With a grand medieval fortress crowning the beautiful fairytale town and a generous portion of the alpine beauty on the side, Salzburg is an enchanting town in Austria. I loved it instantly on a rainy spring day. I loved it enough to come to visit it again a few years later in a snowy winter. The second time, I took my parents with me, who were visiting me all the way from another continent. Why Salzburg? Because it is a perfect example of a quintessential European town, with its cobbled streets, baroque architecture and stylish pastries! And also because we were already in Munich and makes a perfect day trip from Munich to Salzburg. As the connectivity between these two cities is good, the trip is very comfortable (and cheap!).
Is a day trip from Munich to Salzburg feasible?
Though in a different country, Salzburg is a convenient 150 km away from Munich. And it takes about 2 hours to reach there which is perfect for a day trip. The route between the two cities is far from boring. After going close to lake Chiemsee, the biggest lake in Bavaria, it rolls further through enchanting valleys and green meadows, with occasional glimpses of the surrounding alps.
If you are looking for something to do in Munich, check out my detailed article for the best weekend in Munich. It includes all the information about what to do (with a map of all the highlights), what/where to eat and insider tips for a budget trip! It is a wonderful city and definitely deserves a visit even without Octoberfest. Take it from someone who lived there for about 5 years and absolutely loved it!
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When to go?
I have taken this day trip twice: once in the spring and then again in crisp December winter. I loved it both times. Spring brought the colorful palettes alive making the city incredibly colorful. The white powdered sheet of snow in winter makes it dreamy as well. If you are planning to go in winter, I will recommend going there before Christmas, so that you can also check out the Christmas markets with gluhwein and gingerbread cookies.
Best way to plan your trip from Munich to Salzburg:
1. Train
The best way to travel from Munich to Salzburg is by train. There are multiple train options available. While the time to travel will more or less be the same, prices and offers are different. The two most common train options are:
1. Meridian (M): It costs about 25 euros return ticket per person (53 euros for five people with a Bayern ticket!)
2. Railjet (RJ/RJX): costs about 40 euros return ticket per person (Bayern ticket is not valid on these trains)
The best and most economical option is to use the Bayern ticket and then take a Meridian train to Salzburg. Bayern ticket is an offer by Deutsche Bahn (German train system) that lets you take any local train in the Bavaria region for the next 24 hours. But beware, the Bayern ticket is not valid on fast trains. A single ticket will cost you 25 euros and you can use it as a return ticket if you are returning the same day, and hence making it perfect for a day trip. The real advantage of the Bayern ticket is when traveling in groups. For five people it will cost you around 53 euros (at the time of writing this article). This makes it a very cheap option. After getting down at the train station, you can either walk to the city center or take a bus or tram. We always walked to the city center.

Tips and suggestions
1. Bayern ticket: You can buy a ticket online or from the ticket machines at the train station. You have to decide how many people will be traveling with the Bayern ticket before you buy it as the price depends on it. Also, if you buy a ticket at the station from the automated machines, please write your name on the back of the ticket, otherwise, the ticket won’t be considered valid.
2. Check the schedule beforehand: While trains between Salzburg and Munich are frequent, do check the schedule beforehand and plan for your return ride so that you know when to be back at the station.
3. Local transport: To check the train feasible for Bayern ticket, choose (Local transport only) when checking the timetable on the Deutsche Bahn website.
4. Bahn card: Do you have the Bahn card? While it might not make sense for buying the Bahn card if you are just visiting Munich, or Germany, for that matter, but if you live there, or travel frequently, do invest in a Bahn card. I recommend BahnCard 25 and booking tickets at least one week in advance. You get a discount on the saving price as well. And yes, you get a Bayern ticket for a cheaper price as well. Enter your Bahn card details when you buy the ticket (whether online or from the ticket machine/counter).
5. Passport/ID checks: Border free traveling within Schengen spoils you, so it is easy to forget your passport/IDs at home. Please remember to keep your passport/residence permit and/or any other identity card, just in case. It is a journey of just two hours but is still international. When traveling with our family, we were once asked for an ID.
2. Bus
Flix bus offers frequent service between Munich (ZOB) and Salzburg bus station. Tickets start from as cheap as 5 euros one way! The latest schedule and prices can be found on their website. Book in advance for the best prices as the prices increase, the closer you are to the departure, especially if it is a busy time. Flix buses offer the best deals and cheapest prices unless you are in a group. In that case, Bayern ticket (and hence going by train) might be a better option (and has much better leg space than buses). Please note that the buses leave from different stations that are not next to the train stations. When going by bus, reach the respective station well before time as it might take some time to find the ‘platform’ where the bus might be. There can be a passport/visa check before getting into the bus.
3. Car/Ridesharing
You can, of course, drive to Salzburg as well. But given the taxes on the highway and parking space issues in the town, I would recommend not to. If you really want to drive, you can also consider ridesharing. Ridesharing is a popular option in Germany where you can share the ride with someone who is traveling to the same destination as you. You pay a small amount to the person driving you. BlaBla car is one of those services. While it is a pretty safe option, there are always some risks involved like car issues on the way or having a weirdo as your driver. I have used this service twice (from Munich to Frankfurt and return) and it worked out perfectly fine both times. Always check the ratings/reviews of the driver before booking the ride with them.
Things to do in Salzburg
Known for its most famous inhabitant Mozart, Salzburg is a beautiful Austrian city featuring the snowy alps in its backdrop. There are photogenic cities and then there is Salzburg. Every corner of the old town is ‘Instagram-able’. While there is a lot of things to do in Salzburg, I will just mention the highlights that you might be able to cover during a day trip.
1. Schloss Mirabell and gardens
Mirabell is a woman’s name from Italy, made up of two words: Mirabile “admirable” and Bella “beautiful”. These beautiful gardens are home to many mythological statues dating back to 1730. This place was originally used by the archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Reitenau in 1606 to erect a grand mansion for his mistress Salome Alt, who is said to have borne him 15 children! Following a fire accident, the palace was further rebuilt as a truly royal baroque home for the then archbishop Franz von Harrach in 1727. This magnificent palace is now a civic administration building. Views of the cathedral and fortress add to the grandeur of the gardens, making it a perfect picnic spot. We walked around these geometrically designed gardens and adored them. You can also attend Advent and Christmas concerts at Schloss Konzerte Mirabell.


2. Hohensalzburg Castle
Crowning the beautiful city of Salzburg, Hohensalzburg fortress is one of the largest well-preserved forts in central Europe. As it stands proud on top of the rocky Moenschsberg, it is hard not to be enchanted by this beautiful fortress. It was built in the 11th century during the war between the holy roman empire and the papacy and was further extended gradually. Being at a strategic position and alps at the backdrop, this wonder gives an amazing view of the river, mountains, and the old town. There are some historical artifacts in the courtyard like cannons and an old well. Inside the fortress, the museum further has various medieval instruments, armors, and some torture devices that you won’t forget easily.
The views over the city of Salzburg and the Salzach river are worth the trip to this fortress. You can witness Salzburg in its full glory. The characteristic green domes with Salzach river winding through the forest of baroque buildings with green domes. You can have a steep 15 min walk up or the 2 minutes funicular to reach the fortress. There are various options to buy the tickets: online/offline, with/without the funicular, early bird/standard, etc. They can be found cheaper if booked online well before time.

3. Mozart house
Inspiring the local delicacy, Mozart balls, Mozart certainly was the most famous inhabitant of Salzburg. There are two houses related to Mozart in Salzburg; the house where he was born and a bigger and more spacious house he moved into later. The world-renowned composer was born here in a small house on Getreidegasse 9 on 27 January 1756. The house has now been transformed into a small museum dedicated to the composer featuring a collection of his family portraits, documents, and his first instruments.
The composer moved Makartplatz 8 (Mozart-Wohnhaus) in the later years of his life. Though the original house was destroyed in WWII and was rebuilt later for its significance.
4. Dom
Dom is a classic example of the grandeur of the Baroque architecture. This was the first cathedral church in Salzburg in the 8th century which, after several remodelings, holds high prestige and regard due to its extravagant design and details. A fun fact for the music lovers: Mozart himself played the Baroque organ here.
If you are interested in the details of the magnificent architecture and the paintings in the cathedral, there are some English guided tours available during the advent (December 1 to December 24). They usually begin around 5:45 pm (check this website for exact schedule), They take about an hour and are priced fairly at around 5 euros per person (children up to 15 years are free). Tickets are available from the cathedral staff at the dome entrance. Other than the advent, tours can also be booked for groups (max 25 people) for about 60 to 90 minutes in German, English, or Italian. Check the official website for more details regarding the tours and the Dom quartier ticket.
5. Salzach boat cruise
Salzach river has been historically significant for the trades in Salzburg. With Salzach as its lifeline, it makes sense to see this pretty town from a panorama boat. You can get one free ride if you buy the city card (more about the city card later). Otherwise, the ticket price starts at 15 euro per person. Due to weather, these cruises run only from March end to the beginning of November.
Did you know that river Salzach is called so because ‘Salz’ in German means Salt and this river was used to transport salt from Salzburg to other cities in past!
6. Walk around the beautiful city
The old town, or Altstadt, is the most attractive part of Salzburg and one of the UNESCO world heritage sites. This means the architectural details of the old town are protected and are to be kept visibly the same. This explains why the maze of winding lanes in Salzburg’s old town takes you back in time. It is astonishing how smoothly modern amenities and facilities are integrated into the vintage exteriors. The shopping street, Getreidegasse, houses many local and international stores for shopping enthusiasts. It is a delightful experience to find modern fancy stores in buildings that are hundreds of years old. Not a fan of shopping? I get you.
Indulge yourself with good coffee, hot chocolate, and sachertorte in one of the many outdoor cafes in the city. Since the old town of the city is petite, you can walk around most of the town comfortably. Let yourself free in the tangled lanes, hidden courtyards, and medieval squares. You cannot go long without witnessing a historical marvel or two.

7. Christmas markets
While Germany takes the cake (or gingerbread) for the best Christmas markets, Austria’s Christmas festivities are equally delightful. If you are in Salzburg around Christmas, grab a cup of gluhwein (mulled wine, heated up with some spices for warmth in cold and snowy winter). Where to look for them in Salzburg? Well, you do not need to go further away from the Altstadt. Get handmade ornaments, and enjoy the festive spirit. Among other handmade stuff, you can enjoy warm winter meals including sausages, soups and roasted almonds with honey, sugar and winter spices.
8. Enjoy the Austrian delicacies
Schnitzel: Schnitzel is the most popular food in Austria. A thin slice of meat is breaded and deep-fried. Traditionally, the meat is veal, but you can find other alternatives like pork and chicken. It is generally served with boiled/pan-roasted potatoes and lime. It is a Bayerisch staple and I absolutely loved it!
Strudel: Okay, disclaimer first, I am not sure if it comes from Bavaria or Austria but I know they both make it awesome! (Apfel-) Strudel is a pastry (like a pie) filled with apples and is served hot with a sweet custard sauce and/or ice cream or whipped cream.
Sachertorte: It is a layered chocolate cake with layers of jam between them. Absolutely yum! You can find them in almost all the cafes and have it with a nice hot cup of coffee.
Mozart balls (Mozartkugel): Little balls of heaven! A perfect combination of marzipan, nougat, filled up in different variants of chocolates!

Budget hacks
1. If you are traveling from Bavaria, Germany, you can buy the Bayern-ticket. It costs 40 euros for a return ticket for a group of 5 (so 8 euros per person)! It is a comfortable 2 hours train ride from Munich. You can still use your Bahncard discount if you have one. If you are less than five, please enter that while booking the ticket (either online or at the ticket machines) and then you can get the ticket for cheaper. Also, do not forget to write your name behind the ticket.
2. You can get cheaper tickets for the Hohensalzburg fortress if you buy them online.
3. You can also use the Salzburg city card to get free entrance to most of the tourist attractions and unlimited use of public transport. Depending on what you want to do in the city, It can be a good deal. It even includes the cable car to Untersberg. Although, it doesn’t make sense to buy it just for the day trip since you have limited hours and might not be able to take full advantage of the card and the free admissions.
4. Carry your student ID, if you are a student and it can help you get cheaper tickets at most of the attractions.
Salzburg is definitely one of the most charming cities in Europe. What makes it memorable is how modern amenities have seamlessly blended into the classic baroque designs to make the best out of the two worlds. In short, to enjoy the best and crispy apple strudel in baroque style cafes at the alpine backdrop, go to Salzburg.
A short trip to Salzburg will leave you wanting more of this stunning Salzburger land. There is a lot more to do and it won’t be feasible to see everything in a day trip. If you want to explore Salzburg and surrounding areas more, plan a longer trip. And if you do, there are plenty of day trips you can do from Salzburg to witness natural wonders from ice caves to stunning lakes, do not miss the chance of marveling over its deep valleys, stunning ice caves and sky-high alps mountain range. It is definitely worth a day trip from Munich, if not longer.
Nisha says
Wow! Lovely shots. And your post made me to go there again. Brought back fond memories of the place.
[email protected] says
Thanks 🙂 It is a beautiful city. Isn’t it? We thought it won’t be nice because of rain but turned out pretty nice actually 🙂
Billy says
I was born in the ’60s and grew up with “The Sound of Music”. I have GOT to get to Salzburg. (Well, I know there are other reasons to go there too. But, still!)