Werfen, which is over 800 years old, is in a perfect traffic location. A beautiful market with old town houses in the heart of Salzburg Land. The town at the foot of Hohenwerfen Castle has a unique character: small enough to be cosy, old enough to exude historical flair and on top of that, top sights, alpine hospitality and culinary delights await you in the midst of the imposing mountains of the Salzach Valley. Easily accessible by motorway (A10) and train and only 40 kilometres from Salzburg Airport.
©TVB Werfen – Markt im Herbst
Top Attractions
A visit to the medieval Hohenwerfen Castle is an absolute must and an incomparable experience. With a broad view over the Salzach Valley, the castle once served as a defensive castle of the Prince Archbishops of Salzburg. Today you can get to know this medieval castle and its history within the framework of castle tours. And once you’re there, you should not miss the spectacular falconry flight demonstrations based at the castle.
©TVB Werfen – Tennengebirge.
Even in the summer you must dress warmly when you visit the legendary Ice Caves „Eisriesenwelt“ between April and October. The largest known ice caves in the world extend over 42km into the mountain. Accessible to the public is an approximately 1km long path, where one can be immersed in this fascinating ice world.
Culinary Tip
Werfen is a place to enjoy. From the traditional inn to the pizzeria, the quaint beer pub to the gourmet temple, there is something for every palate. Gourmets can enjoy the multiple award-winning 4-toque cuisine of the Oberauer restaurant. For years, this has been one of the best restaurants in the world.
In summer, hikers can learn more about one of the most successful film productions on the new Sound of Music Trail. It’s not just fans of the film who are enthusiastic about the so-called “Gschwandtanger” meadow, where one of the best-known scenes was filmed. In the background, you cannot miss the Hohenwerfen Castle.
©TVB Werfen – Beautiful place at the Sound of Music Trail.
Werfen in Winter
Thanks to the central location, winter sports enthusiasts can reach numerous skiing areas with only short journeys. For example, the family skiing area of Werfenweng, only 8 kilometres away, is easily accessible by free ski bus. Werfen itself is considered a paradise for ski tourers with the longest downhill run in the Eastern Alps.
©TVB Werfen – Schöne Aussichten für Tourengeher.
For Advent, Werfen delights with authentic customs, culinary delicacies and contemplative sounds. The historic market is illuminated for Christmas and Hohenwerfen Castle invites you to a romantic Advent market with arts and crafts and a Christmas music programme. Traditionally, Saint Nicholas visits the children in the local parish church on the day before his name day. The Krampus also wreaks havoc in the village at the beginning of December.
In addition to authentic customs, Werfen also scores points in winter for its unbeatable central location. Only 30 minutes by car separate all Advent market fans from Salzburg’s Christmas market and the nearby top ski resorts of Werfenweng, Ski Amadé, Obertauern and Kitzsteinhorn can also be reached in no time. For Werfen holidaymakers, the family skiing area of Werfenweng, only 8 km away, is easily accessible by free ski bus. Ski tours are also tempting in the region. The 7.5-kilometre beginner’s tour from Werfen to the Ostpreußenhütte offers magnificent views of the Tennengebirge, Hochkönig and Hagengebirge mountains! Those looking for a real challenge will be tempted by the “longest downhill run in the Eastern Alps” from the Hochkönig. So there is no reason not to visit Werfen!
