Castles, Churches, Museums and Attractions

Mauterndorf Castle

Mauterndorf Castle is open to visitors practically all year round and is the former summer residence of the Salzburg Prince Archbishops. If you have the energy to climb the 44m high tower fortifications you will be rewarded with a fascinating view of Matuerndorf and the surrounding area. Audio tour guides taking you into the middle ages are available in several languages. The castle also boasts a tavern offering refreshments and a knights’ playground. The Mauterndorf Castle is frequently home to cabaret nights and special events, the highlight being a big medieval festival held in July each year where visitors can enjoy themed musicians, jugglers, merchants, crafts, archery and a fire show.

Castle Moosham

Castle Moosham enjoys a prominent location less than 10 minutes drive from Haus Bellevue. The imposing structure has played a major role in the development of the Lungau and St Michael since the 12th Century. Formerly home to Salzburgs Princes and Archbishops, the 17th century was witness to much brutality with  countless trials against witches and sorcerers. Just before the 1900s the castle was turned into a family-run museum and remains in family possession to this day.

Castle Finstergrün

Burg Finstergrün can be found on a steep rocky ridge in the town of Ramingstein. The historical building is open to visitors and host to various festivals and events. The castle is divided into 2 parts: the older part of the castle is more than 1000 years old and in ruin but residents can enjoy a campfire by the starts within the old castle walls. The newer part was built in around 1900 in the style of the 13th century and has been converted into a youth hostel of sorts for the Austrian Protestant Youth Organisation. With more than 100 meters of battlements to explore, lots of stairs and spiral staircases, 3 castle courtyards and surrounded by meadow and dark woodland to visit Burg Finstergrün is like a step back in time.  Guided tours are available and a tree-top parcour course has been built into the surrounding forest.

St Leonhard Pilgrimage Church

Many of the regions town- and pilgrimage churches date back centuries and offer a view into their heritage with their original frescos and lovingly fashioned alters. Perhaps the most well known  can be found in Tamsweg. 

The St Leonhard pilgrimage church was originally constructed in the mid-14th Century and this impressive structure has weathered hundreds of years of harsh Austrian weather and is under constant restoration and care.

Generally held to be one of the most beautiful Gothic country churches the building features a masterpiece of carved alters and the original stained glass windows.

Since the middle ages the church has been a significant pilgrimage destination. The St Leonhard’s Way leads pilgrims along 130 kilometres of clearly marked paths through beautiful countryside reaching from Salzburg Cathedral to Tamsweg.

Castles Hohenwerfen and Hohensalzburg

The most prominent fortress in Salzburg is Castle Hohensalzburg. Built in the 11th century, the landmark is an unmistakable part of the Salzburg silhouette.

Castle Hohenwerfen is perhaps one the most well-known attractions.

Over 900 years old, the castle was made famous as „Schloss Adler” in the 1968 film, Where Eagles Dare.

Salzburg Old Town

The Old Town (Salzburg Altstadt) is haven of art and culture.  Simply walking the streets of the city is like a trip to into history.  The avenues are filled with trendy bars, restaurants and cafes and although very cosmipolitan, the city retains its quaint ambience and traditional posture.

The Old Town is also a very popular shopping destination and the Getreidegasse is possibly one of the loveliest shopping streets in the world.   A wide range of stores await your patronage.  Set behind elaborately fronted landmark buildings connected by traditional passageways and cobblestone streets shopping in Salzburg is a unique experience.

Salzburg Zoo

For kids and adults alike, a trip to the Salzburg Zoo in Hellbrun is a must. Open all year round, the huge Zoo landscape offers visitors the opportunity to see magnificent animals in purposefully built natural habitats.

Ice Caves

Not to be missed, the largest Ice Cave in the world can be found in Werfen, approximately 70km away. The cave was officially discovered in 1879 but not explored until the 1920s. In the years to follow, access roads were laid down followed by a cable car in the 1950s. The cave labyrinth totals more than 40km in length. Tours are available between May and October each year.

Please be advised that the trip is not for the feint hearted. Visitors have to climb 134 metres and walk in cold temperatures for quite a distance. Warm clothing, good footwear and a hat are a necessity and the experience is not recommended for anyone with walking difficulties or heart circulation problems.