3. Pop across the Border to Obersalzberg and Berchtesgaden, Germany
An easy (and extremely scenic) 40-minute drive south of Salzburg will take you through the Bavarian Alps and into Germany where you’ll find the Obersalzberg. This wonderful outing takes you to the infamous WWII-era community in the district of Berchtesgaden that was once favored by the leaders of the Nazi party. It’s here you’ll find the infamous Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s favorite place of rest and relaxation.
While little is left of the original structures built to house the Nazi elite and the Obersalzberg’s notorious past, historians and war-buffs will find it fascinating. In addition, some of the top things to do here involve hiking and biking, or simply kicking back and enjoying the magnificent views of the beautiful Bavarian Alps.
If you enjoy letting others do the work while you’re on vacation, consider visiting the area by participating in the fascinating Eagles Nest in Berchtesgaden Tour from Salzburg. Included in this fun half-day experience is transportation along the scenic route to Eagle’s Nest, the services of a dedicated English-speaking guide, as well as priority admission. In addition to the unforgettable views, your adventure includes a chance to see Hellbrunn Castle and the magnificent Königsee River Valley along the way.
4. Visit Austria’s Most Picturesque Lake: Hallstatt and the Hallstätter See
An easy hour’s drive southeast of Salzburg is the beautiful Hallstätter See, Austria’s most visited lake, and the postcard-perfect lakeside town of Hallstatt. Long a favorite location for artists and photographers due to its quaint, traditional buildings and romantic setting – so quaint, in fact, that a complete replica of the town is being built in China – these two must-see Austrian attractions together form the Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut Alpine UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stretching some eight kilometers end-to-end and up to two kilometers wide in places, the Hallstätter See is an ideal place to enjoy water sports such as diving, swimming, and boating in traditional flat-bottomed watercraft called Salzkammergut (the fishing is great, too). The area’s walking trails are also lovely and offer a great opportunity to view diverse flora, including native orchids.
Named after its nearby salt mine, Hallstatt itself is home to a number of attractions worth visiting. Of these, the most notable are its fine old market square and churches – one of them boasting a Bone House with its skeletal remains – and the always-popular Photo Point in the Römisches district.
A great way to see the highlights of this beautiful region of Austria is to join the popular five-hour Hallstatt Tour from Salzburg. Highlights include a visit to the spectacular Muhlbach Waterfall, a cable car ride to the 380-meter-tall Hallstatt World Heritage Skywalk (optional), the Hallstatt Ossuary with its unusual collection of more than 1,200 human skulls, along with endless great photo opportunities on your way to and from Halstatt. In addition to the services of an English-speaking guide and transportation, you’ll also have 2.5 hours on your own to explore this historic town.
