Begin your vacation with a quiet and relaxing day in Strobl, exploring the town's breathtaking lakeside scenery. Stroll along the Strobl Peninsula's picturesque shoreline, take a dip in Lake Wolfgang, and have a picnic or rent a boat at the public waterfront park.
Travel to Salzburg and immerse yourself in history with a walking tour of its Old Town. Admire the city's baroque architecture, visit the Mozart Family Residence, and take a snapshot of the Hohensalzburg Fortress overlooking the city. End the day with a milkshake at Tomaselli, Salzburg's oldest coffeehouse.
Head to nearby Lake Fuschl and indulge in adventurous water activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or wakeboarding. If you prefer to stay dry, bike or hike along the lake's scenic bike paths and well-marked trails. Don't miss the chance to dine at the charming lakefront Gasthof Hotel Scherz.
See one of Austria's most notable sights, Hallstatt, an old mining town that's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning lakeside location and picturesque Alpine village vibe. Visit the Hallstatt Skywalk for a panoramic view of the town or swim in Hallstatt's clear waters. Later, take a relaxing stroll around the old town center and get some souvenirs to bring home.
Spend an awe-inspiring day exploring the gigantic Eisriesenwelt ice caves, one of the world's largest limestone ice cave systems. The cave temperature ranges between -1°C in summer to -20°C in winter, so plan accordingly to dress appropriately. Guides are available to give tours of the caves, and there's an on-site restaurant to warm up after your expedition.
Take a more leisurely day at the charming village of St. Wolfgang, nestled at the foot of the Schafberg mountain. Take a stroll on the lake's promenade or ride the famous cogwheel railway to the top of Schafberg for a panoramic view of the Salzkammergut region. Have a delightful meal of fresh fish at the village's lakeside restaurants.
Explore the natural beauty and healthy fun of Gastein Valley, home to world-renowned thermal baths, hiking trails, and scenic bike paths. Visit the Gastein Heilstollen radon therapy center for some restorative health treatments, soak in the Thermal Bath Alpentherme, or go cycling along the valley's waterfalls and mountain streams. End the day with a hearty Schnitzel and Austrian beer dinner.
Be awed at the panoramic views of St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang from the top of the Katrin Alpine Park, accessible via cable car. Hike along its well-marked trails, traverse the zipline park, or bike through the lovely alpine scenery. The Sanctuary of the Holy Mountain and Katrin's mountain restaurant are must-visits.
For a more fast-paced day full of thrills and excitement, visit Fantasiana, an amusement park that's perfect for families with kids. Explore the different amusement zones, like the Arabian Palace or European Style, and try the park's most popular rides like the Big Apple Coaster or the Haunted House. Don't miss the treasure-hunting competition or the live entertainment shows by day end.
Experience the beauty of land and water while picnicking and hiking around the Green Lake in Styria. This crystal-clear lake is known for its vibrant blue-green color during summer, with underwater landscapes and caves that are a unique attraction. Take a break at one of the park's spacious picnic areas and enjoy nature's serenity, then bike along the park's designated paths.
Travel back in time by exploring one of Austria's most famous castle ruins, Aggstein Castle. Climb its legendary tower or take an audio-guided tour of the castle's ancient rooms and halls that exude chivalrous knights and dark-haired damsels. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Danube River and the picturesque Wachau Valley. End the day with a refreshing and innovative ice cream flavor at Aloisia's ice cream parlor in nearby Durnstein.
Get in touch with nature's grandeur at the Dachstein Mountains, regardless of weather or season. Take the stunning Dachstein Skywalk, a glass platform suspended 2,700m above sea level, or visit the Dachstein Ice Palace, a partially ice-carved tunnel with glittering ice sculptures. For a more secluded and serene mountain experience, hike along the trails, breathe the fresh mountain air, and bask in gorgeous views in every direction.
Visit Zell am See and bygone times with its well-preserved old town and picturesque lakeshore promenade. Stroll along the medieval-looking streets and alleyways or take a boat ride to the Zeller See Lake's isolated islands, seek the thrills of skiing, or go mountain biking at Schmittenhöhe, a mountain accessible via cable car. For a proper Austrian experience, head to Zell am See's famous Hotel Stadt Wien for traditional Austrian cuisine.
Take a day trip to Vienna, Austria's grand capital and cultural hub, and discover its grandiose architecture, world-class museums, and atmospheric cafes. Walking tours of the city are readily available and highly recommended, allowing you to stop by must-see places like the Schönbrunn Palace, the St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Opera House, and the Belvedere Palace. A taste of Vienna's Sacher Torte and Wiener Schnitzel is the perfect capstone to your visit here.
Cap off your family-friendly vacation with a relaxing day at Strobl, giving yourself time to reflect on the moments and memories of the past two weeks. Make the most of the town's cozy atmosphere and scenic beauty—sit by the lake shore or explore some of the picturesque neighborhoods. Enjoy a mouthwatering meal at one of Strobl's treasured local restaurants.
As a family-friendly destination, Strobl and its surrounding areas have a good transportation system. Buses are the most common mode of transport and are usually punctual and efficient. Hiring a car is also an excellent option, which will give you more flexibility in your schedule. Trains are a slower but more relaxed means of getting around. Taxis and bike rentals are available for short trips. Estimated transportation costs can range from 5 to 50 euros per day depending on your preferred mode.
For travelers with more time, a visit to Salzkammergut's other cities and towns such as Mondsee, Gosau, or St. Gilgen is highly recommended. Meanwhile, travelers with less time can consider trimming down some activities and instead spend more time relaxing at Strobl's peaceful lakeside or take shorter day trips to closer attractions.
Strobl's nearest airport is Salzburg W. A. Mozart Airport (SZG), located about 35 km north of the town center. The airport serves many international and domestic airlines, making it convenient to travel to and from Austria. It typically takes about an hour to reach Strobl by car or bus from the airport. Another option for travelers is the nearby Munich Airport (MUC), which is about 200 km northeast of Strobl.