Small Group Travel Blog: Expert Travel Tips, Destination Guides & Tour Advice

Explore the Best Day Trips from Salzburg: Hallstatt, Eagle’s Nest, and Untersberg Cable Car

We love visiting Austria on our small group Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck by Scenic Rail tour.  When visiting Salzburg and want to experience some of the most breathtaking sights in the region, day trips to Hallstatt, Eagle’s Nest, and the Untersberg Cable Car are absolute musts. These iconic destinations offer stunning natural beauty, rich history, and unforgettable experiences—all easily accessible via public transportation. Here’s your guide to planning these memorable day trips, including travel options, admission costs, and top things to do at each spot.

Hallstatt Day Trip from Salzburg

Getting There:
Hallstatt is a charming lakeside village about 75 kilometers from Salzburg. You can reach Hallstatt easily by train and ferry. From Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, take the train to Attnang-Puchheim (about 1 hour), then transfer to the train heading to Hallstatt (about 1 hour 15 minutes). From the Hallstatt train station, a short ferry ride (included with your train ticket) takes you across the lake to the village.  There are also a variety of tour operators running excursions that may be easier than public transportation. 

Admission Costs:
Exploring the village itself is free. However, if you want to visit the Hallstatt Salt Mine, tickets cost approximately €22 for adults and €11 for children.

Things to Do:

• Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage village with its picturesque streets and lakeside views.

• Visit the Hallstatt Salt Mine for a fascinating underground tour.

• Explore the Hallstatt Museum to learn about the area's ancient history.

• Take a boat tour on Lake Hallstatt for stunning panoramic views.

Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) Day Trip

Getting There:
From Salzburg, take the 840 bus from the Salzburg rail station to Berchtesgaden (about 1 hour 15 minutes). From Berchtesgaden, buses run regularly to the Eagle’s Nest parking area. Note that private cars are not allowed beyond this point, so you’ll take a special bus and then an elevator up to the Eagle’s Nest.  You might also want to consider taking a packaged tour from one of many tour operators. 

Admission Costs:
Entrance to the Eagle’s Nest is about €16 for adults. The bus ride and elevator are included in the ticket price.

Things to Do:

• Discover the historical Eagle’s Nest, Adolf Hitler’s former mountain retreat with breathtaking panoramic views of the Bavarian Alps.

• Enjoy hiking trails around the area with spectacular scenery.

• Visit the Documentation Center in Obersalzberg to learn about World War II history.

Untersberg Cable Car Day Trip

Getting There:
The Untersberg Cable Car station is located just a 30-minute super-easy bus ride from Salzburg city center. Take bus number 25 or 26 from Salzburg to the cable car base station in Grödig.

Admission Costs:
A round-trip ticket for the cable car costs about €22 for adults and €14 for children.  If you have the Salzburg Card, the bus ride and cable car ticket is free. 

Things to Do:

• Ride the cable car up to the summit for panoramic views over Salzburg and the Alps.

• Explore hiking trails at the top, ranging from easy walks to challenging routes.

• Visit the mountain restaurant for traditional Austrian cuisine while soaking in the views.

• In winter, enjoy skiing and snowboarding options on the Untersberg slopes.

Final Tips for Your Salzburg Day Trips

• Purchase tickets for trains and buses in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.  Use the Salzburg card for local bus transportation and tickets to the cable car.   We like to use Trainline.com for purchasing train tickets. 

• Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes—weather can change quickly in the mountains.

• Start your day early to make the most of your visits.

Whether you're captivated by Hallstatt’s fairy-tale charm, intrigued by the history of the Eagle’s Nest, or seeking alpine adventures atop Untersberg, these day trips from Salzburg offer a perfect mix of culture, history, and nature. Pack your camera and get ready for unforgettable memories!  Traveling Professor clients love visiting Salzburg and you will too.