Imposing mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, lush green valleys, and dense forests — with unspoiled beauty and tranquil landscapes, the province of Salzburg beckons for exploration. At its heart lies the city of Salzburg, renowned as one of Europe’s most picturesque destinations. Thanks to its associations with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, The Sound of Music, and the prestigious Salzburg Festival, this cultural hub enjoys a global reputation.
Cultural treasures in the Salzburgerland region
As the backdrop for Hollywood’s iconic musical, The Sound of Music, the fairytale-like beauty of the Salzburgerland region is renowned worldwide. Some of Salzburg’s most magnificent sights served as filming locations and might strike visitors as familiar, such as the picturesque town of St. Gilgen nestled on the shores of Lake Wolfgang, the historic basilica overlooking Lake Mondsee, the delightful Mirabell Palace with its romantic gardens, and Schloss Hellbrunn, famous for its whimsical trick fountains.
No matter where in the Salzburgland region your event unfolds, a trip to the provincial capital is a must. The city of Salzburg is a cultural hub, and even a simple stroll through its historic city centre, which has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site, is a memorable experience. From Mozart’s birthplace to majestic landmarks, there is plenty to admire. Salzburg owes both its wealth and its name to the natural salt reserves in the surrounding mountains (‘Salz’ meaning ‘salt’ and ‘Burg’ translating to ‘castle’), making salt mining a vital part of the city’s history. At the Salzwelten Salzburg museum, visitors can delve into the history of salt mining, explore underground tunnels, and even hurtle down miners’ slides.
Other cultural highlights include the Keltenmuseum Hallein, one of Europe’s largest museums of Celtic history and art, the Hallein Silent Night Museum, located in the birthplace of the famous Christmas carol, Hangar-7 with an impressive collection of historic aircraft, and the Großgmain Open Air Museum, taking visitors on a journey through 500 years of history.
For an authentic taste of local customs and traditions, don’t miss the vibrant folk festivals taking place throughout the region. The packed annual event calendar is topped off by the prestigious Salzburg Festival — renowned globally for its opera, music, and drama.
Unparalleled adventures
Amidst the untouched beauty of the Salzburgerland region, a plethora of adventure activities awaits — perfect to enrich the supporting programme of your event.
With over 250 peaks surpassing 3,000 metres and more than 300 glaciers, Salzburg’s majestic mountains offer sheer endless opportunities for mountaineering. In Hohe Tauern National Park, pristine natural landscapes can be explored on informative tours led by seasoned park rangers. Those who are keen on an adrenaline rush can dive into white water activities: the numerous rivers and streams are perfect for canyoning, rafting, and hydrospeed.
In winter, the mountains transform into a winter sports paradise featuring state-of-the-art cable cars, ski swings, glacier slopes, and more. Being an adventure hub, Salzburgerland offers the opportunity to test out the latest trends in action sports, such as snow biking, snow kiting, zorbing, or ice sailing. Still not action-packed enough? An ice climbing tour, where your team climbs frozen waterfalls using ice axes and crampons, is certainly not for the faint-hearted but promises to be an unforgettable experience.
For a more laid-back adventure, a trip to the Eisriesenwelt, the world’s largest ice cave, is a great option. Explore the massive cave portal and marvel at fascinating ice formations from up close. Also worth a visit are the thundering Krimml Waterfalls, which are among the largest and most impressive waterfalls in the Alpine region.
After a day of exhilarating adventures, unwind and rejuvenate at one of Salzburg’s thermal spas. Why not immerse yourself in the soothing waters of the Alpentherme Gastein’s thermal lakes, surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas — a truly unique experience and the perfect way to recharge for another day of adventure.
Culinary treats
Salzburg’s culinary scene is rich with traditional dishes and alpine cuisine, reflecting the region’s heritage. Whether you prefer rustic inns or fine dining experiences at modern gourmet restaurants, in Salzburg you can savour the essence of the Almenland region. Fresh butter, mountain cheeses, hay milk, wild mushrooms, and aromatic meadow herbs transport the rich flavours of Salzburg’s alpine pastures onto your plate.
Indulge in regional specialities, such as Pinzgauer Kasnocken, small pasta dumplings covered in cheese and onions, and the hearty Bauernkrapfen doughnuts filled with sauerkraut or jam. The sweet Salzburger Nockerl soufflé or the iconic Mozartkugeln, chocolate pralines filled with nougat and marzipan, make for ideal desserts.
With beer having a long history as a highly popular beverage in Salzburg, it comes as no surprise that the province is home to three historic breweries. Beer enthusiasts can enjoy guided tours of the Stiegl Brauwelt, the Augustiner Bräu, and the Trumer Privatbrauerei, complete with tastings, to immerse themselves in the rich brewing heritage of the region.