Excursions
Salzburg lies at your feet. But sometimes it’s the quiet paths away from the well-known sights that create unforgettable memories.
Discover our personally selected suggestions for day trips—picturesque hikes, enjoyable bike rides, and special places in the area that reflect the character of the Salzburg region.
To make planning easy, all cycling and hiking routes are directly linked to “Komoot.” Open the link on your smartphone and start your journey of discovery!
Tour 1: Along the Salzach to the Silent Night Chapel
Follow the course of the Salzach River all the way to Oberndorf—the place where the world-famous Christmas carol “Silent Night! Holy Night!” originated. This leisurely bike ride is a delight not only during Advent but in every season, with picturesque river landscapes, idyllic riverside paths, and a pleasant breeze on warm summer days.
At the destination, the Silent Night Chapel and the Silent Night Museum await them. The chapel was built on the site where St. Nicholas Church once stood—the very place where the world’s most famous Christmas carol was first sung on December 24, 1818.
If you’d like, you can stop along the way on the Austrian or Bavarian side at one of the cozy inns and enjoy regional specialties or a cold beer—the perfect way to end an enjoyable bike ride.
Travel time: approx. 1h30min each way
Distance: approx. 45km
Tour 2: A tour around the Wallersee
Lake Wallersee is a place to take a deep breath. Gentle paths along the shore, sparkling water, and the tranquil beauty of the landscape make this bike ride one of the most beautiful excursions around Salzburg.
Treat yourself to a refreshing swim along the way, or enjoy the tranquility by the lake before taking the mostly downhill return route back to Villa Wickenburg at a leisurely pace.
Travel time: approx. 3 hours, full loop
; distance: approx. 43 km
Tour 3: Maria Plain pilgrimage basilica:
Just a few minutes from Villa Wickenburg, one of Salzburg’s most beautiful spiritual sites awaits you. Whether on foot or by bike, the path to the Maria Plain Pilgrimage Basilica offers a unique view of the city and the impressive Alpine panorama.
Take a moment to relax, light a candle, and then enjoy the warm hospitality of the historic Plainwirt.
Tour 4: The Gaisberg – Salzburg’s local mountain:
If the Plainberg on the doorstep of Villa Wickenburg is not high enough for you, the Gaisberg is Salzburg’s local mountain.
This popular Salzburg destination can be reached not only by e-bike or on foot, but also by car or bus.
Whether you’re at the Gaisbergspitz itself or on the famous Gaisberg circular hiking trail: everywhere offers phenomenal views of the city of Salzburg lying at your feet, as well as the surrounding mountains, including the Dachstein, the Tennen and Hagen ranges, the Göll, and the Untersberg all the way to the Hohenstauffen.
Gaisberg adventure world – just enjoy it!
Tour 5: Mattsee with lake hike
The so-called Trumer lakes invite locals and Salzburg tourists to visit. Particularly recommended: Mattsee, which has a charming town center with its own monastery and castle on the lake!
Walks and hikes, as well as bike rides, on and around the lake are possible all year round. Alpine foothills at it ́s best!
And beware: Mattsee Castle is also a popular wedding location and the ideal place to say “I do”!