How to best spread 5 nights in and around Salzburg

Public bus runs between Salzburg Hbf and Berchtesgarten Hbf, so there is an option
to stay in 1 place for 5 nights and still access both areas.

Based on your experience, what area would you suggest I stay in? I am not a night person as far as clubs or bars, but I do like to just wander and enjoy the area, and maybe find a good restaurant in the evenings.

When? I vote for all nights in Salzburg, which is very pleasant at night. There are several options for concerts and eateries. And don't forget the Augustine Beer Hall.
Have a great trip!

I'd vote all nights in Salzburg because you haven't yet mentioned Werfen, a very desirable destination and only a short train ride from Salzburg.

https://www.burg-hohenwerfen.at/en/

https://www.werfen.at/en/holiday-themes/the-sound-of-music

(both of the above involve some hiking!)

Then there's the huge Werfen ice cave, the Eisriesenwelt.
https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/excursions/ice-caves-in-werfen

In 2022, I spent 5 nights in Salzburg with my friend Chuck with two trips to Berchtesgaden -- one day for Königssee and one day for a salt mine and Eagle's Nest.

Eisriesenwelt at Werfen is pretty amazing... and gets a good hike in, too!

Trip Report that includes how I spent my time in Salzburg: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/trip-report-the-oberammergau-passion-play-and-austria

Of course, there was also that time that I spent 5 nights just outside Berchtesgaden with my friend Anne and ignored Salzburg: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/three-weeks-in-germany-f614b88a-f272-49e7-98bc-2ebe3a2f5c60

In 2000, I stayed for three nights in Freilassing, across the river from Salzburg. The first night I went into Salzburg and had an enjoyable dinner at the Stieglbräu. The next two days I took the train down to Berchtesgaden to see the Eagles Nest and Königssee.

In 2001, I was staying in Munich and made a daytrip to Salzburg. We saw Maribel Palace (do-re-mi steps), had lunch in the downtown area below the fortress, toured the fortress, and went around to the Cloister at Stift Nonnberg. That was about everything I wanted to see in Salzburg; I've never stayed in Salzburg since.

Twice I've stayed twice in Freilassing, went over the river the next morning and took the bus or train to Mondsee or Werfen.

I've stayed three times for 8 nights in Berchtesgaden.

So, Salzburg zero nights, Freilassing 5 nights, and Berchtesgaden 8 nights.

My preferred place to stay in the area is Berchtesgaden, and I stay in a place in Berchtesgaden that is far less expensive than anyplace in Salzburg. So, if I were making the trip, I might stay one night in Salzburg, but I would spend the rest of the time in Berchtesgaden.

Another vote for the ice cave at Werfen. Be sure to take a pair of gloves and a knit beanie hat. It’s cold !

I also do a salt mine tour every time I am in the area

For Salzburg, things to see

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g190441-Activities-Salzburg_Austrian_Alps.html

Mozart's house
The Cathedral (it was in the movie Sound of Music)
The Sound of Music Tour
Castle (fort) on top of the hill
Take in a concert

Berchtesgaden
Must do is the Eagle's Nest

The Cathedral (it was in the movie Sound of Music)

Not to be confused with Basilika St. Michael, in Mondsee, which was the Wedding church in SOM. It's 30 km from downtown Salzburg.

Nor the chapel in the convent, which was actually a SOM set in Hollywood. I was in the actual chapel, and it doesn't look anything like the one in the movie.

Also in Berchtesgaden:
Boat ride on Königssee with St Bartholomä and the Obersee, the Dokumentationszentrum, the town of Berchtesgaden, itself, and Wimbachklamm. Some people might say Ramsau or Jennerbahn. There's a Therme (spa) and a salt mine in Berchtesgaden, as you come into town from Salzburg.

Public bus runs between Salzburg Hbf and Berchtesgarten Hbf

That's the Watzmann Express, RVO 840, which also makes stops along the river coming into Salzburg from Berchtesgaden, before going to the Hbf. There is also a train (change in Freilassing), between Salzburg and Berchtesgaden. The Watzmann Express makes it's last run back to Salzburg at around 19:00, as I remember, so if you want to stay later, you'll need to take the train.

Hi,

How are you getting around?

We have stayed 7 times in the Berchtesgaden area (Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden) and have done numerous day trips to Salzburg. It’s easy. Both of these which we stayed have the bus stop a few minutes walk away.

www.mayringerlehen.de

https://www.urlaub-ramsau-bayern.de/anfahrt/

https://www.urlaub-ramsau-bayern.de/

I’ll add the Gastehaus Amort has the most stunning scenery right from your room balcony. Amazing to say the least.

Berchtesgaden gets pretty quiet at night, so are you someone who thinks that's a good thing or a bad? As has been mentioned, there is regular bus service btw there and Salzburg, with connections to various other nearby places e.g. Königsee.

It'd be easy to split your time if you'd like. I generally don't love to do this but it might be more of a timesaver if you're planning multiple back and forth bus trips.

There are fantastic hikes all around the area and the little busses provide access to popular trailheads e.g. Wimbachklamm and destinations like the Jenner gondola.

We stayed at a Gasthof outside of Ramsau, overlooking Mt Watzmann but we had a car so it was more convenient than the (admittedly fantastic) local busses.

If you stay in a hotel in Salzburg, you will receive a regional guest card that gives free public transport. so that trip to Werfen is free.

If you stay in a hotel in Salzburg, you will receive a regional guest card that gives free public transport. so that trip to Werfen is free.

You jogged my memory, but I swear there was a similar card when we stayed in Ramsau.

We took a City Walking Tour in Salzburg which was a great way to get the overview of the city on our first day. We also scheduled a class on how to make Apple Strudel. Turned out to be my husband's favorite activity!

Try asking Google "How to spend 5 days in and around Salzburg?" See how it compares to above suggestions. Good luck.