Salzburg's Five Treasures Tour
By exploring the world from a diverse perspective, you’ll also embrace new insights. This beautiful vision is within reach thanks to the five great treasures of the city of Salzburg and the Salzkammergut region.
The journey to the five treasures will unfold a series of stunning panoramic views for you, sincerely inviting you to temporarily escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and step into a feast for the soul. Here, what you see is the sedimentation of history, and ultra-modern technology is cleverly hidden behind the scenes, because in this world, the magic of the past is the most moving call, which makes every journey an encounter across time and space.
On the occasion of the festive season, the five treasures are also bathed in brilliant glory.
🚂 Part 1. Schafberg Train (P1-P4)
If there is such a thing as love at first sight in this world, it might be love at first sight for the SchafbergBahn. The dazzling red carriage slowly travels through the rugged and winding alpine meadows full of flowers. Not to mention the beautiful scenery it is in, it is a landscape in itself.
Take the Schafberg Train and slowly climb to the top of the mountain at an altitude of 1,783 meters. The entire journey takes only 35 minutes. However, faced with the beautiful scenery along this steepest cog railway in Austria, you may feel that you haven't had enough when you reach the end.
During this journey, every meter of ascent and every winding turn seemed to bring us into a whole new perspective.
When arriving at the top of the mountain, passengers will see 11 lakes with their own characteristics, like shining pearls lost in the world. On a clear day, the view stretches endlessly, with the majestic Hohe Tauern and Grossglockner mountains looming before your eyes.
🚢 Part 2. Cruise on Lake Wolfgang (P5-P8)
As timeless as the Schafberg Railway is the boat trip on Lake Wolfgang (Wolfgangsee Schifffahrt). The gentle waves caressing the water surface and the fresh breeze blowing towards you make people intoxicated. Since the 19th century, the Schafberg Railway and Lake Wolfgang boat trips have left an indelible mark on this famous holiday paradise, and Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (Sissi) also stayed in the Salzkammergut during their summer vacations.
As Austria's leading inland passenger fleet, this journey has seven carefully designed stops with different styles, including picturesque Strobl, historic St. Wolfgang, peaceful and tranquil St. Gilgen, and many other natural and cultural treasures.
During the journey, you will see classic villas on the shore, telling stories of the past in an elegant manner; the lake water is rippling, changing from green to blue, and you can feel the purity and tranquility from nature; plus the melodious bells at noon, echoing between the valleys like the sound of nature.
The majestic Zwölferhorn and the beautiful Schafberg from afar weave together a pure and indescribable "Salzkammergut feeling" - a unique experience that combines natural beauty, historical culture and spiritual home.
🚠 Part 3. Salzburg Fortress Cable Car (P9-P12)
Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the most magnificent castle complexes in existence, with its roots dating back to the 11th century. This castle is not only Salzburg's dazzling business card, but also the dream of countless travelers.
Whether it is a winter wonderland covered in snow or a summer scenery full of greenery, the Hohensalzburg Fortress attracts visitors from all over the world with its unique charm. Taking the convenient and comfortable Festungsbahn is undoubtedly the best way to explore this historic fortress.
The locals never call it "castle", which gives the Salzburg Fortress a special kind of intimacy and mystery.
It is worth mentioning that the Fortress Cable Car Railway is not only the oldest transportation route in Austria, but also an aerial bridge connecting the old town of Salzburg and the fortress. It's short but steep, and has been efficiently and safely transporting travelers to historic high points since 1892.
The 2011 modernization cost approximately 4 million euros and introduced new carriages and electrical systems to make the journey smoother and more pleasant.
The cable car runs every 10 minutes and can carry up to 55 passengers per trip. It departs from the valley station in the center of the old town (Festungsgasse 4) and takes you to the top station at an altitude of 536 meters in a blink of an eye.
During the journey, you can see the city's treasures such as Salzburg Cathedral. When you reach the top of the mountain, you will see dark green mountains and rolling sea of clouds. The shock and reverie will linger in your heart for a long time.
🌄 Part 4. Monk Mountain Cable Car (P13-P16)
Take the Mönchsberg Aufzug cable car and you will reach the top of the Mönchsberg Mountain at an altitude of 485 meters, which is the heart of the charming city of Salzburg, in just 30 seconds.
You can immerse yourself in the avant-garde art atmosphere of the Salzburg Museum of Modern Art, stroll through the picturesque natural scenery, or savor delicious food at the renowned m32 restaurant.
Monk Mountain, a paradise favored by tourists and local residents, is instantly transformed into a green haven away from the hustle and bustle through a fast and comfortable cable car journey.
Lush meadows, dense forests, ancient fortifications and castle ruins contrast with the bustling and noisy Mozart City at the foot of the mountain, yet they are intertwined with the city landscape during walking exploration. The splendid views of the old town, such as Salzburg Cathedral and Getreidegasse, are even more spectacular from the top of the hill.
The cable car starts at Gstättengasse 13 in Salzburg. Each trip can accommodate 17 passengers, who share a pleasant journey in a 60-meter-long cabin. Dogs on leashes are allowed free of charge.
🐳 Part 5. Water Mirror Museum (P17-P19)
Under the azure sky above the Baroque roofs of Salzburg, the multimedia exhibition "WasserSpiegel" (Water Mirror) leads visitors to explore the mysteries of water treatment. The exhibition is cleverly integrated into the elevated water tank on the top of the Mönchberg, which has a huge capacity of 25,000 cubic meters and silently nourishes the thousands of residents of Salzburg.
The sometimes whimsical, sometimes profound exhibits gradually reveal the mysteries of Salzburg's water supply system. The audio guide is free and included in your ticket, and for professionals, exclusive guided tours are available on request.
The "Water Mirror" exhibition uses an entertaining and educational approach to allow children to experience the charm and magic of water in the interactive experience area, the fantasy world of the technical exhibition, and the water tasting session.
Whether it is summer or winter, if the weather is bad, the museum maintains a comfortable constant temperature of 12 degrees Celsius, making people forget the wind, frost, rain, snow or scorching sun outside. Therefore, no matter what season it is, visitors please remember to bring warm clothes.
Anyone who is interested in water culture should not miss the "Water Mirror" Museum.
💡 Part 6. Digital Pocket Guide
The 5treasures-journey website is an electronic pocket guide with the core concept of "rediscovering the ancient charm". It is equipped with an audio guide, rich historical allusions and anecdotes, and 360-degree panoramic images. The guide is completely free for all visitors and can be explored online via smartphone app, tablet or PC.
Salzburg, Salzburger Land