As soon as you pick up your rental car, start your Austria itinerary by driving south to Hohenwerfen Castle in Werfen. The drive takes 45 minutes.
Visit the Hohenwerfen Castle
Cradled by the Berchtesgaden Alps and the Tennengebirge (Tennen Mountains), the 900-year-old Hohenwerfen fortress stands proud atop a steep rock overlooking the Salzach Valley. The fortified medieval castle was constructed in 1077 under Archbishop Gebhard during the investiture conflict.
Gebhard was an ally to Pope Gregory VII who was in continuous conflict with King Henry IV of Germany (Holy Roman Emperor). The building of this castle along with Hohensalzburg and Petersberg Castle was meant to secure the route across the Eastern Alps against the forces of the Holy Roman Emperor.
When to Visit Hohenwerfen Castle: Early April to early November. See opening hours.
Sound of Music Filming Location: Do Re Mi Meadow
Do you remember the Do Re Mi musical scene in the Sound of Music, where Maria and the children learn how to sing on an alpine meadow? Watch the clip again, and take note of the castle in the background. That’s Hohenwerfen Castle with the Tennengebirge forming the mountainous backdrop. You can access this special filming location from the town of Werfen. Head to Gschwandtanger Meadow via Schartenbergstraße. The filming location is marked with an enclosed viewing area.
Eat Lunch at Wengau Alm
Our favorite place in the Tennen Mountains is Wengerau in Werfenweng. From this hidden valley, you can hike to the mountain huts Werfener Hütte or Dr. Heinrich Hackel Hütte. Read more about the hike to Werfener Hütte in Best Hikes in Salzburg.
You can also revel in the alpine scenery whilst eating a delicious meal at Wengau Alm – no hike necessary. This alpine pasture hut is a mere 2-minute walk from the parking lot. The food and the views don’t disappoint.
Address: Weng 76, Werfenweng 5453, Austria | Opening Times: Wed – Sun, 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Stay in Schladming
After a delightful alpine meal at Wengau Alm, continue your drive for another 40 minutes to the town Schladming in Styria. You can stay directly in the town center of Schladming, or in Rohrmoos, the village above Schladming.
If you want easy access to lots of restaurants, shops, and gelaterias, stay in Schladming. If you want more solitude and countryside vibes, stay in Rohrmoos.
Budget | TUI BLUE Schladming is an all-around excellent accommodation in Schladming offering guests a bountiful breakfast (included), spa facilities (saunas), and a great location (located across from the Planai-Hochwurzen Cable Car).
Midrange | Thalers Mariandl in Rohrmoos is an alpine modern B&B featuring bright, beautifully designed rooms, a lovely wellness area, and a quiet location. In the evenings, you can order drinks and snacks from their bar menu. However, if you have an appetite, we recommend eating a hearty Styrian dinner at Die Landalm in Untertal village (Address: Bachweg 120, 8971 Schladming).
Luxury | Stadthotel Brunner is a dazzling modern and barrier-free hotel situated in the heart of Schladming. If you appreciate clean, yet creative interior design, you’ll love staying here. Moreover, Stadthotel Brunner is the perfect retreat for anyone who wants to integrate wellness, yoga, and Ayurvedic cuisine into their vacation. Their on-site restaurant is excellent. Definitely eat dinner here (reservation needed) if you stay.
Book your Stay in Schladming.