In partnership with Visit Austria.
If you’ve been keeping tabs on summer travel (eek—how are we already in the back half of 2025?), you might’ve noticed Euro trips looked a little different this year. Instead of sweating it out in the Med, travelers are opting for “coolcations” in the Alps along crystal-clear lakes.Enter Salzburg: cinematic mountain peaks, gilded baroque spires, and cobblestone lanes straight out of a movie scene (yes, The Sound of Music). By day, wander past Mozart’s former home or sip Austrian wine on a sunny rooftop; by night, tuck into Alpine fare in a candlelit courtyard. And if you can bear to leave, the surrounding Alps promise breathtaking adventures in Leogang, Hochkönig, and beyond.
Ready to explore? Here’s where to check in, what to taste, and the experiences you can’t miss in Austria’s most enchanting city.
Check In Here
Located on Lake Wolfgang, Romantik Hotel Im Weissen Rössl is a family-run hotel offering sweeping flower-filled balconies, a lakeside spa, and postcard-perfect views. With over 500 years of history, it combines traditional Austrian design with modern comfort.
Just over an hour from Salzburg, Hotel Krallerhof combines alpine beauty with its award-winning ATMOSPHERE spa, panoramic pools, and farm-to-table dining.
Right in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town, Blaue Gans is the city’s oldest inn (we’re talking 660 years). While it might have some history, it’s up to date with bold art and modern design touches.
Tucked in Leogang, just under an hour from Salzburg, Hotel Der Löwe offers a peaceful retreat with 45 rooms and an adults-only rooftop spa, the Leonarium.
In Leogang, Naturhotel Forsthofgut is a five-generation family-run hotel that blends sleek design with outdoor adventure.
Located in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Unterschwarzachhof offers a ski-in/ski-out experience, equestrian facilities, and a serene, family-friendly atmosphere.
The Eder Collection, nestled in the enchanting town of Maria Alm, offers three unique hotels: Hotel eder, Hotel SEPP, and Hotel EdeR FriDa.
Hotel Nesslerhof combines luxury and nature with ski-in/ski-out access, a wellness area featuring a 25-meter heated outdoor pool, and private spa suites.
Sip, Savor, Repeat
For an authentic, old-school bite, you can’t miss St. Peter Stifts Kulinarium. One of the oldest restaurants in Europe, it offers everything you’d want in a classic Austrian dining experience.
For a more stylish dining experience, head to M32, located on top of the Mönchsberg mountain. With great city views and mouthwatering Austrian dishes, this is the perfect spot to sip on a cocktail or have a slow dinner with jaw-dropping scenery as your backdrop.
Side Quests Worth the Trip
Beyond Salzburg’s city limits, the surrounding regions of Leogang and Hochkönig offer an abundance of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and captivating villages, making them perfect for day trips or a longer stay.
Leogang
Just a short drive from Salzburg, Leogang is a peaceful Alpine town known for its stunning mountain views and outdoor activities. Whether you’re into hiking, mountain biking, or skiing in the winter, there’s something for everyone here.
Hochkönig
Around 90 minutes from Salzburg, the Hochkönig region offers breathtaking Alpine landscapes and plenty of ways to immerse yourself in nature. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the Königstour trail or the village of Maria Alm, where you can explore traditional Austrian villages, local food, and unforgettable mountain vistas.