Salzburg city is one compact destination inside a much larger state. Zell am See-Kaprun, the Gastein Valley and Saalbach Hinterglemm each work as separate mountain bases and should not be squeezed into city day trips.
The state also overlaps the cross-state Salzkammergut and Hohe Tauern regions. Those guides explain their full geography and current access.
Separate city and mountains
Give Salzburg two full days, then move accommodation if the main goal is lakes, hiking or skiing.
Choose one Alpine base
Zell am See-Kaprun suits a lake and mountain combination. Gastein has three main towns, while Saalbach Hinterglemm focuses on a connected valley resort.
Respect cross-state borders
Salzkammergut and Hohe Tauern extend beyond SalzburgerLand. Their parent guides link the relevant areas together.
A practical itinerary
- Days 1 to 2: explore Salzburg city.
- Days 3 to 5: choose Zell am See-Kaprun or the Gastein Valley.
- Days 6 to 7: keep one flexible mountain day and one slower local day.
Transport
Main valleys have rail or regional bus access from Salzburg. Accommodation location affects the final connection and evening options.
Mountain operation
Cableways, trails and winter links use seasonal calendars. Check the exact resort and operator.
Places to add to your map
- Salzburg: State capital and main northern gateway.
- Zell am See: Rail-linked lake and mountain base.
- Gastein Valley: Rail-served valley south of Salzburg.
- Saalbach Hinterglemm: Mountain resort reached by regional bus.
Open the route planner to place these stops in a wider Austria trip.
Continue planning
- Plan Salzburg city
- Plan Zell am See-Kaprun
- Explore Gastein
- Plan Saalbach Hinterglemm
- Read the Hohe Tauern guide
- Explore the Salzkammergut
Questions about SalzburgerLand
How long should I spend in SalzburgerLand?
Allow two days for Salzburg and at least three more for one mountain base.
Can I explore SalzburgerLand without a car?
Yes. Salzburg, Zell am See and the Gastein Valley have strong public transport. Saalbach Hinterglemm uses a bus connection from the rail corridor.
Sources and updates
This guide was last reviewed on 28 August 2026. Transport, access and opening arrangements can change, so check the official source before travel.
- Official Salzburg city visitor information, Salzburg Tourist Board
- Official Zell am See-Kaprun visitor information, Zell am See-Kaprun Tourism
- Official Gastein Valley visitor information, Gastein Tourism
- Official Saalbach Hinterglemm visitor information, Saalbach Hinterglemm Tourism
- Official SalzburgerLand visitor information, SalzburgerLand Tourism