Towns & Cities Near Salzburg | 4 Guides

Salzburg sits at the gateway to some of Austria's most enchanting towns and cities, where baroque architecture meets alpine beauty and lakeside charm beckons from every direction. Within an hour's drive, you'll discover the elegant lakeside town of Gmunden on the shores of Traunsee, where grand villas and mountain peaks create an unforgettable backdrop. The Salzkammergut region unfolds like a storybook, with Traunkirchen offering luxury dining and wellness experiences, while the historic Schafbergbahn cogwheel train carries you through mountain villages to breathtaking summit views. And of course, Salzburg itself deserves a full day to explore its Mozart heritage, clifftop fortress, and legendary café culture. These four carefully selected destinations showcase the best of Austrian town life—from cosmopolitan elegance to quiet lakeside retreats—all easily accessible for memorable day trips from Salzburg.