Take a train or drive from Salzburg to Werfen, a pretty little town at the foot of the mountains. From here, a bus will take you up to the start of the walking track, and then it's a hike and a cable car up to the caves (don’t worry, there’s a café en route!).

The Eisriesenwelt is a labyrinth of ice caves, high in the mountains, which stretch over 40 km. The caves are only open during the summer months, and the guided tour takes you deep into the heart of mountain, where you can see some spectacular ice formations.

You really need to dress sensibly for this though. Even though it gets hot walking up to the caves, it’s often below freezing even in the summer, and there are many stairs to climb up and down. So make sure you don’t wear sandals and someone’s borrowed socks, like me!

www.eisriesenwelt.at/

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An enchanting region of Austria with beautiful countryside, great skiing, hiking and walking in the Dachstein West, Postalm, Krippenstein, Loser, Hallstatt, Obertraun, Bad Ischl and more. Countless lakes to visit in summer and wintertime.

We travel to the picturesque village of Gosau in both summer and winter, a traditional, wide and sunny village located at 800m.

There are two ski lifts in Gosau giving access to the Dachstein West, a large family-friendly area with over 140km piste.

We chose mountain biking in the summer as there is direct access to the Dachstein Runde bike trails with 100s of kilometres of trails to choose from.

Lots of photo opportunies especially at the Gosau Lake (Gosausee).

I recommend The Muhlradl Apartments. A family-run business with excellent apartments, atmosphere and a brilliant view from your balcony of the Gosaukam Mountain.

Visit www.gosautal.net/muehlradl. to take a look at the facilities in the region. Just 50 minutes drive from Salzburg Airport or a train to Golling and bus transfer to the village.

Muhlradl Apartments, Gosau
www.muehlradl.com
Nearest Airport - Salzburg
Nearest Station - Golling

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Not far from Salzburg is the village of Hallstadt, nestled in the Austrian lake district. It is situated in picture perfect scenery, a simple but beautiful place with views over lake Hallstadt.

A must-do is a trip on the funicular up to the entrance of the salt mines followed by a tour of the mines. Getting dressed in miners gear is a laugh. Beware that cars are restricted in Hallstadt (car parking is outside).

Hallstadt, near Salzburg Austria
www.hallstatt.net/besucher/index.php3?lang=en

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Providing breathtaking panoramic views over the wonderful mountains in Salzburg, it winds its way up the mountain and at every turn of the road there is another gorgeous view.

At its end, the highlight of the road is waiting for you: the 3,798 metre Großglockner - Austria’s highest mountain - and the largest glacier in Austria, the Pasterze.

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It's Salzburg's answer to the Tower of London. There are no crown jewels but there are great views over Salzburg and there's a nice museum. It's on a crag above the Old Town and can be reached by a funicular railway near the Domplatz, or by paths (much cheaper, although steep).

The funicular station is near the Domplatz (there are signs to it). You can get a map from the Tourist Office in Mozartplatz. I don't really know where the paths begin from, but they are near the mountain's base.

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