So that no day of your holiday is ever rained out, we have compiled 7 weatherproof excursion tips in Salzburg for you..
#1: Sightseeing in Salzburg, the "City of Mozart"
Even when it's raining cats and dogs, our first tip is always highly recommended: a visit to Salzburg City. Enjoy a stroll along the world-famous Getreidegasse, past Mozart's birthplace and the famous Horse Pond, across Cathedral Square, past numerous shops and boutiques, and through Mirabell Gardens. Ride the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, from where, even in rainy weather, you have an unbeatable view over the city. And an absolute must during your visit to Salzburg: Sitting in a traditional coffeehouse with a cup of Melange in your hand, inhaling the fragrance of the coffee as well as the atmosphere of the historic district (and perhaps accompanied by a slice of Sachertorte or Esterházy Schnitten 😉). That said, if you are still hunting for a chic umbrella, we suggest visiting the Kirchtag umbrella factory on Getreidegasse, where they have hand-manufactured custom pieces since 1903.
#2: Museums in Salzburg and Salzburger Land
Two options: Pay a visit to one of the great museums, which are definitely not in short supply in Salzburg City or Salzburger Land. The first that comes to mind is "Salzburg's Most Popular Museum", the Haus der Natur. It is fair to assume that every Salzburg child knows the dinosaur, the space exhibition and the spooky legends department – as does every adult Salzburger from their own childhood. A toy museum is located next to the Horse Pond, just a few steps from the Haus der Natur. And not far from there, we have the DomQuartier, a museum complex and genuine cultural highlight in the heart of the historic district.
Likewise popular with young and old is the National Park Center in Mittersill. At interactive information stations, visitors discover the biggest nature sanctuary in the Alps and enjoy vast perspectives thanks to the 360° Panorama Cinema. Or they can squeeze through a marmot burrow. Visits are included free of charge with the National Park Sommercard from May until the end of October.
#3: World of Ice Giants and Salzwelten Hallein
For this excursion, you will definitely need to pack a cap, gloves, sturdy shoes and a warm jacket: It takes you inside the world's biggest ice cave! The World of Ice Giants outside Werfen, with its palaces of ice, is one of the most popular attractions in Austria and may be visited as part of a tour lasting roughly 1 1/2 hours. Good to know: In order to reach the cave entrance, you will combine a lift ride with 2 roughly 20-minute uphill walks. Inside the cave, you will have to make your way up and back down 700 steps.
Also exciting for big and small: Salzwelten Hallein, home to a salt mine that has opened its doors to visitors for the past four centuries. Set out in the footsteps of the Ancient Celts, who were actually mining in the Dürrnberg for salt some 400 years BCE, ride the mine train, and slither down the old miners' slides.
The World of Ice Giants in Werfen
#4: Thermal Springs and Spa Resorts im Salzburger Land
Splish splash, I was taking a bath… Have you ever felt the rain trickling down your face as you sit in a heated outdoor pool? In the bathtub-warm brine pool of TAUERN SPA Zell am See-Kaprun for example, you can literally and figuratively drift away and – insofar as the fog and rain allow - gaze out at the Kitzsteinhorn. On the other hand, things really heat up in the saunas of those modern spa resorts in Kaprun, before you once again immerse yourself completely in one of the 12 different pools.
Need a little more action? In that case, you might well be interested in the Erlebnis-Therme amadé in Altenmarkt. Awaiting you there in addition to a wave pool are a funnel slide, a family tunnel slide, and the longest looping slide in Austria with a rocket start and 8-meter freefall.
#5: Gorge Hikes
With unbridled power, over the course of millennia the water has cut its way through the rocks, creating the many gorges you discover in Salzburger Land. Today, we are able to enjoy – even in bad weather – their imposing chasms, pools and narrow canyons. Our top 3 gorges in Salzburg: Liechtensteinklamm with its new helix spiral staircase in St. Johann, the Kitzlochklamm in Taxenbach and the Sigmund-Thun Klamm in Kaprun, which you can also combine with a detour to the turquoise Klammsee lake.
#6: Walking in the rain
Throw on a raincoat, slip into a pair of rubber boots and get out of your comfort zone! It's worth it! That said, if you are planning a short hike those rubber boots are better suited to puddle-jumping than they are hiking, for which you will definitely need to switch to waterproof hiking boots. Appropriately equipped, you will then be able to face the rainy weather with a big smile on your face. You will discover a whole different aspect of nature, you'll have it to yourself for the most part, and you will realize: It's mainly about having a positive mindset. Also a must: The warm shower and mug of hot chocolate to conclude your wash & go tour 😉
#7: Cozy with lots of space: getaways in an apartment or holiday home
It's not necessarily what we wish for, but it does happen on occasion. That said, even if it is pouring down in buckets, you will still have it good at ALPS RESORTS. In your Apartment or Holiday Home, you will have plenty of space to make yourself really comfy. Perhaps snuggled up with a good book on the couch or gathered around the big dining table playing a board game with your family. You won't stand on anyone's toes, everyone will have plenty of room to retreat into their own world whenever they please. Most of our Salzburg ALPS RESORTS also feature a common wellness area into which you can also flee. Tip: Ask about our accommodations with private (infrared) sauna!
And as you already know: Rain is always followed by sunshine!
Verena J.
Marketing Specialist at ALPS RESORTS
Millennial with a passion for solitary mountains and compelling stories, always on the lookout for exciting destinations and experiences.
Would you like to learn more about ALPS RESORTS? Feel free to use our contact form or submit a non-binding inquiry.
Photo materials ©: Title photo: istock/julia_sudnitskaya; Domquartier, Getreidegasse and Rain Hike in the Gorge: Salzburger Land Tourism; Water Worlds: TAUERN SPA Zell am See-Kaprun