The Untersberg is the great limestone wall that rises just south of Salzburg, on the border with Bavaria, and the easiest mountain in the region to reach from the city. Its cable car, the Untersbergbahn, starts in St Leonhard near Grödig, about ten kilometres from the old town, and carries you in a few minutes from the valley to a high plateau, with the final stretch a steep climb past rock faces and pine woods. At the top you step out into thin, cold air and a view that takes in Salzburg and its fortress, the lakes and hills of the Salzkammergut, the Berchtesgaden Alps and, on very clear days, a long line of peaks along the horizon. The mountain is steeped in legend: local stories say that Charlemagne or Barbarossa sleeps inside it, waiting to return, and that ravens circle the summit as a sign of his dreams. Trails of various lengths start near the upper station, from easy viewing paths to proper alpine hikes, and a restaurant serves hot food. The Salzburg Card includes the cable car, and the ticket link takes you to the cable car’s own ticket shop.
How to visit
Public buses run from Salzburg towards Grödig and the valley station, and the trip takes around half an hour from the centre, so check the current bus connection. Drivers can use the car park at the valley station. The cable car runs on a seasonal timetable and closes for a maintenance period each year, and it can stop at short notice in strong wind or storms, so confirm that it is running on the day of your trip.
Tickets are sold for a round trip or one way, the latter useful if you plan to walk down.
What to expect
The summit area is much cooler than the city, often by ten degrees or more, and the weather can change fast, so bring a jacket, a hat and sturdy shoes even in summer. Fog and cloud sometimes sit above the valley, and the view then disappears, so choose a clear day and look at the webcam before you go.
The upper station has wheelchair-accessible facilities, but the trails beyond are rocky and uneven. In winter the cable car may run with a limited timetable, and the trails can be snowy or icy, so gear and judgment matter more.
Making the most of it
Head up in the morning for the clearest air and the fewest clouds, take a short loop near the top and finish with a meal at the mountain restaurant. If you want something longer, a hike across the plateau gives you wide views over Bavaria and Austria at once. Combine the trip with Hellbrunn Palace or the Stiegl-Brauwelt if you want a full day south of the city, and keep an eye on the clock, since the last descent is firm and the evening cools fast.
Good to know
Bring water and a snack even if you plan to eat at the restaurant, and keep your tickets for the return ride safe. If clouds are low in the valley, the summit is sometimes above them, which can produce a spectacular view of a sea of cloud, but there is no guarantee, so ask at the valley station about current conditions. Sunglasses and sunscreen are useful, since the light is strong at altitude.
What to expect
The experience
A cable car ride from the valley to a high plateau with viewpoints, walking trails and a mountain restaurant.
Best time
Clear mornings in the main season; check the webcam and forecast before you set out.
How long
Three to four hours including travel from Salzburg and time at the top.
Tips
Confirm that the cable car is running, bring warm layers and sturdy shoes, and keep an eye on the last descent.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Mountain views without a long journey, close to the city.
- Families
- The cable car ride and the easy viewing paths suit children, though the trails are rocky.
- Couples
- A clear-day panorama and a meal at the top make a relaxed half day.
- Pair with
- Hellbrunn Palace, the Stiegl-Brauwelt or a Königssee trip on another day.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
How do I get to the Untersberg cable car?+
By local bus from Salzburg towards Grödig and the valley station, which takes around half an hour, or by car with parking at the valley station. Check current bus connections.
Is the Untersberg cable car open all year?+
It runs on a seasonal timetable and closes for maintenance for a period each year. It can also stop at short notice in strong wind or storms, so confirm that it is running on your day.
How cold is it at the top?+
Often ten degrees or more cooler than in the city, and the weather can change quickly. Bring a jacket, a hat and sturdy shoes.
Is the Untersberg cable car included in the Salzburg Card?+
Yes, the Salzburg Card includes the cable car, subject to the season.
Can I hike at the top?+
Yes, trails of various lengths start near the upper station, from easy viewing paths to proper alpine hikes. The ground is rocky and uneven, so wear sturdy shoes.
