Taking little trips from Salzburg, whether it be for a day or for a weekend, is such a wonderful way to explore more close to home. While I am oft to be found exploring far flung corners of the earth, I have been spending a lot more time based out of Salzburg this summer.
Whether hiking in Austria or just across the border in Germany, or visiting my favourite viewpoints in Salzburg, or getting out to see all my favourite lakes nearby, there are so many beautiful places in this part of Europe and it is such a joy to live here.
One of my friends, Sophie, lives near Salzburg in the little village of Mattsee and it was the perfect destination for a little girls weekend getaway in early summer.
How to Get to Mattsee
Mattsee is just a 20-minute drive from Salzburg, making reaching here so easy. There is no train station in Mattsee, but buses are well-connected; the 120 and 121 run from Salzburg to Mattsee in less than 40 minutes.
Where to Eat in Mattsee
As I was staying at Sophie's cute little flat, we had breakfast there and cooked as well for dinner. To source the ingredients for our home-cooked dinner on her balcony, we stopped at the Speis Mattsee. It's an adorable 24-hours self-service farmer's market with all locally sourced products from nearby farmers. You can go in anytime to pick up yummy goods and you add up what you owe and can pay by card or cash on site.
We had ice cream at Bäckerei Neuhofer, an afternoon drink at the cafe outside Schloss Mattsee and dinner at the delicious Stiftskeller Mattsee (I really recommend the baked Mediterranean vegetables!).
View from the cafe at Schloss Mattsee
Things to Do in Mattsee
Mattsee is a small town of barely more than 3000 people, so you can easily wander around on foot and enjoy the village vibes. The idyllic architecture, the Friedshof (cemetery) in the heart of the village, the cute streets...
1. Wander along the Schlossbergweg
Running around the base of the Schloss and along the banks of the lake, this little walk is a must-do in Mattsee, rain or shine.
2. Hike up to the Wartstein-Kapelle
Overlooking the Obertrumer See, which is right next to the Mattsee, there is a little walking trail above the lake including this adorable chapel. Truly a magical forest wander.
3. Take in the views from Schloss Mattsee
A very popular wedding venue, the Schloss Mattsee has a restaurant, outdoor cafe, and excellent panoramic views across Mattsee to enjoy.
4. Dive in at Strandbad Mattsee
There are plenty of swimming spots around the lake, but Strandbad is definitely the most popular one. There is a big stretch of grass and floating wooden docks to lie down on, read and snooze in the sun, before diving in to the refreshing waters of Mattsee. A little food stand sells drinks and nibbles on site, too.
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Hi! I’m Jana, a Dutch-German-British-Canadian with a dream of seeing every country in the world. I am a storyteller, photographer and adventurer passionate about documenting and sharing my travels.
