The area close to Salzburg is called Salzkammergut, meaning “Land of the Salt Mines,” a rather bland title for one of the most beautiful sections of Austria. Salt, a precious commodity, was responsible for Salzburg’s early prominence and wealth, a wealth still visible in splendid palaces, stunning cathedrals, and magnificent castles. But none of these can compete with the splendor of nature—meadows of wildflowers painting pockets of vibrant color between dark-green forests, splendid lakes reflecting snowy mountain peaks in the early morning sunlight, small hamlets hiding behind swells of rolling hills, villages snuggled in little coves of gray-green lakes, gigantic mountains pushing their jagged, rocky peaks into the sky. This itinerary can be used as a reference for planning day trips from Salzburg. Another option would be to study this itinerary, choose one of the towns that sounds most intriguing, and use it as a base. However, each destination suggested has its own special personality, so try to budget your time to linger in each area. Explore the ice caves, journey down into the salt mines, discover your own little lake, hike up into the mountains, and circle the lakes by ferry. Relax and soak in the spellbinding beauty of Austria.