Private Medieval Castles Tour: Discover Werfen and Mauterndorf
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Swap Salzburg’s most popular tourist attractions for something a bit different—a grand castle tour that covers incredible historic sights outside of the city. Avoid the hassle of organizing car rental, and instead, benefit from the convenience of round-trip door-to-door transport. The tour goes to Hohenwerfen Castle, Mauterndorf Castle, and Hellbrunn Palace, with lots of scenic highlights along the way, such as the meadow from the movie—”The Sound of Music”.
Available options
Private Medieval Castles Tour: Discover Werfen and Mauterndorf
Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water
Private tour led by a professional, English-speaking guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off at your accommodation
Private transportation in a luxury Mercedes Benz V-Class van or Audi A6 (depending on group size)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Meet your professional local guide and driver at your Salzburg hotel and board your luxury Mercedes-Benz van or Audi A6 for a comfortable journey. Travel through the scenic Salzach River valley to the village of Werfen, where you’ll visit Hohenwerfen Castle—an imposing medieval fortress perched high above the valley. Step inside to explore its historic courtyards, towers, and exhibitions, bringing over 900 years of history to life. Movie fans will also recognize the castle from Where Eagles Dare, starring Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood.
2
Werfen is not only home to its medieval fortress but also a famous filming location from The Sound of Music. Step into movie history as you visit the picturesque picnic meadow, where Maria and the children began singing Do-Re-Mi. Enjoy the stunning alpine scenery that made this location so iconic.
3
The highlight of your afternoon is a visit to the medieval Mauterndorf Castle, a hidden gem in Austria’s Lungau region. Travel back in time as you explore its well-preserved halls and towers, offering insight into medieval life. After an hour of discovery, your journey continues over the scenic Tauern Pass, a breathtaking mountain route leading back toward Salzburg.
4
Stop 4
Before returning to your hotel in Salzburg, enjoy a short photo stop at Hellbrunn Palace. Admire its elegant baroque architecture and take in views of the famous gazebo from The Sound of Music.
What's not included
Entrance to Mauterndorf Castle.
Werfen
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Salzburg
Salzburg, nestled in the Austrian Alps, is a city of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Known as the birthplace of Mozart, it offers a unique blend of historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and stunning natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Europe.
Top Attractions
Salzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg)
This impressive hilltop fortress offers panoramic views of the city and is one of the largest fully preserved castles in Europe.
Historical
2-3 hours
€16.30 (adult), €9.10 (children)
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
A stunning Baroque palace with beautifully landscaped gardens, featured in the movie 'The Sound of Music'.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free (gardens), €7.50 (palace tour)
Mozart's Birthplace
The house where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born, now a museum dedicated to his life and work.
Historical
1 hour
€12 (adult), €7 (children)
Hohe Salzburg Nature Reserve
A beautiful natural reserve offering hiking trails and stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Nature
2-4 hours
Free
Salzburg Cathedral
A magnificent Baroque cathedral and a significant religious and historical landmark in Salzburg.
Religious
1 hour
€3 (cathedral), €5 (cathedral and crypt)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Salzburger Nockerl
A famous Austrian dessert made from egg whites, sugar, and vanilla, shaped like a mountain.
Dessert
Contains eggs and dairy
Wiener Schnitzel
A thin, breaded, and fried veal or pork cutlet, typically served with lemon and potatoes.
Main Course
Contains meat and gluten
Käsespätzle
A traditional Austrian dish made from soft egg noodles mixed with melted cheese and caramelized onions.
Main Course
Contains dairy and gluten
Apfelstrudel
A classic Austrian pastry filled with apples, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins, often served with vanilla sauce or ice cream.
Dessert
Contains gluten and dairy
Popular Activities
Hiking
Skiing
Mountain biking
Paragliding
Spa treatments
Boating
Picnicking
Wine tasting
Best Time to Visit
June to August, December to January
Summer offers the best weather for exploring the city and its surrounding nature, while winter is ideal for skiing and festive activities. The city is lively during these periods with numerous events and festivals.
15°C to 25°C (summer), -5°C to 5°C (winter)
59°F to 77°F (summer), 23°F to 41°F (winter)
Practical Information
Language
- Official: German
- Widely spoken: English, Italian, Croatian
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Salzburg is a very safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with unsolicited offers or requests
Getting there
By air
- Salzburg Airport • 4 km from city center
By train
Salzburg Hauptbahnhof
By bus
Salzburg Central Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus network covers the entire city and surrounding areas, making it easy to reach all major attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Taxi Salzburg, Free Now
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Altstadt (Old Town)
Neustadt
Müllner
Aigen
Day trips
Hallein Salt Mines
15 km from Salzburg • Half day
Explore the fascinating history of salt mining in Austria with guided tours through the underground mines.
Lake Wolfgang
40 km from Salzburg • Full day
A picturesque lake surrounded by mountains, offering a variety of outdoor activities and scenic views.
Berchtesgaden
30 km from Salzburg • Half day to full day
A charming town in Germany, known for its stunning alpine scenery and the famous Eagle's Nest.
Festivals
Salzburg Festival • July and August
Christmas Markets • Late November to December 24th
Mozart Week • January
Pro tips
- Purchase the Salzburg Card for unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions.
- Visit the Mirabell Gardens early in the morning for a peaceful and picturesque experience.
- Take a day trip to Berchtesgaden to explore the stunning alpine scenery and visit the famous Eagle's Nest.
- Try the local specialties, such as Salzburger Nockerl and Wiener Schnitzel, at traditional restaurants and wine taverns.
- Explore the city's vibrant arts scene by attending concerts, operas, and theater performances.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
