09:00 AM – Pick-up

Your adventure begins at 09:00 AM with a convenient pick-up from your hotel, apartment, train station, or chosen location. Enjoy a scenic drive through Salzburg’s picturesque landscapes.

1 Fuschl am See – Photo Stop at Red Bull Headquarters

Stop at Fuschl am See for a photo opportunity with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains at the Red Bull Headquarters.

Red Bull, the famous energy drink, was created by Red Bull GmbH, an Austrian company founded in 1987. Known for its unique taste and energizing effect, it has become the world’s best-selling energy drink, selling around 7.9 billion cans in 2020. The headquarters at Fuschl am See is a notable landmark where visitors can enjoy the impressive views and learn about the brand’s global success.

2 Sankt Gilgen – Viewpoint & Free Time

Sankt Gilgen is a beautiful lakeside town known for its natural scenery and peaceful atmosphere. During this stop, you will enjoy a 10-minute visit to a scenic viewpoint, where you can see wonderful views of Lake Wolfgangsee and the surrounding mountains.

After the viewpoint stop, you will have about 30 minutes of free time to explore the town center on your own. You can walk through the small streets, enjoy the lake area, take photos, or relax and enjoy the local surroundings.

The town is named after Saint Aegidius (Saint Giles), which shows its long history and cultural background. Sankt Gilgen is a popular tourist destination and offers boat trips on Lake Wolfgangsee, giving visitors beautiful views of the lake and mountains.

Although Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart never visited Sankt Gilgen, the town has a strong connection to his family. His mother was born here, his grandfather worked in the town, and his sister later lived here after her marriage. Because of this, Sankt Gilgen is often called the “Mozart Village.”

Today, the town is also home to the St. Gilgen International School, which brings a modern and international feel to this historic village. This stop is a relaxing and enjoyable part of the tour.

3 Sankt Wolfgang in Salzkammergut – Free Time (50 minutes)

Sankt Wolfgang is a historic town on the shores of Lake Wolfgangsee. You will have 50 minutes to explore the town on your own.

The town is closely linked to Saint Wolfgang, who founded the first church here in 976 after retiring to the nearby Mondsee Abbey. Legend says he threw an axe down the mountain to choose the church’s location and even convinced the Devil to help build it by promising him the soul of the first living being to enter. To the Devil’s disappointment, the first to cross the church’s threshold was a wolf.

After Saint Wolfgang was canonized in 1052, the church became an important pilgrimage site. It was first officially mentioned in 1183 in a deed by Pope Lucius III. In 1481, the church was decorated with the famous Pacher polyptych. Over time, lodging developed around the church, with the famous Weißes Rössl hotel opening in 1878. During World War II, the area also had a sub-camp of the Dachau concentration camp, marking a somber part of its history.

4 Bad Ischl – Free Time (60 minutes)

Spend 60 minutes exploring Bad Ischl on your own, a historic town in the heart of the Salzkammergut region.

Bad Ischl has been settled since the Hallstatt culture and was first mentioned in 1262 as Iselen. In 1419, Archduke Albert V of Austria established the local seat of the Salt Chamber (Salzkammer) at Wildenstein Castle, and in 1466, Emperor Frederick III granted Ischl the privileges of a market town. A salt mine opened in 1563, followed by a salt evaporation pond (Saline) in 1571.

In the early 19th century, the town became a popular spa resort when brine was used for medical treatments. Notable guests included Prince Klemens Wenzel von Metternich and Archduke Franz Karl of Austria. The Hotel Post, opened in 1828, was the first hotel in the Salzkammergut area. In 1849, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria chose Bad Ischl for his summer residence. In 1854, his mother, Archduchess Sophie, gifted him the Kaiservilla (Imperial Villa) as a wedding present. The villa became the imperial summer residence, described by Franz Joseph as “Heaven on Earth.” He also granted a nearby mansion to his mistress, Katharina Schratt, accessible via a hidden footpath. On 28 July 1914, Franz Joseph signed the declaration of war against Serbia at the Kaiservilla, marking the start of World War I. He left the town the following day and never returned. The villa is still owned by the Habsburg-Lorraine family, and parts of it are open to the public.

After World War II, Bad Ischl was the site of a displaced persons (DP) camp for survivors of the Holocaust and Nazi concentration camps from Eastern Europe, mostly Jews from Poland and nearby countries. The residents received lodging, food, medical care, and administrative help until they could move elsewhere. Many eventually relocated to the United States, Israel, and Canada. The DP camp remained active from 1945 to 1952.

5 Hallstatt – Free Time (240 minutes)

Spend 240 minutes exploring Hallstatt at your own pace, a picturesque village renowned for its history and stunning scenery.

Start with the Hallstatt Salt Mine and the Skywalk, accessible by cable car or a short three-minute funicular ride. The Skywalk offers breathtaking views over a sheer cliff, with the village 350 meters below. Another viewpoint is the historic Rudolf’s Tower (Rudolfsturm), a former fortification now serving as a restaurant and observation point, offering spectacular vistas of the village and lake. The 7,000-year-old salt mine is the highlight, providing a fascinating glimpse into the area’s ancient history.

In the village, stroll through the Marktplatz, surrounded by traditional Austrian houses and marked by the elegant Holy Trinity statue. The town center also features the 19th-century Evangelical Church of Hallstatt, with its tall, slender spire visible from the lakeside. Other notable landmarks include the Catholic Parish Church, the Ossuary Chapel, and the World Heritage Museum, which offers insights into Hallstatt’s rich cultural heritage.

18:00 – End of the Trip

After exploring Hallstatt, enjoy a relaxed scenic drive back to Salzburg. Your tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or a central location of your choice.