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Exploring Salzkammergut with Salzburg as base

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We are spending 3 nights and 4 days in Salzburg. I'm using Salzburg as base and want to spend 1 day exploring Berchtesgaden (Konigsee, Obersee) and 2 days to drive around Salzkammergut.

I will be renting a car and planning to drive to places like St Wolfgang, St Gilgen, Gosau, Hallstatt, and the lakes. The plan is to drive around, explore and take it all in.

I know it's not ideal, but I felt Salzburg is the best base because we also want to explore Berchtesgaden.

Can you pls give me your thoughts on 2+ days in Salzkammergut.

1/ I have heard mixed reviews about Hallstatt and it seems the farthest point from Salzburg. If I skip it, are there other places you recommend?

2/ I'm an American and never driven in Austria. Other than the toll / vignette, I'm assuming it's fairly easy to drive in Austria. Is that right?

Thank you

Posted by
2750 posts

You will easily fill your time in this beautiful part of the world. We’ve stayed in the area twice, each time for five nights. Driving is easy, roads have good signage. Stay out of the far left lane on the highways. Use your blinkers. There may be occasional tolls for long tunnels.

We love Hallstatt, and are returning for the Christmas market this year (3rd visit). It really is unique. Which is why it’s so popular. If you go, go early, then stop at the other spots on the way back.

I encourage you to drive south towards Werfen. It’s stunning. There is a great fortress there worth visiting, and ice caves nearby if that is of interest. This might be an option if you don’t go to Hallstatt. I also recommend a sommerrodelbahn. There’s one near the salt mine near Hallein with great views. Another near Berchtesgaden, but we didn’t ride that one.

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