The "Other" Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg, Austria is beautiful, interesting, and full of culture. But, after you visit Mozart’s home, attend a dinner and concert, and take one of the many “Sound of Music” tours, it is time to depart the city for some truly memorable experiences.

Austria’s state of Salzburger Land lies amidst the finest scenery to be found in the country, and offers impressive sights and activities to enhance your spring and summer visits. Following are easy day trips to the south and then west of Salzburg, certain to stir your senses and enrich your photo collection:

Hallein/Bad Dürrnberg Salzbergbau Salt Mine – Salt has been extracted from this region for thousands of years (Salzburg means “Salt Fortress”), and was a source of great wealth. We donned coveralls and rode a steep, splinter free wooden slide into the depths of the mine to start the tour. Displayed and explained are the antique tools and mechanisms that transported the salt to the surface, and you quickly appreciate the well-lit workplaces we have today. Half way through our visit, a signpost showed we were crossing under the Austrian-German border. (http://Salzwelten.at/cont/Salzwelten/en_Salzwelten_home.aspx)

Hohenwerfen Fortress – Looming above the town of Werfen, this imposing 11th Century tourable fortress contains a fantastic collection of antique weaponry and a museum of falconry and medieval clothing. Sitting on the courtyard grass, we enjoyed a “Birds of Prey” exhibition, featuring falcons, hawks, eagles, and owls in free flight above our heads; the handlers, dressed in period clothing, lend an authenticity to this ancient sport. The path up to the fortress is steep, but transportation is available from the lower parking area. (www.Salzburg-Burgen.at/en/Werfen)

Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave – Ice Giant World (high above Werfen) is the world’s largest ice cave system. Water seeping through the cave ceiling froze to produce extraordinary formations and galleries through which tours are conducted. Many of the formations are backlit with colorful lighting to create beautiful effects through the translucent ice, and you will marvel at the effort required to cut and fit the hundreds of stair steps in the cave. The entrance is reached via cable car or bus (from Werfen), private vehicle, or scenic walk. Wear warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and gloves. (http://www.eisriesenwelt.at/)

Liechtensteinklamm Gorge – Just west of St. Johann im Pongau, a wild mountain stream carved a deep narrow canyon; in some places the opposing walls are just a few feet apart. The stream rages through the gorge, cascading down the rocks, and waterfalls abound. A wooden footpath crisscrosses the stream and provides convenient access along its length. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a plastic poncho to protect you from the constant mist. (http://www.liechtensteinklamm.at/)

Grossglockner Mountain and Hochalpenstrasse Roadway – Follow the signs south of Zell am See to Fusch and the Hochalpenstrasse [High Alpine Road]. This toll road is one of the most beautiful scenic routes in the world, rising to more than 8,200 feet, traverses the Hohe Tauern National Park, and continues toward Italy. Grossglockner [Tall Bell], the highest mountain in Austria, and Pasterze Glacier can be viewed from the Franz-Josefs-Höhe rest stop, where food and restrooms are available. Wear warm clothing to protect you from the altitude and winds. (http://www.grossglockner.com/)

Krimmler Waterfall – Outside the village of Krimmel flows Europe’s tallest waterfall, dropping almost 1,250 feet in three stages, with a deafening roar. It is an easy walk to its base, where you will experience a tremendous volume of water and perpetual mist. You can also drive to the top of the falls. Fed by a glacier, the falls freeze over in winter. (http://www.wasserfaelle-krimml.at/)

All the attractions are accessible from the same set of roads (travel distances and times are from Salzburg):

From Salzburg:

• Travel south on A10 to Hallein/Bad Bad Dürrnberg and the Salt Mine (12 miles, 25 minutes).
• Continue south on A10 to Werfen and the Fortress and Ice Cave (29 miles, 30 minutes).
• Continue south on A10, then south on B311 toward Bischofshofen, then to St. Johann im Pongau and Liechtensteinklamm (40 miles, 45 minutes).
• Continue west on B311 toward Zell am See and south on L271 to Fusch an der Glocknerstrasse and the Hochalpenstrasse (62 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes).
• Continue west on B311 toward Zell am See, west on B168 to Mittersill, then west on B165 to Krimml and the Waterfall (91 miles, 2 hours 10 minutes).