The Hohe Tauern National Park begins right on the doorstep of the Rauriserhof – with crisp mountain air, wide Alpine meadows and the kind of stillness you come on holiday for. And whenever you feel like a day of culture, baroque splendour and coffee-house charm, one of Austria's most beautiful destinations is practically around the corner: you can reach the provincial capital of Salzburg in just over 70 minutes' drive (about 90 km).

A trip to Mozart's city suits any season. In summer it adds a cultural highlight to your hiking days, in winter it pairs perfectly with your ski holiday – and on changeable-weather days it is simply the best idea of all. Either way, you combine baroque city flair with the relaxation of our valley, all in a single day.

Salzburg's Finest Sights at a Glance

Salzburg's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and easy to explore on foot. Among historic lanes, cathedral squares and gardens, you'll find the traces of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at every turn. These highlights are especially worth your time:

Landmarks & History

• Hohensalzburg Fortress: One of the largest fully preserved castles in Europe sits high above the Old Town, visible from afar. Ride the funicular up in comfort and enjoy the sweeping panorama over the city and the surrounding mountains.
• Mozart's Birthplace (Getreidegasse 9) & Residence (Makartplatz): Two original settings that show how the musical genius lived and worked in Salzburg.
• Salzburg Cathedral & Residenzplatz: The baroque heart of the city impresses with its mighty dome, ornate façade and one of Salzburg's most atmospheric squares.

Palaces, Gardens & Nature

• Mirabell Palace & Gardens: Baroque garden artistry with perhaps the most famous view of the fortress – familiar to many from "The Sound of Music". Entry to the gardens is free.
• Hellbrunn Palace & the Trick Fountains: A treat for young and old: the historic trick fountains deliver playful splashing surprises, while the sprawling palace park invites you to stroll.
• Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn: Right next to the palace, making it the ideal stop for families with children.

Culture, Museums & Shopping

• Getreidegasse & Linzer Gasse: Salzburg's best-known shopping streets, adorned with the traditional wrought-iron guild signs – lined with boutiques, regional crafts and inviting cafés.
• Haus der Natur (House of Nature): An interactive natural science museum that delights children and adults alike – also a perfect tip for rainy hours.
• Museum der Moderne (Mönchsberg): Contemporary art in a striking setting, paired with a viewing terrace high above the city.

Salzburg's Culinary Culture: Personal Tips from the Rauriserhof Team

As your hosts in the Rauris Valley, we love spending time in Salzburg ourselves. These three little rituals make the day complete for us:

1. Try the Original Salzburg Mozartkugel. The genuine, handmade original comes from the house of Fürst – it tastes best straight from the flagship shop on Alter Markt (corner of Brodgasse), where the Mozartkugel was invented back in 1890.
2. Experience Viennese coffee-house culture. Treat yourself to a Melange and a slice of Sachertorte at the storied Café Tomaselli – the oldest coffee house in Austria.
3. Walk across the Mönchsberg. To enjoy Salzburg away from the crowds, head from the Museum der Moderne along the old city wall to the fortress – with perhaps the finest views in the whole city, and entirely free of charge.

As your hosts in the Rauris Valley, we love spending time in Salzburg ourselves. These three little rituals make the day complete for us:

1. Try the Original Salzburg Mozartkugel. The genuine, handmade original comes from the house of Fürst – it tastes best straight from the flagship shop on Alter Markt (corner of Brodgasse), where the Mozartkugel was invented back in 1890.
2. Experience Viennese coffee-house culture. Treat yourself to a Melange and a slice of Sachertorte at the storied Café Tomaselli – the oldest coffee house in Austria.
3. Walk across the Mönchsberg. To enjoy Salzburg away from the crowds, head from the Museum der Moderne along the old city wall to the fortress – with perhaps the finest views in the whole city, and entirely free of charge.
   

Getting There: How to Reach Salzburg from the Rauriserhof

By Car – Fast and Flexible

Allow around 1 hour 10 minutes for the roughly 90 km. You travel via the B311 to Bischofshofen and continue on the Tauern motorway (A10) towards Salzburg; a valid vignette is required for the motorway. In the centre, you'll park most easily in one of the central garages, such as the Mönchsberg garage (Old Town garage) or the parking deck at the main station – just a few steps from the Old Town.

By Train & Bus – Sustainable and Relaxed

If you'd rather leave the car behind, take bus line 640 from Rauris to the nearby Taxenbach-Rauris railway station (about 15 km). From there, ÖBB trains bring you directly to Salzburg's main station in around 1.5 hours. The big advantage: no hunting for a parking spot, and you arrive right in the heart of the city. Timetables change seasonally – it's best to check the current times shortly before you travel.

A tip from our reception: Planning a trip to Salzburg? Just talk to us. We're happy to help with route planning, give you a reliable weather assessment and assist with ticket reservations.

After the City Stroll: Back to Your Alpine Retreat

In the late afternoon, you swap the big-city buzz for the quiet of the Rauris Valley once more. Let the day wind down in our mountain spa, relax in the pools and saunas, and look forward to regional delicacies in the evening as part of our full-board pampering package. That's how rewarding the contrast between baroque city and Alpine calm can be.