Driving from Salzburg to Innsbruck was honestly one of my favourite trips in Austria. These two cities pair perfectly together. Salzburg surprised me with its baroque old town, Mozart vibes, and fortress views (I couldn’t get enough of the pastel buildings!).
And Innsbruck… wow. This was definitely a surprise, with its dramatic alpine scenery and outdoor activities. We wished we’d had more time.
I did this on a road trip, which was just over 2 hours and gave me so much flexibility to stop along the way. And trust me, you will stop. The scenic countryside and charming towns in between are worth it. Even if you don’t have a car, the train connection is fast and beautiful.
On this trip, I stayed at Hotel Zum Hirschen in Salzburg and NALA Individuellhotel in Innsbruck, both were amazing for comfort, great locations, and easy access to the sights.
⏰ Short on time?
Must See Sights in Salzburg
– Mirabell Palace & Gardens
– Hohensalzburg Fortress
– Mozart’s Birthplace
Where I stayed in Salzburg – Hotel Zum Hirsche
👉 Book before arriving in Innsbruck
– Innsbruck City Card inc. public transport
– Swarovski Crystal Worlds Ticket
– Alpine Zoo + Hungerburg Combo
– Nordkette Cable Car Pass
👉 Where I stayed in Innsbruck – NALA Individuellhotel
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Salzburg – 2 Days of Baroque Charm
Only got a few hours in Salzburg?
👉 Pre-book this 2-hour walking tour to see Mozart’s city without wasting time.
- Hohensalzburg Fortress – Ride the funicular up or hike if you want the workout. The views from the top are unreal.
- St. Peter’s Cemetery – Peaceful and beautiful, tucked under the cliffs.
- Mönchsberg Walk – A trail with lookout points over the city.
- Getreidegasse – Shop, snack, and stop at Mozart’s Birthplace.
- End your evening with an Austrian dinner in the Old Town.
- Mirabell Palace & Gardens – Free to visit and perfect for “The Sound of Music” fans.
- Linzergasse – Ideal for coffee and browsing local shops.
- Hellbrunn Palace – The trick fountains are fun, and the gardens are gorgeous.
- Kapuzinerberg – Climb for another panoramic city view.
Mozart & Sound of Music Sights You Shouldn’t Miss
Salzburg is the city of Mozart, and it is also where “The Sound of Music” was filmed. If you love music history or want to see iconic filming locations, add these to your list.
- Mozart’s Birthplace – See where the composer was born.
- Mozart’s Residence – The house where he lived and composed his later works.
- Mozarteum – Concerts are held here regularly.
- St. Peter’s Abbey & Cemetery – Historical and featured in “The Sound of Music.”
- Sound of Music filming spots – Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Palace, and Nonnberg Abbey.
Day Trips from Salzburg (If You Have Extra Time)
Stay Somewhere Magical in Salzburg
($) Gästehaus im Priesterseminar
($$) Hotel Elefant
($$$) Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Where I Stayed in Salzburg
Watch our hotel review staying at Hotel Zum Hirschen in Salzburg!
Innsbruck – 2 Days in the Capital of the Alps
- Maria-Theresien Street – Perfect for coffee and people-watching.
- Golden Roof – Climb the City Tower for mountain views.
- Hofburg Palace & Hofkirche – History and ornate interiors.
- Grassmayr Bell Foundry – A unique museum where you can see bells being cast.
I’d recommend getting the Innsbruck City Card if you plan to see a lot!
👉 It includes public transport and entry to top attractions, and honestly saves time and money.
- Nordkette Cable Car – Take it up to Hafelekar for unbeatable views.
- Restaurant Seegrube – Have lunch with a view.
- Bergisel Ski Jump – Striking architecture and a lookout worth visiting.
- Swarovski Crystal Worlds – Art meets magic, and it’s so unique.
Day Trips from Innsbruck (If You Have Extra Time)
Using Innsbruck as your base opens up so many alpine adventures.
Book your Swarovski tour here – having the skip-the-line ticket made it more relaxed.
Waking up to Mountain Views in Innsbruck? Yes, Please.
($) Hotel Zach
($$) NALA Individuellhotel
($$$) aDLERS Hotel Innsbruck
Where did I Stayed in Innsbruck
Watch our hotel review staying at Nala Individuellhotel in Innsbruck!
How to Travel Between Salzburg and Innsbruck
I drove, and I loved the freedom to stop at lakes and small villages along the way. If you’re not driving, the train is super easy, just two hours with gorgeous views. You can also book an organised transfer with sightseeing stops for a stress-free day.
FAQs About Salzburg & Innsbruck
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