Compact yet bursting with culture, small yet surrounded by some of Austria’s grandest lakes and mountains, Salzburg is the sort of city where you can perfectly fit everything into a a few days.
From spectacular Sound of Music shows to glacier viewpoints, this ideal itinerary blends classic city sights, alpine adventures, and a taste of authentic Austrian hospitality thrown in for good measure.
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Why Visit the Austrian Lakes?
One of the most scenic corners of Central Europe, the Austrian lake district is the sort of place that looks like it’s been designed for postcards and classical music album covers.
This region is framed by the Dachstein Mountains, whose snowy peaks rise dramatically over emerald valleys, and the whole area is ideal for outdoor adventures, think wild swimming, relaxed sailing, epic hiking and beautiful skiing.
It’s also the place where Austrian nature meets old-world charm.
From pastel chalets, alpine meadows, and café terraces where emperors once took afternoon cake, this is a totally underrated region crying out to be explored.
Where is the Austrian Lake District?
Austria’s legendary lake district is known locally as Salzkammergut.
This picture-perfect region of mountains, forests, and glassy blue lakes stretches east from the city of Salzburg into the neighbouring states of Upper Austria and Styria.
Salzkammergut is compact and easy to explore by train, car, or bus, with many towns just an hour or two from Salzburg – making it ideal to pair with this stunning city,
Salzkammergut and Salt
Salzkammergut literally means “estate of the salt chamber” – a appellation that dates back to the Habsburg era when salt was the region’s “white gold”.
For centuries, this precious resource made Salzburg and its surrounding valleys extremely wealthy, and you can still experience this historical opulence in the old salt mines, spa towns and grand villas that dot the landscape – the perfect cultural heritage dimension to your fantastic outdoors Alpine adventure.
Key Towns in Salzkammergut
- Hallstatt: The famous, UNESCO World Heritage village perched on the edge of Hallstattsee, often called the prettiest lakeside village in Europe.
- Bad Ischl: Once the imperial summer retreat of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), filled with elegant cafés and historic villas.
- Wolfgang: A charming lakeside town on Wolfgangsee, perfect for watersports, mountain hikes, and boat trips.
- Gmunden: Set on Traunsee, known for its castle on the lake and laid-back vibe.
- Attersee: Austria’s largest lake entirely within its borders, famed for sailing and clear turquoise water.
Itinerary for Salzburg and the Austrian Lakes
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Salzburg
Getting to Salzburg couldn’t be easier.
From the UK, British Airways flies direct into Salzburg Airport from Gatwick.
Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart is delightfully small and efficient – just 15 minutes from the city centre by taxi or bus, it makes for the perfect, stress-free arrival
The British Airways flight there leaves London early, so I highly recommend staying at a Gatwick airport hotel the night before, to get your trip off to a relaxed start.
Holiday Extras have great deals on airport stays in the UK, including at Gatwick, so check them out if you’re looking for the best rates.
Alternatively, if you prefer a budget option or flight times don’t quite align, easyJet’s service to Munich, also from Gatwick, is a simple alternative.
From Munich Airport, direct trains run to Salzburg in around two hours, offering a scenic first glimpse of the Bavarian countryside.
As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals.
Once you’ve reached Salzburg, drop your bags at JUFA Hotel Salzburg City – a modern and great-value base with fortress views – and get ready to explore.
Begin in Salzburg’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, a charming tangle of cobbled lanes, pastel-coloured buildings and Baroque spires set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.
Fans of The Sound of Music will be in their element here!
Many of the film’s most famous scenes were shot around the city – from the gardens of Mirabell Palace, where Maria and the children sang Do-Re-Mi, to Nonnberg Abbey, the real convent where the real-life Maria von Trapp once lived.
You can explore independently or join one of the popular themed tours that run daily.
Beyond the movie magic, Salzburg’s historic attractions are equally enchanting.
Take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for sweeping views across the rooftops and river, or wander through the elegant Residenzplatz and Mozartplatz, where street musicians still perform beneath statues of the city’s most famous son.
If you have time, pop into St Peter’s Abbey, one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking world, and stroll through its atmospheric cemetery.
For lunch, settle into Bräu Salzburg, a traditional beer hall serving hearty classics such as schnitzel, dumplings and goulash.
The atmosphere is warm, the service brisk and the beer brewed onsite.
Spend the rest of the afternoon browsing Salzburg’s boutique shops and enjoying a slice of sachertorte in one of its elegant cafés before returning to JUFA for the night.
Day 2: Bad Ischl and the Dachstein Mountains
After breakfast, it’s time to swap city streets for alpine scenery.
From Salzburg’s main station, trains run regularly to Bad Ischl (journey time around 2 hours, with one easy change at Attnang-Puchheim).
The ride cuts through the Salzkammergut region, offering a dreamy slice of lakes, forests and peaks – perfectly setting the tone for the day ahead.
Check in to the Grand Elisabeth Hotel, an elegant historic property once favoured by Empress Elisabeth herself, who made Bad Ischl her summer retreat.
After a quick coffee on the terrace, head towards Dachstein Krippenstein.
To reach the cable car station, take a local bus from Bad Ischl to Obertraun (around 40 minutes).
From here, 3 cable car sections whisk visitors up the mountain, revealing extraordinary panoramas along the way.
Start with the Dachstein Ice Cave, where guided tours will lead through frozen caverns filled with shimmering blue sculptures.
Exit and continue up to the 5 Fingers Viewpoint, a hand-shaped, metal platform construction that juts out dramatically over a 400m drop.
On a clear day, like we had, you’ll see the village of Hallstatt glittering below and the glaciers of the Hoher Dachstein shimmering in the distance – not to be missed!
Finish up with a warming mug of hot chocolate or mulled wine at the mountaintop restaurant before descending.
On your way back to Bad Ischl, make a detour for dinner at Döllerer Wirtshaus.
This relaxed yet refined restaurant is known for its organic and sustainable eats based on regional cuisine, with dishes that include venison ragout, smoked fish from nearby lakes, and a playful spin on Austrian dumplings.
Day 3: Hallstatt and the Heart of the Salzkammergut
It’s time to rise early for one of Austria’s most famous sights!
From Bad Ischl, bus #542 or #543 takes you to Hallstatt in around 30 minutes.
Aim to arrive by 8am if you can – by mid-morning, this tiny village of just 700 residents can see up to 20,000 visitors in peak season!
Learn more tips for seeing Hallstatt without the crowds in this article I wrote.
Plus early mornings in Hallstatt are magical – mist drifts over the lake, the pastel houses reflect perfectly in the still water, and the narrow lanes are blissfully quiet.
Spend a couple of hours exploring this famous village at your own pace.
Wander along the lakefront, climb to the small Catholic Church and its unusual Bone House, or take a boat out for a different perspective.
Every corner here is postcard-perfect.
By late morning, return to Bad Ischl for lunch and a leisurely afternoon exploring its imperial history.
Visit the Kaiservilla, once the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth, filled with personal memorabilia and surrounded by leafy gardens.
Stroll along the river promenade or stop for coffee and cake at Café Zauner, a local institution since 1832.
In the evening, travel a short distance to Bad Goisern (just 10 minutes by train) and check into Hotel Goiserermühl, a charming riverside property that perfectly captures small-town Austrian hospitality.
Dinner here is a treat, with delicious homemade dishes packed with creative flair and served in a relaxed and cosy setting.
Expect something seasonal, local and delicious – my pumpkin and buckwheat risotto was sensational!
Day 4 (Optional): Salt Mines and Hallein Heritage
If you have an extra day before heading home, use it to dive deeper into this region’s heritage.
From Bad Goisern, take the train or bus back towards Hallein, just south of Salzburg.
Here, the Salzwelten Salzburg salt mine offers an immersive look at the history that shaped this area.
Don a white miner’s suit, ride the wooden slides deep underground, and learn how salt brought centuries of wealth to this region.
It’s a great interactive visit.
Afterwards, pop into the nearby Celtic Museum in Hallein, which houses fascinating artefacts from multiple prehistoric settlements.
By lunchtime, you’ll have earned a feast at acclaimed Aarons Genusskrämerei in Hallein, which blends local ingredients with fine dining flair, think trout from local streams or delicate apple strudel.
Then it’s time to return to Salzburg for your flight home.
Practical Tips for this Austria Lakes Trip
Getting Around
The regional network in the Salzkammergut is excellent, and the OÖVV website lists current timetables.
Trains connect Salzburg, Bad Ischl and Bad Goisern easily, while local buses reach Hallstatt and Dachstein.
For trains, book in English through Trainline.
Best Time to Visit
Autumn offers beautiful colours and fewer crowds, while spring brings alpine flowers and clear hiking weather.
What to Pack
Even in summer, mountain weather can change quickly.
Bring layers, sturdy shoes, and a waterproof jacket, as well as a good backpack for carrying your day gear.
Travel Money
Austria uses the euro.
Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for smaller cafés and bus tickets.
The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, I always travel with my Wise card.
It works just like a debit card and links easily with Google and Apple pay.
Grab yours here.
eSIM for Austria
Having an eSIM for easy connectivity, without roaming charges, is key in Austria.
Get 5% off Holafly eSIMs here with my exclusive discount code: BIGWORLDSMALLPOCKETS.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.
Luggage Storage
Store luggage for the day, or longer, for less with LuggageHero.
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This itinerary through Salzburg and its alpine, lake-filled surrounds balances history, scenery and local charm in perfect measure.
From fortress towers and Mozart melodies, to crystal-clear lakes and soaring mountain peaks, it’s a journey that captures Austria’s timeless beauty – all within a few days and without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re singing along to The Sound of Music or sipping hot chocolate above the clouds, the Salzkammergut will leave a little echo of joy long after you’ve flown home.
My trip was gifted by Visit Salzburgerland but, as always, all views are my own.
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