The Best Things to Do in Werfen, Austria
When most people think about taking a day trip from Salzburg, the most popular choices are Hallstatt, Berchtesgaden or Munich. But if you’re a Sound of Music fan or an adventure seeker, Werfen, Austria needs to be on your radar. Why? You can get from Salzburg to Werfen by train in less than an hour, it’s less crowded than the other destinations, and it has some pretty incredible attractions. Here are three reasons to add Werfen, Austria to your Salzburg itinerary.
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3 Things to Do in Werfen on a Day Trip from Salzburg
No analysis paralysis here! These are three of the best and most popular things to do in Werfen, Austria.
1. The Sound of Music Trail
The Sound of Music Trail is easily the most well-known attraction in Werfen, Austria. The short, less-than-one-mile trail leads to the famous Sound of Music meadow where Julie Andrews sings “Do-Re-Mi” in the film. The best part, besides the views, is that you can earn a medal for completing it.
Read my tips for hiking the Sound of Music Trail.
2. Eisriesenwelt, the World’s Largest Ice Cave
Werfen, Austria is home to the largest ice cave in the world: Eisriesenwelt. German for “world of the ice giants,” getting to the cave is a journey in its own right. But once you make it to what feels like the top of the Alps and step inside, it’s well worth the bus, walk (x2) and cable car it takes to get there.
Use my guide to plan your visit to Eisriesenwelt.
3. Burg Hohenwerfen
After The Sound of Music meadow, Burg Hohenwerfen is Werfen’s second biggest celebrity. It’s been featured in both The Sound of Music and Where Eagles Dare.
Like Hohensalzburg Fortress, Burg Hohenwerfen is perched high above the Salzach River. It probably has something to do with the fact that both fortresses were commissioned by the same guy: Archbishop Gebhard.
The 900-year-old fortified castle offers different guided tours, but the most popular attraction is the falconry show. It takes place two or three times a day, depending on the season.
How to Get from Salzburg to Werfen (The Easiest and Cheapest Way)
If you’re staying in Salzburg, the easiest way to get to Werfen is by train. The journey takes about 40–45 minutes, depending on which train you take, and most trains don’t require transfers.
Even better, the train ride to Werfen is free with the Salzburg Guest Mobility Ticket. Since Werfen is also in the state of Salzburg, the trip is covered by the ticket, which is included with your accommodation.
You can get the Salzburg Guest Mobility Ticket from your hotel or other overnight accommodation. I recommend asking about it at check-in, or even before you arrive, since you can also use it for local buses and other public transportation.
Trains from Salzburg to Werfen run at least once an hour. I recommend downloading the ÖBB app to check the most up-to-date schedules.
Werfen, Austria FAQS
Still have questions about visiting Werfen, Austria? Here are a few more things to know before planning your day trip from Salzburg.
Where is Werfen, Austria?
Werfen, Austria is located approximately 25 miles south of Salzburg on the Salzach River. It’s part of the Austrian state of Salzburg, also known as SalzburgerLand.
How much time do you need in Werfen?
Werfen, Austria may be small, but even so, I would plan to spend a full day there. When I visited Werfen, I arrived around 9:30 am and was on the train back to Salzburg around 4:00 pm.
I tried to do the Sound of Music Trail, Burg Hohenwerfen and Eisriesenwelt in one day, but I couldn’t make it work. And trust me, I tried. My planner looked like the Pepe Silvia scene from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
My recommendation? Choose two. I chose the Sound of Music Trail and Eisriesenwelt and have zero regrets. And if you do manage to fit all three in one day, that’s pure sorcery.
When’s the best time to visit Werfen, Austria?
The best time to visit Werfen, Austria is between May and October due to seasonal closures. Eisriesenwelt and Burg Hohenwerfen both close around November 1 and reopen in April or May. The Sound of Music Trail isn’t accessible during winter because of icy conditions.
Should You Add Werfen, Austria to Your Salzburg Itinerary?
Visiting Werfen, Austria was definitely one of the highlights of my Salzburg trip. For a small town, it has a lot of big experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. So if you’re looking for an easy day trip from Salzburg, put Werfen on your list.
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