Day Trip to Werfen from Salzburg: Castles, Ice Caves & The Sound of Music

If you’re planning to visit Salzburg, you should definitely go on a day trip to Werfen.

Located just 40 kilometres south of Salzburg, Werfen is a small, scenic alpine village set at the foot of the Salzach River and surrounded by the Austrian Alps.

Werfen boasts a medieval castle that sits on a hilltop overlooking the town, it is one of the filming locations for The Sound of Music, plus it is also home to the world’s biggest ice caves! That’s a lot of to offer for a relatively small destination in Austria.

So if you’ve already spent a few days sightseeing around Salzburg and enjoying all Mozart-themed dishes, and you now want to venture a bit further afield, it’s worth hopping on a train to nearby Werfen.

Now, we’re going to help you plan the perfect Werfen day trip.

How to get to Werfen

Getting from Salzburg to Werfen is super easy. There is a direct train from Hauptbahnhof Salzburg (the main train station) to Werfen with multiple departures per day.

If you miss the direct train (like we did), you can ride the train to Bischofshofen and then backtrack one station to Werfen on the local train.

The travel time ranges between 45 minutes to 1 hour, which makes it a super easy day trip from Salzburg, and the perfect introduction to the Austrian Alps.

Werfen Travel Guide: Things to Do, See, Eat, Drink & Experience in Werfen, Austria

Whether you’re visiting Werfen on a day trip or staying for a couple of days, there is no shortage of things to do. From castles and hiking trails, to ice caves and river rafting adventures, there’s plenty to choose from.

Hohenwerfen Castle

Our first stop of the day was Hohenwerfen Castle, a medieval rock castle that was built between the years 1075 and 1078. This is considered the sister castle to Hohensalzburg, which is the fortress overlooking the city of Salzburg.

Hohenwerfen sits on a peak high above the Salzach Valley and the Salzach River, and it’s surrounded by mountains.

How To Reach Hohenwerfen Castle

There are a few different ways to reach Hohenwerfen Castle; you can ride the funicular to the top or you can hike the trail (look for the sign that says Fussweg Burg). We opted for the latter and it was a nice uphill stroll through the forest.

Once we reached the castle, we realized there were a few different ticket options. We booked the guided tour which gave us access to the chapel, dungeon, arsenal, and clock tower where you get some truly impressive views of the town below. There was a falconry demonstration, though we missed the time for that.

To be honest, while the castle was really interesting, we didn’t have the best guide. Have you ever felt like a person is just going through the motions, but doesn’t really care about their job? That was the situation, so we left feeling ‘meh’, but you could be lucky enough to have a passionate guide – this was just our experience.

Lastly, the one thing to keep in mind before you visit Hohenwerfen Castle is that it’s only open from April to November, so it’s not a year-round attraction.

Sound of Music Trail

After the castle visit, we walked the Sound of Music Trail which offers beautiful views of the Salzach Valley and the Austrian Alps.

For fans of The Sound of Music, this is an important stop because it’s where Frau Maria taught the children to sing the Do Re Mi song and they enjoyed a picnic.

And yes, you can handle this trail even if you’re not an avid hiker! The Sound of Music trail runs 1.4 kilometres from the centre of town to the Gschwandtanger viewing point, and there are plenty of opportunities to rest.

Along the way, there are all sorts of cool art installations related to the songs from The Sound of Music.

One of the highlights was the rest area with wooden benches that had engraved lyrics from the film. The views from that lookout were spectacular!

Werfen Ice Caves

Did you know the world’s largest ice caves are located in Werfen?

Neither did we, or we would have booked a tour, but sometimes you only find out about things after the matter!

Locally known as Eisriesenwelt meaning ‘World of the Ice Giants’, this is a natural limestone and ice cave inside the Hochkogel Mountain in the Tennengebirge section of the Alps.

 

 

 

 

 

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It is the largest ice cave in the world stretching for more than 42 kilometres. However, only the first kilometre is open to tourists and that is the section that is covered in ice. The rest of the cave is formed of limestone.

The Werfen Ice Caves receive upwards of 200,000 tourists every year.

The cave’s first official discovery was by Anton Posselt, a natural scientist from Salzburg, who explored the first two hundred meters of the cave in 1879. Prior to that, it was only known to locals, some who supposedly believed it was an entrance to hell and refused to explore it.

 

 

 

 

 

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The cave is open from May to October every year, so it is a seasonal attraction. You can check out their opening times here.

As you can imagine, temperatures inside the cave are below freezing, so you’ll want to bring warm clothing for this outing.

River rafting on the Salzach River

Another reason to visit Werfen is to go river rafting on the Salzach River.

This is a popular excursion from Salzburg that’s geared at beginners along a 10-kilometre run.

The tour includes transportation to Werfen and you then begin the adventure with the imposing Hohenwerfen Castle watching over you.

The outing combines beautiful mountains views and adrenaline all rolled into one.

Where to eat in Werfen

Back in town, we ate at Stiege N° 1 and the food was outstanding!

This restaurant takes traditional Austrian recipes and reimagines them with a modern, contemporary twist.

Sam got the Wienerschnitzel with a cranberry sauce and a side of potatoes with parsley, and I ordered the pork roast with bread dumplings and vegetables.

I am not exaggerating when I tell you that this meal was one of the highlights of our trip to Austria!

We opted to dine outdoors on their patio under the shade of the old chestnut tree, and it was a wonderful setting for an exquisite meal!

Werfen Day Trip Video

We really enjoyed our day trip from Salzburg to Werfen. It was super easy to get there and the relatively short journey rewarded us with epic Alpine views, castles, and the most delicious Austrian food.

If you’re planning to visit Salzburg and you want to see a bit more of Austria without having to travel too far, this village is worth adding to your list.

Another nice option is a day trip to Gaisberg for a taste of hiking in the Alps and more delicious Austrian cuisine.

Now we’ll leave you with a video we filmed of our day trip so you can get a better idea of what to expect from your visit.

Werfen Day Trip Tips, Planning Advice & More Ways to Experience the Alps

Werfen Trip Planning: Getting There, Getting Around & Timing Your Day

1. Choosing Your Transport: Train vs. Car

• Train: Hands down the easiest and most scenic way to get to Werfen is by train from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof. With departures roughly every hour and a direct route that whisks you through rolling fields and snow-capped peaks, it’s a no-brainer for most travelers. Plus, you can sit back, sip your coffee, and watch the Alps roll by.
• Car: If you have a rental, Werfen is an easy 40-minute drive. This gives you flexibility if you want to visit other nearby towns (hello, Hallstatt!), but parking in Werfen can be tricky during peak season. Most attractions are walkable or a short shuttle ride from the train station, so you don’t need a car unless you’re on a bigger Austrian road trip.

2. Day Trip Timing Tips

• Start Early: The earlier you arrive, the more you’ll be able to fit in—especially important for seeing both Hohenwerfen Castle and the Werfen Ice Caves in one day.
• Seasonal Hours: Remember, both the castle and the caves are closed in winter. Double check opening times, especially if you’re traveling at the start or end of the season.
• Booking Tours: While you can walk up and buy tickets for most attractions, the Werfen Ice Caves are hugely popular. Reserve ahead if you’re visiting in July or August to avoid disappointment.

3. What to Pack for a Werfen Day Trip

• Layers: Even in summer, the ice caves are below freezing—think puffer jacket, scarf, hat, and gloves. You’ll thank me later!
• Sturdy Shoes: There’s a fair bit of walking, and some paths to the castle and caves can be steep or slippery.
• Reusable Water Bottle & Snacks: While there are cafes in town, you’ll want water for the hikes and train ride. A picnic lunch is a great way to maximize your time.
• Camera or Phone with Lots of Memory: You’ll be snapping photos non-stop.

More Things to Do in and Around Werfen

While the headline attractions are a must, Werfen and the surrounding Salzach Valley offer plenty of bonus experiences if you have a bit more time or want to escape the crowds.

1. Explore Werfen’s Town Centre

• Stroll the cobbled lanes, peek into the little churches, and admire the flower boxes spilling over every windowsill. Local bakeries serve up strudels, cakes, and fresh breads—perfect for a quick energy boost before or after your alpine adventures.

2. Stop for Coffee and Cake

• Austrians take their coffee culture seriously. Grab a seat on a sun-dappled patio or in a cozy wood-paneled café and treat yourself to a slice of Apfelstrudel or Sachertorte. Stiege N°1 is the town favorite, but don’t be afraid to try a family-run spot tucked away on a side street.

3. Discover the Salzach Valley by Bike

• Werfen is surrounded by gentle river trails and countryside bike routes. Rent a bike for an hour or two and ride along the Salzach River, with the Alps as your ever-present backdrop. In spring and summer, the meadows burst into wildflowers.

4. Visit the Golling Waterfall

• If you have a car (or energy for another short train hop), Golling an der Salzach is just 20 minutes north and home to one of Austria’s most spectacular waterfalls. The easy hike to the falls is a family-friendly adventure and a lovely way to cap off your Werfen excursion.

5. Seek Out Hidden Sound of Music Locations

• Beyond the famous picnic field, Werfen and its surrounding countryside were featured in several Sound of Music scenes. If you’re a superfan, bring screenshots and play “location detective”—you’ll spot familiar views everywhere.

Local Flavours: Eating & Drinking in Werfen

1. Try a Traditional Austrian Snack

• In addition to schnitzel and pork roast, don’t miss:
  • Leberkäse Semmel: Warm meatloaf sandwich, a staple at Austrian bakeries and delis.
  • Käsespätzle: Austria’s answer to mac n’ cheese—gooey, cheesy noodles, especially good after a chilly cave visit.
  • Brettljause: A hearty charcuterie board with local cheese, cured meats, pickles, and rustic bread.

2. Local Brews & Refreshments

• Austria has an excellent craft beer scene. Pop into a pub for a cold Stiegl or Gösser, or sample homemade schnapps (apricot and pear are local favorites). If you’re not into alcohol, ask for Almdudler—a lightly herby Austrian soda that pairs perfectly with a sunny patio.

Sample Itinerary: How to Structure a Full Day in Werfen

Morning:

• Catch the early train from Salzburg.
• Head straight to Hohenwerfen Castle (open at 9 am)—take the funicular if you want to save energy.
• Enjoy the falconry demonstration (check times in advance).

Lunch:

• Eat in town or at the castle’s tavern (rustic Austrian food with a view!).

Afternoon:

• Visit the Werfen Ice Caves. Make sure you have your warmest layers ready!
• Walk the Sound of Music Trail on your way back to the centre—snap those iconic alpine photos.

Late Afternoon:

• Chill in the town square with coffee and cake, or stroll by the river.
• Catch your train back to Salzburg in time for dinner.

Alternate 1-Day Timeline For A Day Trip To Werfen From Salzburg

Quick-Reference Costs (per adult, please check and confirm rates as they do change)

Tips for a Smoother Werfen Day Trip

• Book Ahead for Ice Caves: Especially in high season, book your ticket and time slot online before you go.
• Check the Weather: The Alps can turn from sunny to stormy in a flash. Bring a light raincoat and check the forecast—ice cave tours may be canceled in heavy rain.
• Know Your Limits: There’s a bit of uphill hiking involved for both the castle and the caves. If mobility is a concern, take the funicular or ask about shuttle options.
• Respect Local Customs: Austrians are friendly but value quiet and politeness, especially in small towns. A “Grüß Gott” greeting goes a long way!
• Allow Downtime: Some of the best moments in Werfen are the simple ones—watching the clouds roll over the Alps, listening to church bells echo down the valley, or sharing a strudel on a park bench.

Have you been to Werfen? What was your highlight? Share your favourite tip or memory in the comments below!