling is also home to a museum-fortress, which presents the history of the area, and awaits you with exhibits that change from year to year.

Hallein (75 km) – Salt mine

In the Hallein mine, Celts have already begun extracting salt minerals 2.500 years ago. In the Middle Ages, the source of income and wealth of Salzburg was provided by this mine, that’s the reason why, the salt produced here was called white gold. Today, during the visit, we first go down the railroad, then on a giant wooden slide, sliding into the depths of the mountain that has been turned into a museum, where you can get acquainted with the work of the miners and leave with an unforgettable experience.

Krimml (75 km) – The largest waterfall in Europe

The Krimml waterfall, with its height of 380 m, is the largest waterfall in Europe, and the fifth waterfall in the world. Each year, it attracts over 350,000 visitors, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. Because it is situated at an altitude of 1.687 meters, in the winter, the sprayed water covers the rocks and plants with a thick layer of ice. It is made up of three segments.
In the lower segment of the waterfall, the waters of 17 glaciers meet, also in the mid 100 m high segment and the 145 m high segment. The view of the waterfall is an exciting one and offers a unique experience.

Hellbrunn ( 86 km) – The Hellbrunn castle

The Hellbrun Castle was built with only one purpose. And the goal was entertainment. As it was in that time, today, the castle symbolizes the joy of life, and is being used as it was originally, the fun water games, the music pavilion, the puppet theater, and the huge park offer a pleasant experience during the summer heat period.

Berchtersgaden (87 km, already in Germany) – The Eagle’s Nest – Hitler

The beautiful Bechtersgaden town is about 15 km from Salzburg, close to the border between Germany and Austria. The most important tourist attraction in the city’s skyline is the Kehlsteihaus, which houses “The Eagle’s Nest”, which today functions as a restaurant. Today, the houses of the Third Reich, SS officers, as well as the bunker networks can be seen. The buildings that have survived the war now function as restaurants or accommodations. The city itself stretches over a wonderful area.

Königssee (91 km, already in Germany) – One of the most beautiful lakes in Germany

Lake Königssee is considered by many as the most beautiful lake in Germany. This is no wonder, because the clear water of the emerald-colored lake captures our attention. Königssee is not only the most beautiful but also the cleanest lake in Germany. The view of the lake is also accompanied by Watzmann mountain. If you wanted to touch the ice age with your own hands, the lake can offer this because Königssee is the modern remnant of that time.

Salzburg (96 km) – Mozart’s hometown, and the capital city of Salzburg

The city of Mozart offers you an all-day program. The wonderful city-center stroll helps you familiarize yourself with the atmosphere here, or you can choose to visit the 900-year-old Hohensalzburg castle from where you can plan your day out. Numerous museums, such as the Salzburg residence, or Mozart’s home, are waiting for you, where you can see the exhibition dedicated to the life of the composer. Neither the Baroque cathedral will disappoint you, nor does the Mirabell Castle, which has become famous for its marble rooms, and is also home to the world’s most beautiful marriage hall. Also, the zoo can offer a pleasant experience, in which different animal species are presented in a natural setting.