One moment it’s snowing and stormy, the next the warm spring sun breaks through – only to be followed by rain a little while later. We've put together the best excursion tips for every kind of spring weather. Whether indoors or out: there is definitely no shortage of things to do in Salzburg City and Salzburger Land.
Excursion tips for any kind of spring weather in the city and province of Salzburg
These top sights are well worth a visit in any weather:
At Hohensalzburg Fortress, you’ll dive deep into Salzburg’s history and medieval life within the castle walls. Indoors, there’s plenty to discover: the lavish state rooms, the famous Salzburg Bull organ, the armory, and suits of armor in the fortress museum. The historically significant Gothic state rooms are also home to the Fortress Concerts, held almost daily. And in fair weather, visitors can enjoy the stunning panorama and sweeping views across the city of Salzburg from the many lookout points.
The DomQuartier is located in the heart of Salzburg’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the Residenz Gallery and its impressive collection of European paintings, the Cathedral Museum, and the St. Peter’s Museum, the DomQuartier represents the very essence of Salzburg’s artistic and cultural history. It is also worth checking the events calendar: from concerts and guided tours to creative clubs and workshops, the DomQuartier offers a broad range of programs for children and adults alike. In the mood for a “Date with Mozart”? Even that is possible, every Thursday and Friday at 4 p.m. – in the very same rooms of the Residenz where Mozart himself once performed.
Just south of Salzburg City, on the Dürrnberg, salt was mined as far back as Celtic times. At Salzburger Salzwelten, you can experience the life and work of miners up close. Highlights include two long miners’ slides, a raft ride across an underground salt lake, and a ride on the mine train. The children’s tour with Sally (in German only), the clever little mine duck, takes place every Sunday afternoon (also every Tuesday during the summer holidays). Meanwhile, at Celtic Mountain, with its themed playground, salt manufactory, and virtual treasure hunt, you will gain fascinating insights into the lives of the ancient Celts and salt production as it is done today.
In the beautiful Lungau region, about ten kilometers from St. Michael, Mauterndorf Castle towers over the surrounding countryside. Once a toll station and summer residence of the Salzburg archbishops, today’s castle houses an interactive exhibition, the Lungau Regional Museum, and spaces for hosting local cultural events. Take a tour of the tower and enjoy a glimpse into medieval life – along with a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding mountain landscapes. In dry weather, the roughly 1-kilometer circular trail around Mauterndorf Castle is very enjoyable and rewarding.
Spring awakening in the province of Salzburg: Excursions in fair weather
At the foot of the Untersberg lies the Salzburg Open-Air Museum. From mid-March to mid-November, visitors can embark on a journey through time and learn all about rural Salzburg life in days gone by. With no shortage of things to discover – from original, beautifully preserved farmhouses to a general store, a schoolhouse, a police station, a tractor exhibition, and more. If you prefer not to explore the expansive grounds on foot, the museum railway offers a comfortable alternative. With its colorful program of workshops, cultural events, and guided tours, the Open-Air Museum is one of the most popular destinations in the Salzburg Flachgau region.
Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains reopens to visitors at the end of March. While the palace exhibition is dedicated to Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus, the gardens transform into a sculpture park each spring. The open-air exhibition – titled Incontro for 2025 – blends contemporary country art with Baroque garden design. On weekends, families with children love to gather around the playground – and on particularly hot days, amid the whimsical Trick Fountains.
Early April marks the start of the season at Castle Hohenwerfen. Birds of prey sharpen their talons in preparation for the flight demonstrations. Across four levels of the historic armory, visitors are immersed in the world of witches, wizards, and fairy-tale creatures. Guided castle tours are ultra memorable, with guides clad in historical costumes leading visitors through the interior rooms. A current exhibition also recalls the fact that Clint Eastwood and Richard Burton once filmed a movie right here – some scenes from the 1968 hit Where Eagles Dare were shot at Hohenwerfen Fortress.
Visitors to the world’s largest ice cave, the World of Ice Giants, need to be sure-footed and dress warmly. The cave reopens in early May, whilst temperatures inside remain below freezing – even during the summer months. Visits are especially enjoyable in clear weather, when guests can enjoy not only the cave’s stunning ice formations, but also the spectacular panorama of the Hohe Tauern mountains just outside the entrance.
Hiking, marveling, and discovering: Indoor and outdoor activities for adventure seekers and nature lovers
In early May, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road awakens from its winter slumber. In 2025, this spectacular scenic route on Austria’s highest mountain celebrates its 90th anniversary. A visit promises awe-inspiring natural beauty as well as fascinating insights into Hohe Tauern National Park. Attractions include a marmot cinema, nature trails, exhibitions, and playgrounds. When visibility is good, you will be treated to magnificent views and breathtaking alpine scenery. And if the weather takes a turn for the worse, there is still plenty to discover indoors: the new permanent exhibition at the visitor center on the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe offers a glimpse into the life of legendary Austrian media personality Sepp Forcher.
Yet another anniversary is just around the corner: Krimml WaterWorlds, reopening on May 20, will be celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2025. Visitors can look forward to newly redesigned indoor and outdoor areas. In addition to the Waterfall Center, the Water Cinema, and the Water Park, a visit to the “House of Water” is also well worth it. Here, as the name suggests, everything revolves around that essential natural element – water. In the interactive exhibition Faces of Water, you will be able to follow water on its long journey: from a tiny molecule to the vast ocean. The House of Water also has a special surprise in store: a Swarovski telescope on the top floor that gives you a close-up view of Krimml Waterfalls.
As the weather begins to warm up and summer hits full stride, this is the perfect time for an outing to the Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs. The two big reservoirs there, the Mooserboden and Wasserfallboden, are not only vital sources of hydroelectric power but also enchant visitors with their breathtaking alpine setting. An ideal excursion for the whole family: the children’s educational trail accompanied by mascot STROMI and the special kids’ tours inspire even the youngest visitors to explore the fascinating connections between nature and technology. Adventurers, big and small, are certain to love the Flying Fox zipline and the guided via ferrata climbing tours. The Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs are open from late May to mid-October, depending on weather conditions. One special highlight is the Children’s Festival on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
