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Explore the city of music, theatre, and Imperial elegance, and experience the locals' unique 'Lebensgefühl'.

  • Getting There
  • Accommodation
  • Interactive Map
  • Guided Tours

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This is salzburg - a unique city.

Centuries-old traditions, top-class music and cultural events, culinary delights and international art: Salzburg , known as the home of Mozart and a UNESCO heritage site for more than 25 years, celebrates both its prince-archbishop roots and the spirit of creative freedom and continuous renewal that already existed back then.

Take a stroll through the cobblestoned historic centre and you'll instantly feel the town's elegance, with the prince-archbishops' architectural, artistic and social heritage visible on every corner. Explore the old town's five squares Residenzplatz, Domplatz, Mozartplatz, Kapitelplatz and Alter Markt, considered the most beautiful in Salzburg, then pop into the traditional shops in famous Getreidegasse on the way to Mozart's birthplace. Or how about a play or a concert at the famous Salzburg Festival ?

Salzburg's charm also lies in the small moments. Wander through the perfectly manicured Mirabell Gardens, or watch the Salzach River wind its way through the city from Hohensalzburg Fortress or one of the surrounding mountains – that's how the locals enjoy their city, that's Salzburg's unique "Lebensgefühl".

'Lebensgefühl' in Salzburg means ...

... living for the city.

Salzburg owes its world-wide fame to the incomparable city charm, the scenic beauty of its surroundings and the fact that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born here in 1756.

... enjoying music and theatre all night long

During the Salzburg Festival, music and theatre can be found in every concert hall, every garden, square and street in the city.

... snacking the real deal

The original "Salzburger Mozartkugel" (German for "Mozart ball") was invented at Cafe Fürst in Salzburg and is still hand-made today. Taste the difference!

... walking through signs of the times

Experience Salzburg's historic centre on a leisurely stroll. The locals are especially fond of their "Durchhäuser", narrow lanes often used as short cuts, e.g. along Getreidegasse.

Salzburg city view Tourismus Salzburg GmbH media_content.tooltip.skipped

Kapitelplatz Salzburg with the sculpture "Sphaera" by Stephan Balkenhol Tourismus Salzburg GmbH media_content.tooltip.skipped

Salzburg's greatest son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Tourismus Salzburg GmbH media_content.tooltip.skipped

Panoramic view of Salzburg Tourismus Salzburg GmbH media_content.tooltip.skipped

Family in Salzburg Tourismus Salzburg GmbH media_content.tooltip.skipped

Haus der Natur, Salzburg (Museum of Natural History and Technology) Tourismus Salzburg GmbH media_content.tooltip.skipped

Exterior view Salzburg Museum Salzburg Museum Salzburg Museum media_content.tooltip.skipped

Kunst- und Wunderkammer im DomQuartier DomQuartier media_content.tooltip.skipped

Salzburg Christmas Museum on the Mozartplatz Tourismus Salzburg GmbH / G. Breitegger Salzburg Christmas Museum media_content.tooltip.skipped

DomQuartier Salzburg, Conference Room Tourismus Salzburg GmbH Domquartier Salzburg media_content.tooltip.skipped

The original Salzburger Mozartkugeln Tourismus Salzburg GmbH Café Confectionery Fürst media_content.tooltip.skipped

Cyclist on the banks of the river Salzach in Salzburg City Tourismus Salzburg GmbH / Andreas Hechenberger media_content.tooltip.skipped

Panoramic view across Salzburg Tourismus Salzburg GmbH media_content.tooltip.skipped

Salzburg Easter Festival OFS / Matthias Creutziger media_content.tooltip.skipped

The Salzburg Festival, cultural highlight of the year Tourismus Salzburg GmbH Großes Festspielhaus, Salzburg media_content.tooltip.skipped

Salzburg Festival, Festival masks Tourismus Salzburg GmbH Großes Festspielhaus, Salzburg media_content.tooltip.skipped

Schloss Hellbrunn mit Fürstentisch in Salzburg Tourismus Salzburg GmbH media_content.tooltip.skipped

The Salzburg Festival is the cultural highlight every summer and the SIEMENS Fest>Spiel>Nächte are an integral part of it. For more than 20 years, theatre and music performances have been screened on a huge LED screen on Kapitelplatz, allowing locals and visitors to watch them live for free.

Top Highlights in Salzburg

Hohensalzburg fortress, salzburg cathedral, mozart's birthplace, mirabell palace & gardens.

A Princely Residence and early Baroque edifice with paintings from the 16 th to 19 th century.

The old town's landmark! Find the Romanesque font inside where Mozart was baptised.

Visit the place where Mozart was born in the Getreidegasse, Salzburg's most famous street.

One of the "most beautiful wedding halls in the world", seen in "The Sound of Music".

We Are Family

Family in Salzburg Tourismus Salzburg GmbH Mozart's birthplace media_content.tooltip.skipped

Your family city break in Salzburg

Museum of natural history and technology.

Celebrates its 100th birthday this year! Discover dinosaurs, underwater worlds and more on 7,000 m2.

Exhibitions, playing grounds, interactive stations, and - of course - lots of toys .

Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains

A unique outdoor spectacle that is over 400 years old - watch out for the hidden water jets!

Salzburg Zoo

Another must-see in Hellbrunn, home to 150 species and around 1,500 animals.

Salzburg Card

Your ticket to the city.

The Salzburg Card is your access to all of the city's major attractions, along with free use of public transportation. It is available for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Book it online here !

All benefits at a glance:

  • one-time FREE admission to all city tourist attractions and museums
  • free travel on public transport (except S-Bahn)
  • attractive discounts on cultural events and concerts
  • additional discounts at many excursion destinations
  • for some sights, express entrance without queuing

Salzburg Card Tourismus Salzburg GmbH media_content.tooltip.skipped

Our favourite ...

  • Domquartier Salzburg : Celebrates its 10th anniversary with the special exhibitition The Colours of La Serenissima (masters of Venetian art) - open from 21 June.
  • Salzburg Open Air Museum : In the heart of Unterbergs Nature Park - celebrates its 40th birthday this year!
  • Salzburg Museum : A city institution full of art objects and multimedia installations, bringing Salzburg's history to life.
  • Mozart's Residence : From 1773 to 1787, Mozart lived at the so-called "Dance Master's House".
  • Salzburg Christmas Museum : Discover the Christmas season in all its variety - this exhibition is unique in Europe.
  • Hangar-7 : The Aviation museum is home to a big collection of historical aircraft from the Flying Bulls.
  • Salzburg Whitsun Festival 17 - 20 May 2024
  • Sommerszene (Summer Scene) 3 - 15 June 2024
  • Salzburg Festival 19 July - 31 August 2024
  • St. Rupert's Day Fair 20 - 24 September 2024
  • Jazz and the City 17 - 20 October 2024

Our Insider Tips

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Celebrating it's 40th birthday this year, Salzburg Open Air Museum awaits with 100 rebuilt authentic historical buildings, telling tales of farming, trades, and rural crafts throughout the times.

[{ "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "/static/img/icon/family.png", "contentUrl": "/static/img/icon/family.png", "caption": "Family Tip: Marionette Theatre", "isFamilyFriendly": true }] Family Tip: Marionette Theatre

600 wooden marionettes, ten puppeteers, one great performance: Watch "The Magic Flute", "Mozart and Salieri" and the likes brought back to life by hand-made puppets.

[{ "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "/static/img/icon/gusto.png", "contentUrl": "/static/img/icon/gusto.png", "caption": "Culinary Tip: Salzburger Nockerl", "isFamilyFriendly": true }] Culinary Tip: Salzburger Nockerl

No visit to Salzburg is complete without trying the city's signature dessert. Traditionally served in the shape of three peaked mounds, it's said to represent the three local mountains.

[{ "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "/static/img/icon/nature.png", "contentUrl": "/static/img/icon/nature.png", "caption": "Nature Tip: Untersberg Mountain", "isFamilyFriendly": true }] Nature Tip: Untersberg Mountain

The modern Untersbergbahn cable car takes walkers and hikers up the legendary Salzburg mountain in no time, where stunning views, various trails and picturesque picnic places await.

Get in Touch

Tourismus salzburg gmbh.

Auerspergstrasse 6

5020 Salzburg

A Summer in Austria - Your Daily Dose of 'Lebensgefühl'

Austria's nature, cultural treasures and moments full of pleasure - and the connection to the people who live here - are the framework for a special attitude to life.

Salzburg   Travel Guide

salzburg tourist board

17 Best Things To Do in Salzburg

Updated May 16, 2022

Would you rather live like a king or a world-renowned classical composer? If you choose the former, you'll find yourself at home in the Schloss Hellbrunn  admiring its furniture and the grounds, or in the Mirabellgarten  while perusing the flowers.

  • All Things To Do

salzburg tourist board

Altstadt (Old Town) Altstadt (Old Town) free

Since this central district – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – contains some of the city's most popular attractions, such as  Mozarts Geburtshaus  and the  Salzburg Museum , you will undoubtedly spend hours exploring here. Fellow travelers recommend not rushing through it, however, since there are tons of architectural marvels, markets and shops to see.

Wander around Altstadt's Judengasse (the Jewish District) and examine the St. Florian Fountain in the Alter Markt, a marketplace that dates back to the 13th century. And for architecture buffs, spend plenty of time gazing at the neighborhood's array of buildings. Some structures were originally constructed during the Middle Ages, while others are more contemporary and show Alstadt's progression over time.

salzburg tourist board

Dom zu Salzburg (Salzburg Cathedral) Dom zu Salzburg (Salzburg Cathedral) free

A giant monument to this city's religion, power and wealth, Dom zu Salzburg awes visitors with its turquoise domes and towering facade. Built, burned and rebuilt multiple times in the past millennia, the current structure – which was renovated in the 1940s and 50s after the roof suffered damage from World War II – demonstrates the pinnacle of early Baroque ecclesiastical architecture.

During your visit to this 17th-century monument, pay particular attention to the structure's smaller details – such as the statues of apostles Peter and Paul at the front, or the individual murals on the copulas – to appreciate its supreme craftsmanship and ornamentation. And music lovers will appreciate the cathedral's prominence in Mozart's life: The building served as the location of the musical prodigy's baptism, as well as where some of his pieces were composed during his time as an organist.

salzburg tourist board

Mirabellgarten (Mirabell Gardens) Mirabellgarten (Mirabell Gardens) free

This 17th-century paradise on the east side of the Salzach River shelters notable sites like the Pegasus Fountain, the Dwarf Garden and the set of stairs where Julie Andrews and company practiced "Do-Re-Mi" in "The Sound of Music." Visitors like to explore the beautiful winding paths, snap photos of the unique sculptures or simply drink in the sights. Angel Staircase, a supreme example of the Baroque style, impresses visitors daily.

If you can, visit in summer. That's when Mirabellgarten's flowers are in bloom. In the backdrop, you'll see Schloss Mirabell (Mirabell Palace), which hosts Salzburg's municipal government.

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Popular Tours

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salzburg tourist board

Festung Hohensalzburg (Hohensalzburg Fortress) Festung Hohensalzburg (Hohensalzburg Fortress)

Never conquered by enemy troops, Festung Hohensalzburg opened to the public in the late 19th century. It was originally built in 1077 in preparation for a conflict between Pope Gregor VII and Emperor Henry IV. Over the centuries, the complex has grown, serving as a prison, an army camp and, of course, a military stronghold. Today, a torture chamber, several courtyards and three small museums – the Fortress, the Rainer Regiments and the Marionette – reside within its walls.

When you visit, you'll notice this fortress' rugged purposes did not dissuade rulers from adorning the interior lavishly. Some of the oldest Gothic-style rooms have intricate wood paneling, elaborate door frames and vaulted ceilings, all of which have been beautifully maintained, according to past travelers. And despite the eclectic decor, most people appreciate the imposing exterior. For stunning views of Salzburg and the surrounding area, make your way to the top of the compound – a highlight for many recent visitors.

salzburg tourist board

Schloss Hellbrunn (Hellbrunn Palace) Schloss Hellbrunn (Hellbrunn Palace)

Although "The Sound of Music" was shot at a handful of locations throughout Salzburg, the movie's gazebo scene, where Liesl and Rolf sang "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," was filmed at Schloss Hellbrunn. But even without the cult movie's following, travelers say this 17th-century palace would still be enormously popular. The simple exterior hides exquisitely decorated rooms, ballrooms and halls (check out the octagonal music room). Here, you'll preview the lives of Salzburg's archbishops, the former religious and political rulers of the region who built its pleasure palaces, which were primarily used for enjoyment and recreation.

Immaculately maintained, the gardens have stolen much of the thunder from the actual residence. This 17th-century palace is the only royal estate in the world that will squirt you with water if you aren't looking. The Wasserspiele, or trick fountains, send streams of cool water at visitors from humorously placed jets – an archbishop's idea of a joke. So, if you're not looking to get wet, make sure to wear a poncho while wandering the gardens.

salzburg tourist board

Cable Car Untersberg (Untersbergbahn) Cable Car Untersberg (Untersbergbahn)

Winter sports enthusiasts, hikers and those in search of a panoramic view will all appreciate the Untersbergbahn, a cable car that takes travelers up the Untersberg mountain range in just 8.5 minutes. At the top of the mountain, which sits more than 6,000 feet above sea level, visitors are rewarded with spectacular views of Salzburg, the Berchtesgaden region and the Rositten valley.

Originally opened in 1961 and renovated in 2018, the funicular features two cable cars that can each accommodate up to 50 passengers. When visitors disembark at the top, they'll find themselves in alpine terrain with a variety of hiking trails at their fingertips. Closed-toe footwear that provides traction is necessary, as is appropriately warm clothing – even summer may be chilly. To get back down, visitors can hop back on the Untersbergbahn.

salzburg tourist board

Mozarts Geburtshaus (Mozart's Birthplace) Mozarts Geburtshaus (Mozart's Birthplace)

If you're looking to tour a quintessential Salzburg attraction, then a stop at Mozarts Geburtshaus is a must. Born on Jan. 27, 1756 on the third floor of this property, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart resided with his family here until 1773. Now the building houses a museum that chronicles the musical prodigy's early years. Artifacts from his life are spread out between this site and  Mozarts Wohnhaus , where the famous composer also lived.  

If you're short on time and can only visit one of these melodious houses, however, spring for Mozarts Geburtshaus. On display there are exhibits like Wolfgang's childhood violin, portraits and family letters. Exhibits are stretched among three levels: Visitors learn about Mozart's family and birth on the third floor, progress to his opera-composing period on the second, and get an insight into his everyday family life on the final ground floor. Travelers claim all of the exhibits are extremely informative and interesting, even if you aren't big on classical music.

salzburg tourist board

DomQuartier Salzburg DomQuartier Salzburg

In the 1500s, Salzburg's prince-archbishops planned an Italian Baroque-style city center that today is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The elaborate buildings they commissioned reflected the prince-archbishops' power over both religious and more earthly matters. The resulting DomQuartier is a series of harmoniously conceived buildings: a cathedral, Residenz precinct and St. Peter's Abbey.

Visitors to the Residenz can tour the prince-archbishops' elaborate state rooms, which feature Italianate frescoes, soaring arched ceilings and elaborate flooring. The Residenzgalerie boasts a collection of European paintings spanning the 16th to 19th centuries. Meanwhile, the Cathedral Museum permanently exhibits artwork from the Salzburg Archdiocese that date back as far as the eighth century, as well as temporary art exhibits. St. Peter's Abbey is also easily accessed in the DomQuartier.

salzburg tourist board

Hallstatt and Salt Mines Small-Group Tour from Salzburg

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Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg

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Salzburg Super Saver: Hallstatt & Original Sound of Music Tour

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salzburg tourist board

Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn

For nature lovers, there is an animal for everyone at Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn. Home to 150 species and more than 1,500 animals, the zoo groups animals by continent of origin and provides spacious, naturalistic enclosures. Among the animals you'll spot here are African penguins, cheetahs, lemurs, kangaroos and a variety of reptiles.

For those visiting Salzburg for its history, there is plenty of that at the zoo, too. In the 15th century, the area was part of a wildlife park at Hellbrunn Estate. The palace and fountains remain popular attractions in their own right.

salzburg tourist board

Haus der Natur Haus der Natur

Conceived as the "new natural history museum," Haus der Natur was founded in 1924. Today, it offers family-friendly nature presentations spread out across more than 75,000 square feet. There is an aquarium, an outer space hall, and exhibits on dinosaurs and the human body.

Haus der Natur brings visitors face to face with fish and reptiles at its Aquarium & Reptile Zoo. Meanwhile, the Science Center offers hands-on experiments – a reprieve from the no-touch rules at Salzburg's historic sites – that explore everything from physics and music to electricity and water. What's more, there are a dozen permanent exhibits and a rotating cast of temporary exhibits. An observatory, a cafe and a gift shop round out the offerings.

salzburg tourist board

St. Peter's Abbey St. Peter's Abbey free

St. Peter's Abbey was founded in 696, making it one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking region. It includes St. Peter's Church, Friedhof St. Peter (a cemetery), the oldest library in Austria and the oldest restaurant in central Europe. The cemetery's catacombs date to antiquity, and are considered a must-see for "The Sound of Music" fans (the von Trapp family hid here before escaping the Nazis).

Against the backdrop of beautiful 17th-century abbey architecture (much of it restored and updated in varying styles), Mozart composed "Dominicus Mass," which the abbot commissioned in 1769. Not long after, Haydn was similarly commissioned to write "Rupert Mass." The strong musical tradition continues today, with concert events and dinner concerts in various parts of the abbey complex.

salzburg tourist board

Petersfriedhof (St. Peter's Cemetery) Petersfriedhof (St. Peter's Cemetery) free

Friedhof St. Peter is one of the world's oldest cemeteries, believed to date back to late antiquity. Nestled in the St. Peter's Abbey complex, it is the final resting place of many of Salzburg's aristocratic families, as well as Maria Anna Mozart – Wolfgang Amadeus' older sister, and a musician in her own right. Its catacombs are another highlight here. They were carved into the Mönchsberg mountain and are believed to date back to the 1100s.

Along with its notable inhabitants, the cemetery is famous for its beautiful architecture. This includes the Romanesque Chapel of the Holy Cross and St. Margaret's Chapel. The cemetery's beautiful setting and haunting catacombs made it an ideal filming location for a dramatic scene in "The Sound of Music."

salzburg tourist board

Salzburg Museum Salzburg Museum

The Salzburg Museum has a wide range of archaeological and artistic treasures: from a 17th-century carillon (a set of mechanized bells) that plays Mozart compositions to religious Renaissance paintings and artifacts from Salzburg's early Roman origins. The most remarkable exhibit (listed as a separate museum for admission) contains several 360-degree panorama paintings. Still, recent visitors profess the true marvel of the museum is the facility itself.

In 2007, the Salzburg Museum reopened at a new location in Altstadt . The museum is located inside the Neue Residenz, an "overflow" palace for royal guests, diplomats and advisors. While most recent visitors were impressed with the building, they offered less praise for the displays, which some described as boring. However, if you're hoping to gain a better understanding of Salzburg history, in addition to the impact of current events, this could be a worthy stop.

salzburg tourist board

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salzburg tourist board

Stiegl Brauwelt Stiegl Brauwelt

After drinking in Salzburg's history, help yourself to a taste of its beer. Stiegl Brauwelt is the city's largest private brewery. Boasting a brewpub, a beer garden, a beer bar and a gourmet restaurant, as well as a museum, Stiegl-Brauwelt takes its craft seriously. They have to – 90,000 bottles of Stiegl beer are filled each hour!

Once you enjoy a drink or a meal, tour the museum to learn about the history of brewing at Stiegl. Many different interactive tours are offered. The general guided tour includes three beer tastings. There are also family friendly options, including a student program and treasure hunt. Self-guided visits are also available.

salzburg tourist board

Mozarts Wohnhaus (Mozart's Residence) Mozarts Wohnhaus (Mozart's Residence)

Before Mozart relocated to Vienna , he wrote many cherished symphonies, concertos and operas at Mozarts Wohnhaus, the composer's former home, which sits across the Salzach River from  Mozarts Gerburtshaus  and Festung Hohensalzburg . Unfortunately, only a third of the original house remains intact due to a World War II bomb blast. An office building was initially constructed in the devastated section, but was torn down in 1994. The property has since been restored to its original state.

Exhibitions at Mozarts Wohnhaus display the composer's original drafts and sheet music written in Salzburg. Most notably, Mozart's original pianoforte resides here, as well as a famous portrait of the Mozart family. And although some recent visitors wished more information was provided about Mozart's life, many appreciated the artifacts on display. However, if you only have time to visit one Mozart site, visitors suggest his birthplace rather than this museum.

salzburg tourist board

Red Bull Hangar-7 Red Bull Hangar-7

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Kapuzinerberg Kapuzinerberg free

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Best of Salzburg: Our Travel Guide & Tips

Oh Salzburg. This little town on the Salzach is so iconically beautiful that it never fails to amaze us every time. Although we have visited Salzburg on more than one occasion, we have not yet written a blog article with our best tips. So it’s about time we share all the goodies that await you on a weekend getaway to the beautiful Salzburg.

1. Best Sights and Attractions in Salzburg

2. top restaurants and cafés picks in salzburg, 3. regional culinary specialties, 4. extra travel tips for salzburg, 5. our hotel recommendation in salzburg.

Salzburg is easy to get around and you can reach almost all the attractions within walking distance. First thing you’ll want to do is head straight to the Old Town, where all the city highlights are located.

Walk through the Old Town to the Main Squares

We recommend that you start your city tour with a walk through the Altstadt (Old Town) just below the fortress. The historic centre of Salzburg is a winding labyrinth of alleyways and passages with a few magnificent Squares that seem to take you pleasantly by surprise.

In the heart of the Old Town you will find the most important Church building in all of Salzburg: the Dom or Cathedral – officially called Dom zu Salzburg . This baroque Cathedral is very well worth a visit.

The Cathedral is surrounded by some of Salzburg’s most important Squares : in front of the Cathedral gates, you will find the Domplatz (Cathedral Square), south of Kapitelplatz Square and north of the Residenzplatz (Residence Square) is where they merge into Mozartplatz (Mozart’s Square). Every Square is impressive in its own way. The views from Kapitelplatz into the direction of the Salzburg Fortress and the Baroque building ensemble on Residenzplatz are especially unique and beautiful.

Our tip: The most extravagant way to enjoy your coffee would be at Café Tomaselli, the city’s oldest Coffee House. You can read more about the cafes and restaurants further down in this blog article.

Salzburg Sehenswürdigkeiten

Getreidegasse

As you stroll through the Altstadt (Old Town) of Salzburg, there’s no doubt you will pass the Getreidegasse – probably the most well-known street in all of Salzburg. You will recognise it almost immediately as you stumble across the many wrought-iron shop signs (aka. guild marks), which are very eye-catching at first glance.

Another thing we find special are the countless passageways (called Durchhäuser), which tunnel you through from the Getreidegasse to the neighbouring streets.

The most famous house along Getreidegasse is House No. 9: Mozart’s Birthplace . Every hour of every day (except for the evening hours), you will see people gathering in front of the house to marvel and photograph the orange house front of Mozart’s birthplace. You can actually go inside and have a look – free admission for those with the Salzburg Card .

Mozart's Birthplace

Fortress Hohensalzburg

The medieval fortress of Hohensalzburg is undoubtedly the icon of Salzburg and it towers high above the Old Town upon the fortress hill. If there is only one tourist spot you visit in Salzburg, let it be this.

The fortress can be reached both on foot and by the well-known funicular railway . Once at the top, you can either ‘simply enjoy the view’ of the city or visit the grand interior of the fortress.

Our personal highlight is the 360 ​​degree view from the Reckturm . It’s easy to miss this beautiful lookout point as it is rather badly sign posted. The entrance is located at the Info-Point and the price is included in the basic entrance ticket.

Admission: 12,90 Euros (free with the Salzburg Card )

Festung Hohensalzburg

View from Kapuzinerberg

One of the most marvelled views of Salzburg is found on Kapuzinerberg, which you can see from the fortress, is located on the opposite side of the Salzach. We highly recommend you come for sunset !

Moderate fitness is necessary, as ​​the fastest way up the Kapuzinerberg requires 250 steps before you reach the beautiful lookout point. The stairs over the Imbergstiege climb begins at Steingasse street.

If you have more time or would like to see the fortress from a different angle , then we would recommend you to walk along the fortress walls.

Kapuzinerberg Salzburg

Mirabell Gardens & Mirabell Palace

You will find one of Salzburg’s most popular photo spots at the Mirabell Gardens, where the Mirabell Castle is also located. From the west side you have a view directly at the garden with the fortress as a background – could it get any more iconic?

The grandiose marble hall of the Mirabell Palace is also free to enter if you want to take a peek inside. Interesting fact: This hall is actually one of the most famous wedding halls in the world.

Just so you are prepared: The Mirabell garden is extremely popular in every season and always rather crowded . We were really lucky with our photo – usually you have to account for the crowds.

Mirabell Palace

Mönchsberg and Museum of Modern Art

Yes that’s right, another viewpoint – and what a spectacular one at that! From Mönchsberg you have a beautiful panoramic view of Salzburg including the fortress.

What makes the Mönchsberg so special is its easy access: with the Mönchsberglift you can reach the observation deck at the summit in just a few seconds. Up here is also the Museum of Modern Art . (Both free with the Salzburg Card .) The contrast between the historic Old Town and the Museum of Modern Art could hardly be greater. If you’re a fan of contemporary art, then this place is for you.

Our tip: The M32 Restaurant on the summit is not cheap, but the view is spectacular. We can certainly recommend a stopover for coffee and cake.

Mönchsberg Salzburg

DomQuartier

The Cathedral and the Residence together form the DomQuartier. You can visit these magnificent state rooms as part of a tour and the route will lead you through several museums over several floors. The collection is quite extensive – we actually expected the Domquartier to be smaller.

A highlight of the DomQuartier is the viewing terrace , from which you have a nice view over the Cathedral Square and the Residence Square. During winter, the Christmas markets really add to the atmosphere.

Admission: 13 Euros (free with the Salzburg Card )

Residence Salzburg

Hellbrunn Palace

A very popular destination in Salzburg is the 400 year old Palace of Hellbrunn and its extensive park area . This particular palace is also frequently called ‘ The Water Games Hellbrunn ’. If you’re interested in the history of the palace, you can do a guided tour (40 minutes). The historic fountains are a small work of art but they never fail to surprise you. Conclusion: ideal for families with children.

Of course, you can visit the beautiful Palace Garden for free. Sound-of-Music fans will find a small highlight: the pavilion from the film is located here and can easily be reached.  

Admission: 13,50 Euros for Palace (audioguide) and Water Games (Guided Tour) – free with the Salzburg Card . Getting there: By car – just over 10 minutes outside the Old Town. By bus – Nr. 25 to “Schloss Hellbrunn”

Schloss Hellbrunn Tipps

Stiegl Brewery

Are you a beer lover? Then perhaps the Stiegl-Brauwelt may be something for you. The largest private brewery in all of Austria is located in Salzburg, and it is here you will find the popular Stiegl-Brauwelt – a hands-on exhibition that showcases the history of brewing in interactive way. At the end of the tour, there is a 0.3L taste test. Conclusion: Worthwhile going if you have time or if the weather is bad.

Admission: 12,90 Euros (free with the Salzburg Card ) Getting There: By car – just over 10 minutes outside the Old Town. By bus – No. 1 or 10 to “Bräuhausstraße”

Stiegl Salzburg

Café Tomaselli

Perhaps the most extravagant place to enjoy your coffee and cake in Salzburg is the terrace of Café Tomaselli. The Tomaselli is the oldest Coffee House in Salzburg and the atmosphere is respectively dignified.

Our favourite spot? Definitely the terrace on the 1st floor. Even better, if you can find a table overlooking the Old Market. Interesting fact: If you want to order a cake or slice, the Cake Lady will come directly to your table with a tray so that you can choose your piece.

Address: Alter Markt 9, 5020 Salzburg

Tomaselli Salzburg

Our favourite place for a chill breakfast or lunch in Salzburg is the 220 Grad. They are actually based in two locations, but we are referring to the newer one just outside the Old Town in Nonntal. This former Mechanic Workshop has been converted into an industrial hipster café.

The menu here is more extensive than the original building located in the Old Town. They serve many breakfast variations and lunch dishes, as well as cakes, pies and of course their home-roasted coffee. Conclusion: Highly recommended and definitely worth the trip.

Address: Nonntaler Hauptstraße 9A, 5020 Salzburg (location on the photos) and Chiemseegasse 5, 5020 Salzburg (original café branch in the Old Town)

220 Grad Salzburg

Kaffee Alchemie

This tiny cafe on Rudolfskai is perfect for a quick caffeine boost. It describes itself as “a cafe that’s somewhat different” – to which we couldn’t agree more. The ambience is very young, hip and simply unique. You can even take a seat outside by the window sill.  

The espresso macchiato was very good and the staff very friendly. Conclusion: Not a cafe where you would linger too long, but certainly one of the few places in Salzburg, where you get really good coffee.

Address: Rudolfskai 38, 5020 Salzburg

Alchemy Salzburg

The Green Garden

A paradise for those who eat vegetarian or vegan food. The Green Garden attaches great importance to regional and seasonal products. The most beautiful spot is in the small Schanigarten right in front of the restaurant. You can come for lunch or dinner.

Address: Nonntaler Hauptstraße 16, 5020 Salzburg

The Green Garden Salzburg

Other restaurants and cafes in Salzburg we would recommend:

  • Afro Café:  Colourful, young, hipster restaurant in the Old Town; delicious lunch dishes; good coffee.
  • St. Peter Stiftkulinarium: A traditional restaurant with award-winning cuisine in St. Peter’s Abbey.
  • Stieglkeller: Traditional inn with great beer garden and a nice view.
  • KO & CO: Youthful ambience, traditional cuisine with creative ideas, very delicious.
  • Ludwig Burger: Spacious, hipster burger restaurant with vegetarian & vegan options.
  • Andreas Hofer Weinstube: Marion’s favourite restaurant, which was sadly fully booked during our visit.

Mozartkugeln

Unwritten law: No one may leave Salzburg without having tasted an original Salzburger Mozartkugel. There are countless suppliers of this nougat marzipan ball, but only one pastry shop in Salzburg can claim to produce the original Mozartkugel. We are talking about the Konditorei Fürst , which is located in the heart of the old town.

The Mozartkugeln are made by hand and this is reflected in the price: One piece costs around 1.40 Euros. But totally worth it in our opinion, because the Mozartkugeln from the Konditorei Fürst are simply the best.

Address Konditorei Fürst: Brodgasse 13, 5020 Salzburg (This is the main branch, but there are a few others also located in Salzburg.)

Echte Mozartkugeln Salzburg

Salzburger Nockerl

Salzburg’s most famous dessert is a pyramidal soufflé . Normally, one serving portion would be three Nockerl, symbolising the three local mountains surrounding Salzburg – Mönchsberg, Kapuzinerberg, Gaisberg.

Granted, we (and others we know) are personally not huge fans of these, as we reckon there are much better desserts out there. However, there are those who rave about the Salzburger Nockerln as the best dessert ever. Without a doubt, we think it’s definitely something you should try at least once.

Sacher Salzburger Nockerl

Is Salzburg Over-Crowded?

Salzburg is booming. The City of Mozart experiences an increase in the number of overnight stays year after year. Together with the many day visitors who pass through, Salzburg is certainly not a secret in Austria.

Although some would say that the winding Altstadt (Old Town) is simply too crowded and “overflowing” during certain months, Salzburg is still one of those cities, which you have to see at least once in your life. We   would personally not be deterred just by the number of tourists.

Best time to visit Salzburg

Generally speaking, you can visit Salzburg at anytime of year , although we would prefer to avoid the holiday and festival season – unless of course, you are attending the Salzburg Festival. We find that a warm spring or a sunny autumn weekend to be the most ideal. But even during the Christmas period, Salzburg is well worth a trip with its beautiful market stalls.

The Salzburg Card: Is it worth it?

What it does: The Salzburg Card is a bonus savings card, which you can either buy in 24, 48 or 72 hours . It gives you free admission to all sights and museums. It also includes public transport for free.

If you are planning to visit lots of places in Salzburg, then the purchase of a Salzburg Card will almost certainly pay off. Suppose you are in Salzburg for two nights and would like to enter the DomQuartier and Hellbrunn Palace next to the fortress. In this case, the purchase of the card would have already paid itself off.

You can buy the Salzburg Card in advance here: Salzburg Card

We stayed at the Arthotel Blaue Gans and can highly recommend this hotel as the location could hardly be more central: from our window, we had a direct view over Getreidegasse. What makes this boutique hotel so special, is that it’s located in a historic building. Therefore, the rooms are rather small, but very comfortably furnished.

The beds were extremely comfortable and we slept very well. The extensive breakfast definitely deserves high praise: you will find everything your heart desires and the atmosphere in the hotel restaurant is very pleasant. Conclusion: perhaps a little pricier than most other hotels, but we can highly recommended it as it’s a very unique experience.

You can view/book the hotel here: Arthotel Blaue Gans

Hotel Blaue Gans Salzburg

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

This travel guide contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission from the company. But this will not change the price for you at all. A million thanks from the both of us!

Have you ever been to the Salzburg region? If so, what did you think of it? If you have any further tips or questions, drop us a comment down below – we look forward to reading them all!

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  • 1.1 Origins of name
  • 1.2 Early history and medieval period
  • 1.3 Independent state
  • 2.1 By plane
  • 2.2 By train
  • 3.1 Salzburg Card
  • 4.1 Museums
  • 5.2 Festivals
  • 7.1.1 Winter season
  • 7.3 Mid-range
  • 7.4 Splurge
  • 9.1 Camping
  • 9.2 Hostels
  • 9.4 Mid-range
  • 9.5 Splurge
  • 11.1 Consulates

Salzburg is a city in Austria , near the border with Germany 's Bavaria state, with a population of 157,000 (2020). It was the setting for the 1965 movie The Sound of Music , so you may think you know all there is to see in Salzburg if you have seen the movie. Admittedly, it is difficult not to burst into song when you're walking along the Salzach River, or climbing up to the Hohensalzburg fortress, which looms over the city. But there is a lot more to this compact, courtly city than Julie Andrews and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born here.

Understand [ edit ]

salzburg tourist board

Salzburg, which has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, is the fourth-largest city in Austria (after Vienna , Graz and Linz ) and the capital of the federal state of Salzburg . In 45 AD, it was a Roman establishment. The Bavarians took over in the 6th century. At the end of the 16th century, under Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, the transformation of the medieval town into the "Rome of the North" began, with new buildings following the Italian baroque style. The buildings from this era are mostly in the "Old Town", as it is known today. The old town is one of the best-preserved city centers in the German-speaking world and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Salzburg became part of the Austrian Empire in 1816. It frequently ranks favorably in quality of life rankings.

Origins of name [ edit ]

The name Salzburg, literally "Salt Castle", is derived from the barges carrying salt on the Salzach river, which were subject to a toll in the 8th century.

Early history and medieval period [ edit ]

Traces of human settlements dating to the Neolithic Age and later a Celt camp have been found in the area. Starting from 15 BC, the small communities were grouped into a single town which was named by the Romans as Juvavum. Little remains of the city from this period.

The Festung Hohensalzburg, the city's fortress, was built in 1077 and expanded in the following centuries. Independence from Bavaria was secured in the late 14th century.

Independent state [ edit ]

Salzburg was the capital of an independent state from the early 14th century until 1805. It was ruled by prince-archbishops, who became rich by the salt mines in the south of the city. This led to the architectural gem you see today, as materials and architects were imported from Italy and other European countries. This is also why, compared to other Austrian cities, sacral monuments surpass the few secular buildings in every respect. The prince-archbishops were forced to give up their political powers during the French occupation in 1805, when Napoleon Bonaparte introduced the concept of separation of Church and State in all the occupied territories.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Having arrived at the airport (Flughafen Salzburg), it is very easy to make your way into the town centre by electric trolleybus or other modes of transport. Tickets for these services can be bought easily from the bus driver and you can travel from here to the "Hauptbahnhof" main station where you can reach many destinations, predominantly in Austria, but also across the whole of Europe.

For more international connections, you may prefer flying to Munich and taking the train to Salzburg. Other airports in Austria like Graz or Innsbruck can be of interest if you like scenic journeys through the mountains.

By train [ edit ]

Salzburg's train station, the Hauptbahnhof , is north of the Salzach River within the New Town of Salzburg. The train ride from Munich to Salzburg takes about 1½ hours (Regional trains take about 2 hours), and international trains operate from Zurich, Zagreb, Ljubljana and Budapest and other destinations. Inter-city trains operate very frequently (especially to Vienna where services are almost hourly).

The ÖBB Nightjet runs to Salzburg from Germany, Italy and Switzerland.

The station is operated by the Austrian Federal Railway Company (ÖBB) and by the national German Railway company (DB) . Both companies have ticket stalls and machines in the station. The popular train pass for Bavaria sold by DB (in German: Bayern Ticket) covers train rides between Bavaria and Salzburg, but it is only valid for Regional trains (code RE, RB, or M). The rail pass can be brought from DB ticket stalls and from DB ticket selling machines in the station.

Salzburg has direct train connections with Vienna , Linz , Feldkirch (at the Liechtenstein border), Zürich (in Switzerland ), etc.

The station has a supermarket which is open 06:00-23:00, lockers (from €2 to €3.50, which are often full), and toilets (€0.50/entry).

To get to the city centre, walk (about 15 min), or use one of the trolley buses.

By bus [ edit ]

  • Budweis-shuttle " http://www.budweis-shuttle.cz " and Czechshuttle.com offers a door-to-door shuttle bus transfer from Česky Krumlov or Česke Budejovice to Salzburg and back for 1,100 Kč per person.
  • From Bosnia, ( Banja Luka or Doboj ), three times per week, with Boro Bus [dead link]
  • Bus transfer from/to Budapest with a possible stop in Vienna, from door to door, English-speaking drivers with Eurobusways [dead link]
  • There are day-trip tour buses that leave from Munich (right outside the main station).
  • The Flixbus stop is in Salzburg Sud, not really near the main train station.

By car [ edit ]

Salzburg is well connected to Vienna (Wien) and Munich (München), Germany via the autobahns A8 (Munich - Salzburg) and A1 (Salzburg - Vienna). There is an Austrian Motorway "Vignette" you have to purchase. The price varies depending on whether you buy a yearly or 10-day vignette.

Driving around Salzburg can be a pain. The road names are small and written in a "traditional" German font which can be hard to read. The best bet is to get into the city, find a parking space, and travel by foot. Several garages are on the edge of the historic center have hourly rates as well as 24-hour rates that range from €14-20. Garage companies include Best in Parking , APCOA , Contipark . Nearby hotels often have arrangements for discounted rates with commercial garages. More budget options include using one of the park-and-ride lots that have promotions for a free transit pass or even free parking during summer months. Be sure that if you are driving in cold weather to be prepared for snow. Snow chains should be recommended, in extreme weather. All cars must have snow tires ( Winterreifen ) by law from October to April.

Get around [ edit ]

Map

The best way to get around Salzburg is by foot.

There is a network of city buses, the StadtBus , with numbers from 1 to 10, 12 and 14 (O-Buses, electric, trolley-bus) and 20-27 (fuel-powered). From the bus driver, you only get a single A single ticket for €3. The other option is buying a 5-ticket-strip in advance (€10,50). A 24-hr ticket costs €4.50, when bought at the vending machine (all prices from 2023). There are also daily, weekly and monthly passes. The Salzburg Verkehr application allows you to buy these tickets from your mobile phone. Make sure that you do not catch one of the last buses. They will take you several kilometers out of town with your only way back being by walking or taxi. If you need to get somewhere late at night it may be best to take a taxi or walk. The "Lokalbahn" train has a separate train station under the main train station and travels in the direction of Oberndorf and Lamprechtshausen. Tickets can be bought on the train.

Another option for exploring areas around the main city (Bad Ischl, Fuschlsee, etc.) are the POST-BUSes . These also leave from the main train station; tickets can be bought from the driver.

An excellent option is renting a bike. Salzburg has over 100 km of bike paths, and using this mode of transportation is often faster than bus, car or foot. There are also excellent bike paths on either side of the river which you can follow to either Freilassing (35 min), Oberndorf or Hallein (each about an hour away).

Salzburg Card [ edit ]

Depending on how long you want to stay in Salzburg and how much you want to pack into one day, the Salzburg Card could be a good investment, it includes:

  • Free single admission to all the city's attractions.
  • Free use of public transport throughout the city, including fortress funicular, panorama boat & cable car Untersberg.
  • Attractive discounts for cultural events.
  • Discounts for various tours and excursions.

Salzburg Card 24 hr/adult: €28.00, 48 hours: €37.00, 72 hours: €43.00

See [ edit ]

salzburg tourist board

  • 47.76259 13.06002 10 Hellbrunn Trick Fountains ( Wasserspiele Hellbrunn ), ☏ +43 662 820372 , [email protected] . Park with trick fountains. ( updated Mar 2023 )

Museums [ edit ]

  • 47.80265 13.04374 12 Mozarts Wohnhaus ( Mozart Residence ), Makartplatz 8 , ☏ +43-662-874227-40 , [email protected] . Daily 09:00-18:00 (last admission: 17:30), open until 19:00 Jul-Aug . Mozart’s Residence was reconstructed after being destroyed during World War II and was opened to the public in 1996. Adults €10 (with birth house €17), youths and school groups 15-18 €4, children 6-14 €3.50, family €21 .  
  • 47.7937 13.0074 18 Hangar 7 , Wilhelm-Spazier-Straße 7A , ☏ +43 662 2197 , [email protected] . 09:00 - 22:00 daily . Transportation museum housing the historical Flying Bulls fleet and several historic race cars. The collection itself will not be too spectacular unless you're a race fanatic, but the building itself with its glass domed roof is worth a visit. ( updated Mar 2023 )

Do [ edit ]

  • Casino Salzburg , 5071 Wals-Siezenheim , ☏ +43 662 85 44 55 . Open daily except for December 24. Slot machines: 12:00-03:00, Live games: 15:00-03:00 . Free admission .  
  • Chess — Giant chess board painted onto the ground, past the cathedral (travelling away from the river). You'll have to wait your turn, but it's worth it.
  • Football: FC Red Bull Salzburg play soccer in the Austrian Bundesliga, the top tier. They play in Red Bull Arena (capacity 32,000) in Wals-Siezenheim 3 km northwest of city centre.

Tours [ edit ]

  • Salt Mines Hallein , [email protected] . — There are a few different salt mine tours available in Salzburg's immediate surroundings. A good one is Salzwelten Salzburg in Bad Dürrnberg near Hallein. Getting there is easy with the Salz Erlebnis Ticket , available at the train station; it covers the local train and a bus transfer (round-trip), admission, and the (required) Salzwelten tour. The tour is great for families, although children under 4 are not allowed on the tour. Put on white coveralls, ride a trolley into the mine, and use wooden slides to descend into the lower levels. A café and picnic benches are available on-site, as well as a small reconstructed Celtic village that includes a playground. Allow about 2½ hours for the tour and the Celtic Village. Apr-Oct: 09:00-17:00, Nov-Dec: 10:00-15:00. Adults €23; students/juniors/senior €21; children 4-15 years €11.50. Family and Group tickets are available. ( updated Feb 2019 )

Festivals [ edit ]

For almost a century, Salzburg has hosted the world-famous Salzburg Festival , with operas, concerts, and theater plays in different locations throughout the city. It was founded by Hugo von Hoffmansthal, Max Reinhardt and Richard Strauss in 1920. It takes place in July and August, the most famous piece is the "Jedermann" (" Everyman ") by Hugo v. Hoffmansthal, being conducted in front of the Dom (Cathedral) every year.

Festivals also take place during Easter time (with mostly Baroque music), and in autumn.

Buy [ edit ]

salzburg tourist board

  • Mozartkugeln ( Mozart balls ) are confections of chocolate, marzipan, pistachio and sometimes hazelnut inspired by the famous composer, Salzburg's most famous son, Mozart. Try the original version by Fürst , which are handmade and cannot be purchased outside Fürst's four shops in Salzburg. They're expensive, though, at €1.80 a pop (souvenir boxes cost even more), and comparatively simple with only two layers. The cheaper, more widespread and arguably tastier Mirabell brand is available throughout Austria; you'll get the best prices at regular grocery stores, not souvenir shops. The third big name is Reber [dead link] , which has three chocolate shops in the Old Town with a wide range of chocolates, Kugeln and pastettes (Alter Markt 5; Griesgasse 3; Getreidegasse 26). Souvenir shops sell other brands too, which tend to cheap out on their ingredients and are best avoided.
  • The annual Christmas Market ( Christkindlmarkt ), located at the three squares around the dome ( Domplatz, Kapitelplatz, Residenzplatz ) features traditional fast food, such as hot potatoes, doughnuts with kraut, and candies, as well as Christmas decorations, winter clothes, and craftmanship. It opens end of November and closes on Christmas.

Eat [ edit ]

salzburg tourist board

A typical dessert from Salzburg is the Salzburg Nockerl , a tasty baked soufflé best served with ice cream, berries and whipped cream. Good places make it to order, which takes at least 30 minutes, and the serving size is huge: one Nockerl is easily enough for four!

Street food [ edit ]

  • 47.801215 13.042063 1 Salzburger Würstelkönigin , Ferdinand-Hanusch-Platz 5 . Gorgeous hotdogs and great spot to chill by the Salzburg river. The grilled meat sandwich with the Century Sauce (Jahrhundertsoße) is amazing. You can meet the whole world here. ( updated Sep 2022 )
  • 47.801614 13.04478 2 Heisse Kiste , Schwarzstraße 4 . An institution. Recommended are the Leberkäs and the Käsekrainer. Real sausage culture - very tasty. One of the most popular addresses among the people enjoying Salzburg's nightlife to grab a sausage with bread for a midnight snack. ( updated Sep 2022 )
  • 47.799359 13.044021 3 Lechners Würstelstand! , Universitätspl. 18 . If you want to try Austrias original street food in Salzburg, this is the place to go. Very traditional, very tasty. Service is fast. Everything is delicious. ( updated Sep 2022 )
  • 47.799928 13.045463 4 Würstelstand Alter Markt , Alter Markt 3 . The Käsekrainer and the warm sauerkraut are delicious. Tasty fries, Bosna and whatever the sausage heart desires. There might be a queue and then it takes some time... ( updated Sep 2022 )

Winter season [ edit ]

  • 47.801173 13.042025 5 Maroni-Salzburg , Hanuschplatz 1 , ☏ +43 662 824372 . Have roasted chestnuts and a glass of glühwein in the winter season right before you start off to the Christmas Market. Maronibraterei Salzburg ( updated Dec 2021 )

salzburg tourist board

Budget [ edit ]

  • 47.80039 13.04253 6 Wilder Mann , Getreidegasse 20 . Wilder Mann offers traditional Austrian cuisine. The restaurant provides large portions and friendly-service. Smoking is allowed in the restaurant. ( updated Sep 2022 )
  • 47.805398 13.052647 7 Schmankerl , Glockengasse 10 . Affordable meals and you support a social project of the town of Salzburg. Very friendly staff, well attended. The meals are good. ( updated Sep 2022 )
  • 47.799209 13.046614 8 Paninoteca Piccolo Mondo , Waagpl. 5 . A lovely selection of paninis that look really lovely and taste just like Italy. Quality wines and tasty pasta. Recommendation for the antipasti platter. ( updated Sep 2022 )
  • 47.797719 13.049006 9 Burrito Factory , Kaigasse 15 . You feel like you are in a host family who has invited you to dinner in Mexico. You should reserve a table at lunchtime because the restaurant is quite small, which is exactly what makes it so charming. Very friendly service. ( updated Sep 2022 )
  • 47.804749 13.043853 10 Pommes Boutique , Mirabellplatz 7 . A wonderful stop for those who love burgers and fries. Vegetarian options available. Outdoor seating. ( updated Sep 2022 )
  • 47.798536 13.048715 11 Uncle Van , Pfeifergasse 2 . A lovely little place completely unexpected in an otherwise unremarkable street. Great concept to select the ingredients for your wok. Very tasty. Also everyone who wants to eat vegetarian is at the right place here. ( updated Sep 2022 )
  • 47.801567 13.045435 12 Reyna Kebap , Steingasse 3 . Great kebab and very good pizza until late at night. Super Bosna. Very nice staff. ( updated Sep 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

Many of the beer halls listed under Drink are also great mid-range options.

  • 47.8059 13.03577 13 Bärenwirt , Müllner Hauptstraße 8 , ☏ +43 662 422-404 . Traditional food, traditionally furnished restaurant, rather cheap, fabulous beer from the close by Augustiner Bräu. ( updated Sep 2022 )
  • 47.78619 13.06582 14 Raschhofer's Rossbräu , Alpenstraße 48 , ☏ +43 662 626-444 . Traditional, yet somewhat updated, Austrian fare. They serve excellent "Kaiserschmnarrn" a "breakfast" (yet really a dessert). ( updated Sep 2022 )
  • 47.798151 13.04949 15 Zirkel Wirt , Pfeifergasse 14 ( Papagenoplatz ). Delicious traditional and some not-so-traditional food, vegetarian-friendly, great beer, good atmosphere. ( updated Sep 2022 )
  • 47.802334 13.045582 16 Gabler Bräu , Linzergasse 9 , ☏ +43 662 889-650 . Traditional food of high quality, a big selection of salads from the self-service-menu. ( updated Sep 2022 )
  • 47.799337 13.045916 17 Gasthof Goldgasse , Goldgasse 10 , ☏ +43 662 84 82 00 , [email protected] . 7AM - 24AM . Seasonal, regional, and of the highest quality. ( updated Sep 2022 )

Splurge [ edit ]

  • 47.79363 13.00747 18 Hangar 7 / Ikarus , Wilhelm Spazier Straße 7a , ☏ +43 662 2197 . If you seek a special environment for your dinner this is the place, a top-cuisine restaurant and a great bar close to the airport. ( updated Sep 2022 )
  • 47.7992 13.04714 19 KOLLER+KOLLER am Waagplatz - Restaurant & Tagesbar , Waagplatz 2 , ☏ +43 662 842-156 . Excellent Austrian fare in a romantic intimate setting. Just steps away from the Salzburg Cathedral on Mozart Plaza. A 3-course meal for two people with a bottle of wine was about €90. ( updated Sep 2022 )
  • 47.799927 13.040628 21 Restaurant Blaue Gans , 41-43, Getreidegasse . Traditional and noble. Great 'Schnitzel'. ( updated Sep 2022 )

Sweet [ edit ]

  • 47.80198 13.0436 22 Café Sacher Salzburg , Schwarzstraße 5-7, A-5020 Salzburg , ☏ +43 662 - 88 977 0 . Trying the original Sacher-Torte is a must for all chocolate lovers out there. But there's more to Café Sacher than just cake. They also serve delicious hot food at prices cheaper than other touristy places listed here - plus you enjoy the service and ambiance of the Sacher Hotel. ( updated Sep 2022 )

Drink [ edit ]

Beer [ edit ].

  • 47.80527 13.03387 1 Augustiner Bräustübl , Lindhofstrasse 7 ( near Muller Hauptstr, or Augustinergasse 4, On the Mönchsberg, bus stop Landeskrankenhaus, or a 20-min walk along the river from the city center ), ☏ +43 662 431-246 . Augustine monks have been brewing here since 1621. Today it's Austria's largest beer hall, with a lovely garden outside when the weather is nice and enormous inside halls when it isn't. Grab a table, a few ceramic steins of Märzenbier beer straight from the barrel, and pick your favorite Austrian dishes from the market-style shops. Or you can bring your own food (not drinks!) if you want. 1/2L beer €3.60 . ( updated Sep 2022 )
  • The Shamrock , Rudolfskai 12, Judengasse 1 , ☏ +43 662 841-610 . Guinness, cider, German and Austrian beer as well, occasional live music, and a nice atmosphere. Popular with local university students. Expect the place to be packed on a weekend night.  
  • Stiegl Brauwelt , Bräuhausstrasse 9 . Bus stop Bräuhausstrasse on line 1. Tour the brewery and museum and have a Stiegl in the brewery's own pub and beer garden. The tour costs €9 and it includes three 20cl drinks and a gift.  
  • Stieglkeller , Festungsgasse 10 , ☏ +43 662 8426810 . 11:00-23:00 . The Stieglkeller is open from May to September. It offers a small choice of traditional dishes, Stiegl beers, Radler and other drinks. It is most recommendable for its fantastic panoramic view over the city. The lower terrace is with service, though you are expected to consume food there. The upper two terraces are self-service areas.  
  • O'Malley's . Everyone goes here. Great bartenders. Open late for real drinkers.  
  • Die Weisse , Rupertgasse 10 ( near Linzergasse ), ☏ +43 662 872-2460 . Located in one of Salzburg's most historic breweries, this is where all the locals hang out. It's best to make reservations Wednesday through Saturday as it can get crowded. They also serve treats from Bavaria and Salzburg!  

Café [ edit ]

  • Republic , Anton-Neumayr-Platz 2 . A modern café with good breakfast, and a variety of cultural events (Jazz Brunch, Clubbing, special theme parties at night). Turns into one of the most popular places to be during night. ( updated Nov 2018 )
  • Shakespeare , Hubert Sattler Gasse 3 ( close to Mirabell castle ), ☏ +43 662 879 106 . Art café with good Chinese cuisine, cheap lunch menu during the week. ( updated Nov 2018 )
  • Anifer Mühlenbrot , Markatplatz . A tiny bakery with a tasty selection of sweets and snacks, and serves cheap breakfast, even though there is only one table. Try the Berger chocolates. ( updated Nov 2018 )
  • Afro Café , Bürgerspitalgasse ( at the end of Getreidegasse ). A funky, modern café with decoration inspired by urban African style. Offers a variety of unconventional and great food and drinks. ( updated Nov 2018 )
  • Café Sacher Salzburg , Schwarzstraße 5-7, A-5020 Salzburg , ☏ +43 662 - 88 977 0 . Excellent coffee (try the Wiener Melange if you like your cappuccinos) and great cakes and desserts. The Sacher-Torte hardly requires an introduction. But there are more cakes and tortes. The Strudel is great, and if you have a big appetite the Kaiserschmarrn (huge pancake-like dessert with plum confit and lots of sugar!) will not disappoint you. And it's not as expensive as you might imagine given this is a 5-star hotel. In fact, you'll spend the same, if not more, in any other café in the old part of town.  

Sleep [ edit ]

Camping [ edit ].

  • Nord-Sam , Samstraße 22a , ☏ +43 662 660-157 , [email protected] . Decent sized site with a pool, shop, washing facilities, and on a bus route. By car via A1 Salzburg-Wien (Vienna), exit Salzburg-Nord. Follow signs to Nord-Sam after the traffic lights. Takes about 20 minutes to get into the city and is in a peaceful residential area with a supermarket (Spar) a short walk away.  

Hostels [ edit ]

  • [dead link] Hotel Lasserhof Salzburg , Lasserstrasse 47 . This family-run hotel is located within walking distance of the Mirabell Castle and Gardens. Breakfast is included, and is served 07:00-12:00. There is also free Internet access.  
  • [formerly dead link] Youth and Family Guesthouse Salzburg - Hostelling International , Josef Preis Allee 18 , ☏ +43 5 7083-613 , fax : +43 5 7083-611 , [email protected] . Renovated hostel. Breakfast and linens included. Amenities included: internet, café/bar, and a common room. The Sound of Music is shown nightly at 20:00 in the common room. €15.50-43 .  
  • YoHo (International Youth Hotel Salzburg) , Paracelsusstraße 9 , ☏ +43 662 879-649 , fax : +43 662 878-810 , [email protected] . Check-in: 11:00 , check-out: 10:00 . The Youth Hotel offers guests clean rooms at reasonable prices. They also show The Sound of Music every morning at 10:30. €19-29 .  
  • Landesberufsschülerheim Aigen - Hosteling International , Aignerstaße 34 , ☏ +43 662 623248 , fax : +43 662 623248 4 . This hostel has 156 beds and a fitness room.  
  • Landesberufsschülerheim Haunspergstraße - Hosteling International , Haunspergstraße 27 , ☏ +43 662 875-030 , fax : +43 662 883-477 , [email protected] . 24 rooms all with an attached washroom and Internet access.  
  • Eduard Heinrich Haus - Hosteling International , Eduard-Heinrich-Straße 2 , ☏ +43 662 625-976 , fax : +43 662 627-980 , [email protected] . The hostel is open 365 days a year, and offers its guests Internet and a TV room. Most of the rooms have an attached washroom. Prices start from €16.  
  • Muffin Hostel Salzburg , Hegigasse 9 , ☏ +43 664 63 67 635 , [email protected] . The hostel is opened from 13 July till 6 September and offers wide range of facilities, great location and superb prices starting from €21.  
  • A&O Hostel Salzburg Hauptbahnhof , Fanny-von-Lehnert-Straße 4 , ☏ +43 662 2342000 , [email protected] . Rooms for couples, groups and families for very cheap rates. Close to the main train station. rates starting from €11 .  

salzburg tourist board

  • Gasthaus Hinterbrühl , Schanzlgasse 12 , ☏ +43 622 846-798 , fax : +43 622 841-859 . Edge of old town in a building constructed in 1380, the plumbing is slightly more modern. €37-70 (without breakfast) or €42-85 (with breakfast) .  
  • AllYouNeed Hotel Salzburg , Glockengasse 4b , [email protected] . The hotel is open from 1 July to 30 September and has 69 non-smoking rooms en-suite with hairdryer, flat-TV with cable access, telephone and free internet, 1 handicapped accessible room, breakfast buffet and breakfast room with a panorama terrace overlooking the rooftops of Salzburg, lift, lobby with seating, parking (extra charge), luggage storage, concierge service.  
  • Hotel Gasthof Kamml , Brückenstraße 5 , ☏ +43 662-850267 , fax : +43 662 850267-13 , [email protected] .  
  • City Hotel Wolf-Dietrich , Wolf-Dietrich-Straße 7 ( Old Town ) , ☏ +43 662 871-275 , fax : +43 662 871275-9 , [email protected] . The hotel has rooms decorated in a classic style. Each room has a private bathroom and minibar. The hotel also offers its guests an organic breakfast buffet. Rooms start from €75 and vary according to season.  
  • Hotel Haus Arenberg , Blumensteinstraße 8 , ☏ +43 662 640097 , [email protected] . Quietly located on a slope of the Kapuzinerberg this Hotel Garni "House Arenberg" offers a special kind of stay. The view of the City with its breathtaking mountain panorama as well as the sophisticated atmosphere of the Salzburgian lifestyle give the feeling of country-live in the midst of the city.  
  • Hotel Auersperg , Auerspergstraße 61 , ☏ +43 662 889-440 , [email protected] . Part of the Golden Tulip chain but with an independent feel, this hotel is just off the Linzergasse, close to all old town sights and a pleasant 5-10 min walk into the city centre. Free mulled wine, a fantastic rooftop sauna/spa/winter garden complex (also free) and free wi-fi internet access all over the hotel. Breakfast buffet included and served until 11:00. €85-180 (low season) to €120-240 (high season) .  
  • Hotel Trumer Stube , Bergstraße 6 , ☏ +43 662 874-776 , +43 662 875-168 , fax : +43 622 874-326 , [email protected] . Family-run three-star hotel just off the Linzergasse, close to all old town sights. Hosts are exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable. Breakfast buffet included. €89-125 (low season) to €133-161 (high season) .  
  • Ambiente-Hotel Struber , Nonntaler Haupstrasse 35 , ☏ +43 662 84 37 28 , fax : +43 622 84 37 28 8 , [email protected] . Family-run hotel, set in a central location, with spacious rooms, near the old town, yet surrounded by meadows. Rooms reflecting Salzburg tradition, feature shower (or bath tub), toilet, phone, satellite TV and radio. Some rooms have balcony with view of Salzburg Castle.Car park right in front of the hotel. €90-126 (low season) to €138-168 (high season) .  
  • 47.80538 13.04858 3 NH Salzburg City , Franz-Josef-Strasse 26 , ☏ +43-662-8820410 . This 4-star hotel offers comfortable rooms and is located in the heart of the city. The hotel itself is very modern and offers many amenities to make the stay very comfortable. Rooms from €65 .  
  • 47.80899 13.0541 5 Holiday Inn , Sterneckstrasse 21 . Well furnished rooms. Reasonable breakfast, good service. A little way out of the centre of town. Has parking, some free, mostly paid. €120 .  
  • [formerly dead link] Romantik & Spa Hotel Gmachl , Dorfstrasse 14 - 5161 Elixhausen , ☏ +43 48 02 12 72 , fax : +43 48 02 12 72-12 . - On the green outskirts of the city, just about an 8 km drive from Salzburg’s historic heart, you will find the Romantik Hotel Gmachl, the oldest family-run establishment in all of Austria (established in 1334). The hotel offers 35 luxurious rooms, an accredited restaurant and an exclusive Spa & Beauty area, boasting a bio-sauna, infrared cabin, aroma steam bath, fitness room, mist grotto, tanning studio and an outdoor pool heated year-round.  
  • Hotel Bergrose , A-5350 Strobl Weissenbach 162 , ☏ +43 61 37 - 54 31 , fax : +43 61 37 54 31-5 , [email protected] . Hotel Bergrose is a very romantic hotel at the legendary Wolfgangsee close to Salzburg.  

Connect [ edit ]

salzburg tourist board

Salzburg has 4G from all Austrian carriers. As of Sept 2021, 5G has not reached the city.

Wifi is widely available in public places.

Cope [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

  • Hallein (22 000 inhabitants) with the Hallein Salt Mine [dead link] also known as Salzbergwerk Dürrnberg .
  • Bad Reichenhall (Germany) and Berchtesgaden (Germany)
  • If you get tired of the city you can visit the ice caves south of Salzburg
  • Oberndorf , a small city next to Salzburg where Silent Night, Holy Night , the famous Christmas song, was composed and premiered. You can see the Silent Night Chapel there.
  • For people who prefer nature to sights, hiking on the Untersberg [dead link] , a trip to Salzkammergut or the Königssee (Germany), or a visit to Bad Ischl may be interesting.
  • Hallstatt , a UNESCO world heritage city, can be reached in about 2 hours by bus through Bad Ischl , or 3 hours by train through Attnang-Puchheim .
  • Freilassing (Germany) is a small German town just across the border, 10-15 minutes by train. Some locals prefer to shop here as goods are slightly cheaper than in Austria.
  • Salzburg is about 2 hours from Munich (Germany) and Passau (Germany), 2 hours from Vienna , and is only a stone's throw from the Alps .

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Visit Salzburg: Top 17 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in salzburg : the 17 best places to visit and highlights.

You want to visit Salzburg , in Austria , and you’re looking for the best places to visit?

You’re at the right place!

The hometown of Mozart is famous for its historical center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , castles and many museums .

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this guide of the 17 best places to visit in Salzburg , with all points of interest and must-see attractions.

In addition to this list of things to do and activities, I will also give you itineraries to visit Salzburg in 1, 2, or 3 days as well as my selection of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Salzburg? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. Hohensalzburg Fortress

2. nonnberg abbey, 3. st peter’s abbey, 4. salzburg st. rupert cathedral, 5. the domquartier in salzburg, 6. mozart’s birthplace, 7. getreidegasse, 8. mirabell castle, 9. hellbrunn palace, 10. best things to do in salzburg with kids: visit the salzburg zoo, 11. salzburg museums, 12. the salzburg festival, 13. boat trip on the salzach, 14. best things to do in salzburg at night, 15. hohenwerfen castle, 16. hallein salt mine, 17. daytrips from salzburg, 18. sports activities in and around salzburg, how many days to spend in salzburg, salzburg in 1 day, salzburg in 2 days, where to stay in salzburg, where to eat in salzburg, how to get to salzburg, salzburg tourist map, you’re traveling in austria these articles will help you, visiting salzburg: 17 must-see attractions.

When it comes to the must-see attractions in Salzburg, Hohensalzburg Fortress unquestionably takes the top spot.

Overlooking the entire city , this fortress whose construction began in the early 11th century (and ended five centuries later) is one of Europe’s most well preserved castles.

Originally serving as protection for the entire principality and the archbishops against hostile attacks. It perfectly fulfilled its purpose since it remained untouched during its ten centuries of existence!

Nowadays, you can visit the inner part of Hohensalzburg and discover among others the Golden Hall and Golden Chamber . An absolute must-see for its magnificent Gothic wood carvings!

Oh, and if you’re looking for thrills, you can also take a look at the dungeons and torture chambers .

Two museums , the Festungsmuseum and the Rainermuseum within the Castle will also teach you about the life of the princes archbishop and Austrian army over the centuries.

You’ll also enjoy a perfect view of all of Salzburg from the fortress .

Finally, if you’re wondering what to do at night in Salzburg , you really should attend one of the many classical music concert given in the fortress. You should <a1>book your tickets by clicking directly here</a1> !

Hohensalzburg Fortress is located on top of a hill so feel free to catch the funicular from the Festungsgasse alley to get there. The view is really nice. You’ll also find a path that gets you directly to the top of the fortress… if you’re the energetic type.

If you plan on visiting Salzburg, you should get the Salzburg Card (I’ll explain it in detail further below). It includes the Funicular ride and visit to Hohensalzburg Fortress .

Save time and purchase it in advance by clicking on the green button below:

If you don’t want to get the Salzburg pass, you should still buy your entrance ticket to the fortress in advance by clicking here !

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Nonnberg Abbey , another major tourist site in Salzburg is a 10-minute walk from the fortress, at the base of the hill.

The baroque-style abbey houses sumptuous 12th century frescoes and offers a stunning view of the Alps.

It is however mostly famous around the world for having inspired the hugely popular Hollywood flick “The Sound of Music” .

The film focuses on the true story of Maria, a Nonnberg convent’s novice sent to Baron Von Trapp, a wealthy widower, to look after his 7 children.

After breaking her vows, Maria would eventually marry him and become Baroness Von Trapp. If you want to know the rest of the story, you should then give a go to this classic piece of cinema.

The film brought international recognition to Salzburg and every year more than 300,000 visitors wander the city in search of the filming locations.

Besides the abbey, “The Sound of Music” was also shot at Mirabell Castle and Leopoldskron Castle .

To experience the story of the Von Trapp family during your visit to Salzburg you should definitely book a guided tour of the filming locations now .

Nonnberg Abbey

Another must-see edifice in Salzburg is St. Peter’s Abbey.

Founded in 696, it’s one of the oldest Austrian Benedictine monasteries .

Just next to the abbey, you’ll find St. Peter’s Church . Throughout the centuries, it has undergone multiple rebuilds due to fires, resulting in a captivating fusion of Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles. The overall look is extremely appealing, both inside and out.

Within the Abbey, you’ll also find “Stiftskeller St. Peter,” a remarkable restaurant featuring a stunning hall where delightful dinner concerts showcasing the musical genius of Mozart are regularly performed by artists dressed in period costumes. A truly immersive experience!

The restaurant’s menu consists of traditional recipes from the 17 th and 18 th centuries . If you are interested in experiencing an original and quality evening during your trip in Salzburg, you should book your seats by clicking the button below :

During your stay, you should also pause by the cemetery right next door, where you will find the tombstones of famous Austrian artists, scholars and celebrities , including Mozart’s sister .

Don’t forget to explore the fascinating local catacombs that date back to the classical era.

St Peter's Abbey, Salzburg

To stay on the topic of religious monuments not to be missed in Salzburg , you should also give Salzburg St. Rupert’s Cathedral a go.

It’s the most important religious edifice in the city .

The cathedral, built from the seventeenth century onwards in the Baroque style, is actually the place where Mozart was baptized .

He also volunteered there as the church’s organ player for a few years. Nowadays it holds the relics of St. Rupert and many archbishops’ graves .

With its imposing marble facade and two towers , it is also a very photogenic place to check out in Salzburg. So don’t hold back, and spend some time there during your stay in this city.

Admission is included in the Salzburg Card but if you don’t want the card, you can also book :

  • A ticket for the cathedral visit + audioguide
  • A guided tour of the cathedral
  • Your seat for the organ concert in the cathedral at midday (concert + entrance ticket)

Salzburg St. Rupert cathedral

Another must-see place of interest in Salzburg, the DomQuartier . Located just 2 steps from the cathedral at the Residenzplatz , it’s one of Salzburg’s major cultural and tourist attractions.

The DomQuartier is a distinctly modern touristic area as it brings together several museums in various historical sites . A single admission ticket gives you access to 5 museums .

Visiting the DomQuartier allows you to discover:

  • The Princes Archbishop’s Residence and its sumptuous ceremonial rooms.
  • The Residence Gallery and its fine collection of European paintings.
  • The terrace on the arcades with its unique viewpoint of Salzburg.
  • The gallery of the organ of the Dome
  • The Dom Museum
  • The Cabinet of curiosities
  • Saint Peter’s Museum.

The tour is extremely well organized and exceedingly interesting . It allows you to explore the historical sites and learn more about the history of Salzburg and its princes archbishop.

Allow about 2 hours for the visit. Admission is free with the Salzburg Card .

If you don’t take the card, you should still book your ticket + audio guide to visit the DomQuartier by clicking here !

You’re going to Salzburg?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Salzburg on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Salzburg.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Salzburg, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Salzburg!

The DomQuartier

During your Salzburg tour, go take a look at #9 on Getreidegasse . There you’ll find Mozart’s birthplace .

His parents moved there in 1747 and it was on January 27, 1756 that his mother gave birth to the not-yet-but-soon-to-be famous Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He would spend all of his childhood and part of his adolescence in this house before moving with his parents a little further down the road to Mamkartplatz.

Mozart later moved to Vienna , where he died on December 7, 1791.

The house is now a 3-story museum .

Here you will find portraits of the famous composer, musical instruments that belonged to him as well as varius furniture and artefacts re-creating a classical interior from the 18th century period.

Admission is included with the Salzburg Card .

If you have an interest in Mozart’s life , you also grab the opportunity to book a reservation (click on the orange link for info):

  • A private Mozart-themed tour including admission to his birthplace.
  • A guided walking tour of Salzburg featuring an introduction to the old city and the history of Mozart.

Mozart's birthplace

One of the most beautiful streets in the old town of Salzburg is the Getreidegasse , and this is where you’ll find Mozart’s birthplace (as mentionned above).

With its hand forged iron signs (even the local McDonald’s has its own!), traditional houses and arched passageways, the street has a very authentic feel to it and is the perfect place to stroll in Salzburg.

There you’ll find many traditional stores, major fashion brands , boutiques selling the region’s local and typical products and obviously loads of cafes and restaurants .

The perfect place to go for a little shopping break in Salzburg .

If you want to thoroughly visit Salzburg and in particular want to learn more about its history , you can also book a guided walking tour of the city .

The tour lasts 2 1/2 hours , enough time for you to wander around the old town and especially the Getreidegasse. 

Getreidegasse

Visiting Salzburg also means discovering Mirabell Castle and its gardens . You can get there from Getreidegasse by taking the Makartsteg pedestrian bridge .

It’s construction started in 1606 by order of Prince Archbishop Wolf for his mistress Salome Alt. The name “Mirabell” meaning “admirable” and “beautiful”, the Prince was definitely a seducer!

This sublime Baroque structure now houses the mayor’s and the city’s administration offices. You can still get in to gaze at the Marble Hall , a majestic room ranked among the most beautiful wedding venues in the world (if you know a Prince that wants to get married, tell him about the place).

Mozart gave a few concerts there in his days and the castle also served as a decor for the world-renowned “The Sound of Music” movie.

To perpetuate its musical tradition it now hosts philharmonic orchestras like Vienna’s or Berlin’s.

If you want to hear Mozart’s works played by talented musicians in a sumptuous setting , don’t wait any longer and book your tickets in advance here .

You can also get a combo with dinner at the Grand Sheraton’s Mirabell Restaurant + classical concert night at Mirabell Castle. Just click on this link to book !

It’s not only the castle you get to enjoy at Mirabell, the gardens are just as magnificent . Along with the view over the cathedral and fortress , the place is truly a must-see in Salzburg .

As you walk through the gardens, you’ll be able to enjoy:

  • The Pegasus Fountain
  • The Great Fountain and its 4 statues as symbolic of the 4 elements.
  • The hedge theater , one of the oldest theaters of greenery in existence.
  • The rose garden
  • The orangery
  • The Dwarf Garden , consisting of 28 white marble dwarves, the garden’s main attraction at the time.

To visit Salzburg and easily get from one place of interest to another, you should book a ticket for the multi-stop bus that runs throughout the city.

It passes by Mirabell Castle and the Hellbrun Palace .

You will also be provided with an audio guide .

Book your ticket for the Salzburg sightseeing bus now by clicking here!

View from the Mirabell Castle gardens

Hellbrunn Palace lies south of Salzburg, at the foot of the Hellbrunner Berg.

Built in 1612 to serve as the summer residence of one of the princes archbishop , it is one of the most lavish examples of Renaissance-style architecture .

You can visit the Palace’s interior but there’s not much to see. The main attraction is its immense garden and hugely popular water games .

To impress and especially entertain his guests the archbishop had a whole mechanized show on the theme of water installed in his garden .

There you’ll find many animated fountains and more than 200 automated machines handling tools or musical instruments in an attempt at reproducing the city’s everyday life of the time. The caves of Neptune and Venus are a must-see.

The garden is the perfect place for a family outing in Salzburg. In addition to the water features, there is a large playground for kids and plenty of trails to walk around or just relax.

Access to the garden is free.

Voyage Tips - Advice To get to Hellbrun Castle, take bus line 25 . You’ll find one of this line’s bus stop next to Mozart’s birthplace. The journey to the garden takes about 15 minutes.

Hellbrunn Palace

The Salzburg Zoo is adjacent to Hellbrunn Palace. It was built on the former archbishop’s game park grounds.

The zoo will be a delight for the whole family with over 1,200 animals and 140 different species .

You’ll be able to say hello to a few lions, linx and even white rhinos if you’re lucky. The 14 hectares (35 acres) park is well designed and divided into different areas for each continent. It is well maintained and the animals do not seem (too) cramped.

Following the visit to the water works, this is the perfect place to carry on your family day out . Allow approximately 2 hours for the visit.

Admission to the zoo is included with the Salzburg Card .

Salzburg Zoo

The city of Salzburg boasts plenty of other interesting museums in addition to the ones I’ve already mentioned.

I have prepared a list to help you organize your visits in accordance with your own personal preferences:

  • The Natural History Museum and its exhibits ranging from the dinosaurs to the human body, physical sciences and even aeronautics. A very entertaining and interactive museum.
  • The Salzburg Museum of Modern Art and its collection of works from the 20 th and 21 th centuries.
  • The Salzburg Museum focusing on the history of the city and its residents.
  • Hangar-7 and its collection of planes, helicopters and even Formula 1 cars.

If you were wondering what to do in Salzburg when it’s raining , you now have a good set of options!

Hangar-7 Museum in Salzburg

The Salzburg Festival is one of the most famous festivals in the world .

Held annually in the summer, it features opera/theater performances and classical music concerts. The world’s top artists perform here each year to the delight of the spectators.

With more than 200 performances given over a 90-day time frame, it’s a marathon! Its richness and diversity are internationally praised.

You could attend “The Magic Flute” by Mozart or a concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra during this spectacular event.

Shows are performed primarily in the Grand Palace of Festivities, Mozart’s House, the Felsenreitschule (litteraly rocks riding school) and on the Cathedral plaza .

If you have decided to go to Salzburg in the summer it’s a must-see!

The Salzburg Festival

For a little quiet stroll in Salzburg, I recommend taking a mini-cruise on the Salzach, the river that winds through the city. An excellent way for you to discover the city’s numerous monuments from another angle .

Several Salzburg cruises available: 1) The classic tour which takes about 40 minutes. Book this Salzburg boat trip here:

2) Mini-cruise + visit to Hellbrunn Castle package.

Departing from Salzburg, the boat will take you to the Hellbrunn quay where a double-decker bus will be waiting to drop you off at the castle entrance. Interior tour + 1 priority access to the garden fountains included in the package .

After your visit, you will be taken back to Salzburg the same way you came.

Book your boat ride in Salzburg + visit to Hellbrunn now by clicking on the button below:

3) Cruise + dinner and concert in the Hohensalzburg Fortress

This package includes a 40 minutes cruise and the funicular ride to the fortress. You’ll then be seated in the panoramic restaurant to enjoy an exquisite dinner followed by a concert dedicated to Mozart .

You can also book your cruise + concert only (dinner not included) by clicking here !

4) Cruise in an amphibious vehicle (+ audio guide)

If you want an alternative suggestion for a night activity in Salzburg , you should definitely try out the ghost-themed tour !

You’ll get to know all the dark legends of the city as you set out on a witch hunt and learn more about the fun and inventive torture methods they used in medieval times.

To book this activity in Salzburg, click here!

Best things to do in Salzburg

If you’ve decided to stay for a few days in Salzburg , you can also use the time you have to visit the neighborhood .

Here’s my advice on the best things to do around Salzburg

At this point, if you are not fed up with visiting castles then you should definitely check out Hohenwerfen Castle .

It’s a 40-minute drive south of Salzburg.

You’ll find among other things the royal apartments, the arsenal, a chapel, the dungeon and the torture room of this 11th century castle . It also features several exhibits including one on its history and a digital, interactive exhibit on the wizarding world.

Unique feature: the castle is also home to the historic Salzburg Falconry . It houses a dedicated museum and offers flying demonstrations of birds of prey such as eagles and falcons.

Since the castle is a really touristy site and one of the most visited around Salzburg, remember to book your entrance ticket in advance . You’ll have the choice of going up with or without the funicular and the audio guide is included:

It’s a must-see around Salzburg, especially if you’ve decided to bring your kids along in Austria . The Hallein Salt Mine is a 20-minute drive from Salzburg.

The mine visit provides an opportunity to learn all about the salt extraction process through a guided tour of the tunnels. All and all a very fun and playful visit since you’ll first ride the mine train that will take you into the depths of the mine.

You’ll then go down a 50-meter slide to access the underground lake where a boat awaits you for a small cruise embellished by a digital sound and light show .

You’ll wrap up the experience with a tour of the Celtic village of Hallein .

Purchase your tickets to the salt mine by clicking the button below:

When departing from Salzburg, you’ll be spoilt for choice if you want to go on a day trip in the surrounding area.

They all include return transportation to Salzburg and guide for 1 day.

I’ve selected the best ones for you below. Just click on the links highlighted in orange to get all the information, rates and proceed with the reservation :

  • Half Day Excursion to Hallstatt – Stroll through this charming, picturesque village and get to enjoy its superb lakefront.
  • From Salzburg: lakes and mountains in the Salzkammergut – Explore the mountainous region around Salzburg and discover Lake Wolfgang on a boat trip.
  • Combined excursion to Hallstatt and Salzkammergut – A perfect blend of the previous 2 excursions, without the lake cruise.
  • Tour of Berchtesgaden salt mines and underground lake – Transportation included. Same as for the Hallein Salt Mine with a guide here to tell you all about the salt extraction process. Mine slides and boat ride on the underground lake included.
  • From Salzburg: visit Kehlsteinhaus and Berchtesgaden – Discover the Bavarian Alps and the “Eagle’s Nest”, vacation home of the infamous Adolf Hitler.
  • Combined excursion of the salt mines + Eagle’s Nest – A combination of the 2 excursions above.
  • Combined excursion to salt mines + Salzkammergut – Sightseeing in Berchtesgaden + cruise on Lake Wolfgang.

Hallstatt

In addition to the typical tourist visits, you can take advantage of your stay in Salzburg to indulge in some great activities :

  • A 15 to 30 minute paragliding initiation to contemplate the Austrian landscape from way up above
  • A paragliding flight from Mount Gaisberg starting at 1,287 meters above sea level
  • A paragliding initiation flight from Mount Bischling at an elevation of 1,834 meters
  • A paragliding initiation in thermal flight with twists and turns and acrobatics (still at Mount Bischling)
  • Canyoning – Beginner Level 
  • Canyoning – Intermediate level
  • Canyoning – Advanced Level / And for the experts among you, you should absolutely try canyoning in the Fischbach Gorge. Book here !
  • A rafting trip down the Salzach River – Beginner level / For those who’ve done it before, the “athletic” variant can be booked here !
  • Supsquatch on the Salzach River , a kind of giant paddleboard that you ride on with several people.
  • A zip line descent : 1,600 meters long and 143 meters off the ground! With a top speed of 130 km/h it is one of the fastest in Europe!

Another exceptional activity: ever thought about booking a private helicopter tour ? Do it in Salzburg! All information is available here !

You should spend 2 days in Salzburg to be able to visit all the places of interest I’ve told you about in this top 17 things to do and see.

All the monuments are in easy reach and you can tour the entire city on foot . Except for Hellbrun Castle , where you should grab the bus since it’s a bit outside the city center.

If you also plan on discovering the city’s surroundings you should stay at least 3 days in Salzburg.

You should also get the Salzburg Card .

As mentioned above, it will give you access to most of the monuments for free, the funicular, Hohensalzburg Fortress and the DomQuartier .

The card also includes unlimited access to public transportation and a scenic boat tour + discounts on a variety of tours around Salzburg .

It will quickly pay for itself. Since I’ll always try to make it easy for you, you can get it directly from the button below:

To visit Salzburg in 1 day you should try the following itinerary:

  • Cable ride to Hohensalzburg Fortress and tour of the fortress’ interiors
  • Make a stop at Nonnberg Abbey and experience some of the memorable scenes from the movie “The Sound of Music” once again
  • Take a tour of the DomQuartier to see St. Peter’s Church, the cathedral, and the former residence of the princes archbishop.
  • Lunch break
  • Discovery of the famous Mozart’s birthplace and Getreidegasse , the street with a thousand signs.
  • End your day at Mirabell Palace and its splendid gardens .

In the evening, you can also join a Ghost Tour .

Your guide will take you to the “dark side” of the city by telling you all the witch stories and legends , explaining medieval torture methods , and relating various strange events that have occurred.

And for those who may be in a hurry or cannot walk too much, do not hesitate to take a hop-on-hop-off tourist bus. It truly is the best way to see everything in a day without getting tired .

You can buy your Hop-On Hop-Off city tour here !

To visit Salzburg in 2 days , you should follow the one-day above itinerary and add:

  • The discovery of Hellbrunn Palace and its water games .
  • Visit to the zoo located right next door.
  • Remaining afternoon in one or more of the city’s museums such as the Salzburg Museum or the Museum of Natural History (a must if you travel with your kids).

To help you prepare your stay, I have selected for you the best accommodations in Salzburg according to your budget .

Here are the best places to stay in Salzburg:

  • Stadtalm Naturfreundehaus : Hostel located near the Salzburg Museum of Modern Art. Dormitory beds from €25, breakfast included. Access is not very easy as it is on top of a hill, and the rooms are a bit small, but the view, on the other hand, is extraordinary. This is the best price for a hostel in Salzburg. Other ones start at €50, which is a bit expensive for a simple dormitory bed.
  • Motel One Salzburg-Süd : Hotel located 4 km from the center of Salzburg. A bus stop right in front allows you to reach the center in just 10 minutes (and remember, with the Salzburg Card it’s free). Spacious and modern double room from €100 per night, breakfast at €9.5. Strong Points: quiet location, comfortable bedding, excellent breakfast. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money !
  • H+ Hotel Salzburg : Located 15 minutes walk from Mirabell Palace. Modern and comfortable double room from €120 per night, breakfast at €17. Strong points: breakfast room with mountain views, comfortable beds, shops, and restaurants nearby.
  • Hotel Sacher Salzburg : 5-star hotel located in the heart of Salzburg’s old town and by the river. Comfortable and spacious double rooms, each uniquely furnished, from €400 per night, breakfast at €35. Strong points: central location for walking to all sights, very friendly staff, excellent bedding, high-quality and plentiful breakfast, view of the fortress. The best hotel in Salzburg for a luxury stay !

Salzburg

  • Gablerbrau : Located at 9 Linzer Gasse. This restaurant offers traditional Austrian dishes in a cozy atmosphere. The dishes are generous and varied. Great value for money.
  • Barenwirt : Located by the river at 8 Mullner Main Street. Here, too, typical Austrian cuisine is on the menu! The portions are more than generous and very delicious, and the prices are quite low. If you’re looking for an authentic restaurant, this is the right choice. Reservation is highly recommended and even a few days in advance.
  • Organic Pizza Salzburg : If you’re a bit tired of Austrian cuisine, nothing beats a good pizza! Located at 24 Franz-Josef-Strasse, this small establishment offers very good organic pizzas with homemade dough. Vegans can also enjoy their meal here.

If you want to learn how to cook some Austrian specialties like the emblematic dessert, apfelstrudel , you should book this cooking class .

The workshop lasts 1h30 during which you will prepare a strudel and a Salzburger Nockerl (a soufflé served as a dessert). Lunch also includes a soup before you get to enjoy your desserts.

Book your cooking workshop in Salzburg directly with the button below:

To reach Salzburg from France , you can take a flight from Paris. No other direct flights from France. If you’re departing from another city, you’ll have at least one layover.

You can also choose to first land in Vienna and then head to Salzburg. Allow:

  • Approximately 3 hours by car
  • At least 7 hours by bus for about €30, not the fastest and not even most economical option!
  • 2h20 for €20 by train, which is the best option if you don’t want to rent a car.

You should check the train schedules and fares before leaving and book your tickets here :

Flight prices to Austria can vary greatly, so it’s a good idea to compare them as early as possible. For this, you can use our flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner. This ensures you get the best price.

Once on the results page, don’t hesitate to compare several websites to make sure no fees are added to the final prices.

To help you visualize the city a bit better, I’ve created a tourist map of Salzburg listing the places to visit that I talk about in this top 17 things to do. You can display the map legend by clicking the button with a small arrow at the top left corner.

Discover all my articles about Austria : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Austria are listed there.

  • 20 Best Things to Do in Austria : all best places to visit and activities
  • Itinerary: One week in Austria – The perfect itinerary for your 7-8 days trip to Austria
  • Graz: TOP 10 best places to visit
  • Hallstatt: TOP 6 things to do during your stay
  • Innsbruck: The 15 best things to do and see
  • Linz: TOP 12 places to visit and must-see attractions
  • Salzburg: The 17 best things to do
  • Vienna: TOP 25 tourist attractions  

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Best places to visit in Salzburg

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Full Suitcase Travel Blog

17+ BEST Places to See & Things to Do in Salzburg, Austria (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 18, 2024

17+ BEST Places to See & Things to Do in Salzburg, Austria (+Map & Tips)

Thinking of visiting Salzburg in Austria and wondering what there’s to see and do in the city? In this guide, we cover all the musts, top sights, most important landmarks, and things to do in Salzburg that are worth your time the most. For each place, we also include our experience-based tips and useful information for your visit. Take a look!

Instantly recognizable as the beautiful backdrop to the iconic movie ‘The Sound of Music’, the romantic city of Salzburg is steeped in history and rich in culture. Mozart was born here and the city’s tradition of music remains strong. There are numerous performances and concerts every night and various festivals held annually.

But there is so much more to this charming city than its musical heritage. From its scenic location in the foothills of the Alps to its exquisite architecture and wonderful food, Salzburg is a destination that has a lot to offer to any type of traveler.

In this guide, we share all the main sights and attractions in Salzburg , as well as useful tips for visiting this beautiful and vibrant city for the first time. We also created a map indicating all the top places to see in Salzburg – you can find it at the bottom of this article.

TIP: Be sure to buy the Salzburg Card to last the duration of your visit. It gives you free and fast access to many of the city’s main attractions and includes free public transportation too. It will quickly pay for itself, even if you only visit a few of the main highlights in Salzburg in one day! If you spend 2-3 days in the city and surroundings, this card offers incredible value.

READ ALSO: Salzburg 1 Day Itinerary & Salzburg 2 Days Itinerary

Mozart statue on Mozartplatz in Salzburg, Austria

These are the very best places to see and things to do in Salzburg:

1. Mirabell Palace & Gardens

Built early in the 17th century by prince-archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his wife, Mirabell Palace and Gardens is one of the most beautiful places in Salzburg. The palace, the manicured gardens, the fountains, the views – everything is so beautiful. A visit here is like stepping into a fairytale!

Mirabell Palace is home to the Angel Staircase and the famous Marble Hall , considered one of the most beautiful wedding halls in the world. Mozart once made music here, and these days, you can attend a Mozart concert here almost every evening .

Good to know: Normally, you can visit the Angel Staircase (daily from 8 am to 6 pm) and the Marble Hall (Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8 am to 4 pm and Tuesday and Friday from 1 pm to 4 pm), and the entrance is free of charge. However, the Marble Hall is frequently used to host weddings and other important ceremonies, in which case it’s closed to visitors. So if you absolutely want to see this beautiful hall from the inside and it’s closed, see if you can book concert tickets instead.

The real attraction here, though, are the gardens . Designed in a geometrical Baroque style, they are so beautiful, especially in the warmer months when all the flowers are blooming.

You can see the Pegasus Fountain here, along with the palace Chapel consecrated in 1726. You can also see a Dwarf Garden containing 17 dwarves made from white Untersberg marble, plus an Orangery and an ornamental Rose Garden.

Good to know: If the Pegasus Fountain looks familiar to you, that’s probably because it was used as another location in the ‘Sound of Music’. It was here that Maria and the children danced as they sang ‘Do Re Mi’.

Mirabell Palace Gardens with a view on Hohensalzburg Fortress - best places to visit in Salzburg

2. Old Town

Salzburg Old Town is filled with stunning architecture, grand squares, and picturesque streets and alleys. It’s here that you’ll find most of the city’s historic buildings, landmarks, and museums. At the same time, it’s also a very lively place with lots of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

It would be impossible to list every place that’s worth seeing here, and the best way to experience the historic old town is to simply walk around and see ‘everything’. The good thing is that the historic old town is quite compact and so it’s actually quite easy to do.

Below, you can find some information about the main places not to miss in Salzburg’s old town, and we also indicated all of them on our map further below.

Horse and carriage on Residenzplatz in Salzburg Austria

Some of the main places not to miss include the major squares around the cathedral: Alter Markt , Residenzplatz , Mozartplatz , Domplatz , and Kapitelplatz . They all interconnect and so you basically just walk from one to the other, trying to absorb the incredible atmosphere around you.

On the Alter Markt , you’ll find the historic Café Tomaselli, the oldest café in Austria. On Mozartplatz – the statue of Mozart, and on Kapitelplatz – a huge golden ball with a sculpture of a man standing on top of it. In the middle of Domplatz , right in front of the cathedral entrance, stands a statue of the Virgin Mary with a Child and four allegoric statues around it.

Residenzplatz is home to the impressive bell tower of Salzburg Carillon ( Salzburger Glockenspiel ) – its 35 bells play various songs three times a day (at 7 am, 11 am, and 6 pm). Here, you’ll also see the impressive baroque fountain with horses.

This is also the place where horse-drawn carriage rides start. Residenzplatz is also home to some lesser-visited museums that might be worth it if you have lots of extra time for sightseeing.

Fountain on Residenzplatz and Salzburg Carillon in the old town of Salzburg Austria

You also really can’t miss Getreidegasse , the most beautiful pedestrian shopping street in Salzburg. Every store here has a really unique sign on its facade, making the street really picturesque. Another charming old street to check out is the Goldgasse that connects Alter Markt with Residenzplatz.

Be sure to also check out the Franziskanergasse , a small street where the Franciscan Monastery is located. The gothic interior of the church is very impressive.

And finally, I also recommend a small detour to Marstallschwemme – Pferdeschwemme . The fountain with big murals depicting horses stands at the base of Mönchsberg, with the steep cliffs of the mountain right behind it. This is one of the two preserved horse baths in Salzburg.

Goldgasse in Salzburg old town

3. Mozart’s Birthplace

Mozart’s Birthplace is one of the city’s main tourist attractions and definitely a ‘must see’ when you visit Salzburg. It was here – in this bright yellow building at Getreidegasse 9 – that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on 27 January 1756.

He lived here throughout his childhood and much of his youth (until the age of 17) in a middle-class apartment on the third floor. You can take a stroll through the apartment itself, which has been reconstructed as accurately as possible with items from everyday life and 18th-century furniture.

Pieces on display include original letters and certificates documenting Mozart’s life, several portraits painted during his lifetime, and his own clavichord and violin. There is even a lock of hair – believed to be Mozart’s – attached to a letter he wrote in 1777!

Although the museum is small and the number of exhibits quite limited, it feels very special to stand in the footsteps of the great composer and get a glimpse of life as he may have seen it.

TIP: Try to visit early in the morning, before the tour groups arrive. Alternatively, come here an hour or 30 minutes before the closing time. As you can imagine, the museum gets VERY busy!

Practical information: Mozart’s Birthplace is open daily, with hours varying a bit per season. More info here . Free entry is included on the Salzburg Card .

Mozart's Birthplace - one of the top places to see in Salzburg, Austria

4. DomQuartier Salzburg

A UNESCO World Heritage site, DomQuartier Salzburg is a stunning attraction made up of a complex of baroque buildings built around three courtyards.

It was created by the prince-archbishops of Salzburg more than 400 years ago. Originally it contained both their residential quarters and a Cathedral, as an expression of their claim to rule both the heavens and the earth.

These days it is home to three interconnected museums – among the most compelling in the city! You can walk through the beautiful baroque state rooms and visit the impressive Residenz Gallery , containing artworks by 16th- to 19th-century painters such as Rembrandt and Rubens.

Also not to be missed are the awesome views of the city mountains and the Salzburg historic district from the terrace above the Cathedral Arches .

The Cathedral Museum is interesting to see too, from the elaborate stuccowork of the rooms of the Northern Oratory to the views of the cathedral’s magnificent interior from the organ loft.

You also visit the Museum of St. Peter’s Abbey , and the Long Gallery , the oldest gallery in Salzburg that was the prince archbishops’ painting gallery.

Good to know: DomQuartier Salzburg is a large museum and if you want to see everything in detail, you should set aside 2 to 3 hours for your visit. However, if your time is short it would be possible to walk through the best of the exhibits in around an hour.

Practical information: DomQuartier Salzburg is open daily except on Tuesdays. For more details, see the official website . Entry here is also included with the Salzburg Card.

Staterooms at DomQuartier Salzburg

5. Hohensalzburg Fortress

Dating back to the 11th century, Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest and best-preserved fortresses in Europe.

A key landmark of Salzburg and an integral part of its skyline, the fortress is located high on Festungberg Hill. You can either walk to it or take a funicular from the old town, which is far quicker and much easier.

When you get there, the views from the various lookouts are magnificent. With the Salzach River winding its way throughout the city and the soaring mountains in the background, it looks like something from a postcard. But it is even more impressive when the sun goes down and the city lights illuminate the scene.

Throughout its life, Hohensalzburg has been a fort, a military barracks, a prison, and home to the prince archbishops. Now it houses several museums and has the look and feel of a medieval village within its protective walls.

The Fortress Museum is especially interesting as it includes access to the staterooms , including the Princes’ Hall, the Golden Chamber, and the Golden Hall. These contain original furnishings from the early 16th century that are very much worth seeing!

TIP: If you are traveling with children, be sure to visit the Arsenal building. It contains several interactive games that the entire family can enjoy.

Hohensalzburg Fortress and Golden Sphere on Kapitelplatz in Salzburg Austria

Practical information: Hohensalzburg Fortress is open daily. From May to September, from 9 am to 8 pm, the rest of the year – from 9.30 am to 5 pm. You could spend 2-3 hours here, or just see the ‘musts’ in about 1.5 hours.

The funicular and museums are included with the Salzburg Card , except for the staterooms (unless you visit before 11 am). If you have to pay a few euros extra to see them, do it – it’s totally worth it!

Good to know: In the evenings, you can attend a Mozart concert inside the state rooms at the Hohensalzburg Fortress. You can choose between concert-only or concert and dinner options – see all the ticket options here .

Salzburg view from Hohensalzburg Fortress

6. Mozart Residence

Mozart Residence is another place that deserves a mention on any list of the best things to do in Salzburg. Not to be confused with the earlier-mentioned Mozart’s Birthplace, this is a house at No. 8 Makartplatz, on the other side of the river. This is where Mozart lived with his family from 1773 until he moved to Vienna in 1781.

A large part of this house was destroyed during an air raid in the second world war. It was later reconstructed according to the original building plans and opened as a museum in 1996.

A visit here gives you another wonderful insight into Mozart’s life. You can see a portrait of Mozart and his family in the large ballroom – an image considered to be one of the most accurate depictions of the composer anywhere. The room also contains Mozart’s original piano from the family estate.

The audio guide (included with free entry using the Salzburg Card) explains the significance of the rooms you visit and tells the stories of each family member.

Practical information: Mozart Residence is open daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm. In July and August, it’s open from 8.30 am to 7 pm. The entrance here is also free with Salzburg Card. You need 30-45 minutes for a visit here.

Mozart Residence - best things to do in Salzburg

7. St. Peter’s Abbey Site

Located beside DomQuartier is the Abbey of St. Peter , a Benedictine monastery and former cathedral. You can’t enter the Abbey itself, although a visit to the interior of its ‘Long Gallery’ is included as part of the DomQuartier tour.

But you might want to stop and take a moment to appreciate the wonderful smell of fresh bread coming from Stiftsbäckerei St Peter, Salzburg’s oldest bakery . You can still see the old water wheel originally used to power the monastery’s mill just as you enter the abbey site.

The Abbey of St. Peter’s main attraction, however, is its beautiful, ancient cemetery (Friedhof St. Peter) and St. Peter’s Catacombs .

Fans of the ‘Sound of Music’ movie flock to see the cemetery , as it was here that one of the final scenes was filmed. If you’ve seen the movie, you definitely remember how the von Trapp family was hiding here during their escape from the National Socialists.

But there are many other points of interest, including St. Margaret Chapel ( Margarethenkapelle ) and the vaults and burial sites of some of the city’s most notable residents. Mozart’s sister and her husband are buried here as well.

Salzburg best things to do - St Peter cemetery

The Early Christian catacombs – hewn from the rock of the Mönchsberg mountain during the 1100s – are the oldest and best-maintained in Austria. Two different levels are open to the public – the ‘Gertrauden Chapel’ and the ‘Maximus Chapel’, located 40 steps higher.

Here you can see the preserved remains of ancient tombs, altars, relics, and murals. You can also enjoy beautiful views of the city from the balcony around halfway down the stairs.

Good to know: The steps inside the catacombs are very steep and there is no handrail, so it helps to wear walking shoes with a good grip.

Practical information: The cemetery is free to visit and a ticket for entry to the catacombs is free with the Salzburg Card. The Catacombs are open daily except for some public holidays. They usually close for lunch between 12.30 and 1 pm. Count 15-30 minutes a visit here.

St Peter Catacombs in Salzburg

8. Salzburg Cathedral

The impressive Cathedral is one of the most notable landmarks in Salzburg. Standing right in the heart of the old town and surrounded by the most beautiful and important town squares, you’ll inevitably pass here at least a few times during your visit.

A cathedral was first built on this site in 774. Throughout the centuries, a series of fires led to it being entirely rebuilt three times. The last major reconstruction dates from 1628 and the towers – 40 years later. The central dome, however, was destroyed entirely by bombing during WWII and the basilica we see now was eventually completed in 1959.

The cathedral houses the font where Mozart was baptized in 1756 and contains five organs, one of which – the Hoforgel – he later played. Most spectacular of all is the view of the dome’s interior, featuring 16 frescoes in 2 rows depicting Old Testament scenes.

Good to know: A visit to the earlier-mentioned DomQuartier Salzburg includes a look at the inside of the cathedral, including a close-up view of its impressive organ. This means that you don’t need to plan a separate visit to see it unless you want to explore everything inside.

But it is certainly worth taking the time to view this magnificent building from the outside too. This baroque masterpiece is visually stunning, featuring two spires and an imposing copper dome. There are four huge statues at the main entrance, depicting the apostles Peter and Paul and the two patron saints Virgil (who built the very first cathedral) and Rupert.

TIP: If you are a music lover, then perhaps the best way to enjoy the cathedral is to attend one of the 30-minute organ recitals that take place just after noon every day, except for Sunday. You can find more information and get the tickets here . If it’s not too busy, you can normally get a ticket on the spot as well – the Cathedral is huge and there’s lots of space inside.

Practical information: Salzburg Cathedral is open daily, with hours varying per season. No visits are allowed during mass and during the concerts at noon. There’s a small fee to visit the cathedral, and this is one of the few of the main sights in Salzburg that are not included with the city card (you do get a discount though).

Salzburg Cathedral

9. Views from Kapuzinerberg

Located on the Salzach River’s eastern bank, Kapuzinerberg is the highest point in Salzburg. However, the viewpoint at the monastery is just a bit uphill, so you won’t have to climb far. The short uphill walk is a bit steep, but the unmissable views awaiting you make it very worthwhile. This is one of the best viewpoints in the old town of Salzburg!

Along the trail, you will come across the Stations of Cross ( Kalvarienbergkapellen Kapuzinerberg ), Franziskischlössl (a small 17th-century defense tower), a small church that you can visit, and the monastery for Capuchin friars from which the hill took its name.

From the viewing platforms at the top, you can enjoy sweeping views of Salzburg , taking in the old town, the fortress, the river, and the surrounding mountains.

There are two times of the day that are particularly good to visit. One is at noon, when you can hear all the church bells across the city ringing – a wonderful sound that really enhances the experience. Alternatively, visit towards the end of the day for some truly spectacular sunset views.

Good to know: There are two ways to get to the top of Kapuzinerberg – by stairs from Steingasse or via the road with the cross stations starting at Linzer Gasse. The latter is much easier than the stairs, so I recommend that way up and then taking the stairs down – that way, you can also enjoy the nice views in the direction of the river and the fortress.

Salzburg old town view from Kapuzinerberg

10. Views from Mönchsberg

Another place from which to enjoy exceptional city views in Salzburg is at the top of Mönchsberg hill .

You can reach the viewing platform – also known as Winkler Terrace – by taking a short elevator ride from Gstättengasse street, near the river. The cost of the ride is also included in the Salzburg Card. Alternatively, you can hike to the lookout point using the Mönchsberg hiking path on the other side of the hill.

There is a museum of modern art at the top of the hill, although you don’t need to buy tickets for it in order to access the viewing platform. You’ll find the platform just through the glass doors to the right of the elevator. The panoramic views are some of the finest in Europe and were featured in some of the most famous scenes of ‘The Sound of Music’.

Right at the viewing platform, there’s also a restaurant with a big outdoor terrace. This could be a nice place for a drink. Mönchsberg also has several walking trails, and you’ll see locals walking dogs or jogging here.

TIP: From the viewing platform at the museum, take the stairs on the right-hand side and follow the path until you reach a second viewpoint from which you can see another angle of the city. Yet a bit further down the dirt path and then a sharp right down the stairs, you’ll find a viewpoint at Humboldtterrasse . The views here are also very nice, with yet another angle on the river and the old town.

Best things to do in Salzburg - Mönchsberg viewpoint

11. Hellbrunn Palace

Located just a bit outside the city center, Hellbrunn Palace is another place that’s well worth including in your Salzburg sightseeing itinerary if you have at least 2 days in the city. This magnificent Baroque palace took just 3 years to build, from 1612 until 1615. That would have been considered record time at the start of the 17th century!

Intended as a summer retreat, it was constructed for the enjoyment of the prince-archbishop Markus Sittikus. Over the years, it became a getaway spot for all sorts of rulers who enjoyed good food, the exotic foliage, and the palace’s famous trick fountains!

These remain a popular attraction today, with hidden water jets soaking – yet delighting – its visitors. It is funny to think of all the aristocratic members of society from the past also getting sprayed by these secret fountains!

There is lots more to see at this pleasure palace, including the water-powered Mechanical Theater with almost 200 moving wood carvings, the beautifully landscaped gardens, and a large adventure playground for children. There is also an exhibition inside the palace where you can learn lots more about its fascinating past.

You can also see the gazebo in which Liesl and Franz sang to each other in ‘The Sound of Music’. Another interesting place is the Stone Theatre in the forest – a natural rock quarry that Markus Sittikus had converted into a stage.

Hellbrunn Palace in Salzburg Austria

Practical information: Hellbrunn Palace is open daily from the beginning of April till the end of October. You can easily get here by public transport from the city center in about 15 minutes. Transport, as well as the entrance to the palace, are also included with Salzburg Card .

Alternatively, you can also visit here with a hop-on hop-off bus (entrance to the palace not included) or this river cruise that brings you to the palace and includes the entry tickets. Some other (Sound of Music) tours stop here as well (but usually do not visit the grounds of the palace).

TIP: If you are visiting Salzburg before Christmas, a visit to this palace is a must! The entire courtyard and old driveway are completely transformed into a magical and festive Advent Market.

The gardens of Hellbrunn Palace in Salzburg

12. Nonnberg Abbey

Founded at some point between 712 and 715, Nonnberg Abbey is the oldest Benedictine nunnery in the German-speaking region. But that isn’t its only claim to fame!

The true story of a novice from the nunnery – Maria Kutschera – was the inspiration behind the now world-famous movie, ‘The Sound of Music’.

Maria was sent by her abbess to be a governess to the children of the widowed Baron Georg Ritter von Trapp. She later married the baron and – as the movie portrays – founded a family choir. It’s pretty amazing to visit the spot where the story started! The Abbey was also used as one of the filming locations for the movie.

Peaceful and pretty, it contains frescoes at the high altar and in the “Paradise” under the nuns’ choir that can be illuminated.

Nonnberg Abbey in Salzburg

Practical information: Both the church and the cemetery are open to visitors every day from 6.45 am, although visits are not permitted during services. Located at the foot of the Festungsberg, Nonnberg Abbey can be reached from Kaigasse via the Nonnbergstiege staircase.

Good to know: If you are an early riser, consider coming here in the morning when the beautiful sound of the nuns’ choir fills the Nonnberg Abbey Church at 6.45 am. You can also hear them sing in the afternoon (weekdays at 5.15 pm, Saturdays at 5 pm, Sundays and public holidays at 4.30 pm), although these times are subject to change.

Nonnberg Abbey cemetery - Salzburg

13. Salzach River Cruise

Taking a slow cruise along the Salzach River is another popular thing to do in Salzburg for tourists. It gives you a great opportunity to view the city from a different perspective, but also to rest your legs and enjoy the scenery in comfort.

Although there are various cruises available – romantic cruises, for example, or those including visits to particular attractions – a regular boat tour is free with the Salzburg Card .

Taking around 40 to 50 minutes, it includes a commentary in both German and English to help you learn more about the places you’re seeing. Eight kilometers long in total, the route takes you towards Hellbrunn, slightly beyond the limit of the city, then returns the way you came. The tour ends with the boat ‘waltzing in the river’ which is quite fun and definitely the most exciting part of this easy-going tour.

Good to know: Unless you book a timed ticket at an extra cost, you may not be able to find a spot for the next available cruise. So if you want to use the Salzburg Card for this, you have to stop by their ticket office by the river to reserve a place. We were lucky to just get on the next boat, but it quickly fills up in the summer.

While I find that a river cruise is something nice to do in Salzburg if you have plenty of time, it’s definitely not a must. I actually think it would be more enjoyable if you do it as part of this tour that includes the Hellbrunn Palace visit.

Salzach River Cruises are among most popular things to do in Salzburg

14. The Sound of Music Tours

It is hard to visit Salzburg without acknowledging its deep connection to the famous Hollywood movie ‘The Sound of Music’.

But even if you are not a fan, the bus tours are well worth taking as they include so many lovely places outside the city. Bicycle tours are also available, although these tend to concentrate more on the city itself and will often include places you will already see anyway.

Whilst there are several options available, most tours will take in iconic locations like Mirabell Gardens (with the Pegasus Fountain), Leopoldskron Palace (where the boating scene was filmed), the rebuilt Gazebo at Hellbrunn Palace, Nonnberg Abbey, and the wider Salzburg Lake District Area. The final destination is often Mondsee, where you can see the church in which Maria and Baron von Trapp were married in the movie.

TIP: This highly-rated bus tour is the most popular original Sound of Music tour in Salzburg. You can find more options here .

Schloss Leopoldskron, Salzburg

15. Mozart Concerts

Mozart concerts with or without dinner are among the most popular things to do in Salzburg. You can opt for an all-in experience that includes a concert and a nice dinner, or just attend a concert (usually, in a very beautiful setting).

There are various options, and most of them are available almost daily throughout the year.

Here are the best Mozart concerts in Salzburg :

  • Mozart classical concert at the Marble Hall of Mirabell Palace . This option doesn’t include dinner.
  • Mozart Fortress concert with dinner at the staterooms inside the Hohensalzburg Fortress . You can also opt for the concert-only option here (so no dinner).
  • Mozart concert with dinner – inside the Baroque Hall of St. Peter Abbey . If you are looking for a really good food experience too, this is the best option. Also, this is a more special experience with opera singers in costumes, etc.

Best things to do in Salzburg - Mozart concert inside the staterooms of Hohensalzburg Fortress

16. Traditional Beer Gardens & Restaurants

While not something you can compare with visiting the famous landmarks, just as fun – and must-do in Salzburg – are the traditional beer gardens and restaurants .

This is just something so typical to the region and no trip would be complete without at least a quick drink at a Biergarten (beer garden) or a traditional Austrian meal at a Bierkeller (beer cellar).

One of the easiest-to-visit beer gardens in the center of Salzburg is Sternbräu , located between the main shopping street Getreidegasse and the river. Another popular choice (also a restaurant) is Augustiner bräu at an old cloister.

One of the oldest beer cellars in Salzburg is PitterKeller (1926) located in the basement of Imlauer Hotel Pitter. With dark-wood walls and traditional murals, it’s a real institution in Salzburg, a popular dining place for locals and tourists alike. If you plan to come for dinner (and definitely on weekends), it’s best to reserve in advance.

TIP: As an absolute minimum, you really can’t leave Salzburg without trying some pretzels . Locals seem to eat them at all times of day, and you’ll even find them served for breakfast at the hotels in the area. You can buy pretzels in bakeries, street-food stands, cafés etc. all over the city.

Stern beer garden (Sternbräu) in Salzburg Austria

17. Salzburg Museums

In addition to all the main sights and attractions in Salzburg mentioned above, there are also many museums in the city. Many of them are included with the Salzburg Card as well and could make a nice addition to your itinerary.

However, I’d only recommend visiting most of them if you have more than 2 days in the city and/or are really interested in a specific museum. It’s also something nice to do in Salzburg when it rains or in winter when you might want to spend more time inside.

We visited a few of them and found that they weren’t really worth it on a short visit. Often, it’s better to spend more time in fewer places rather than trying to ‘see it all’. But if you do indeed have time to spare, here are some of the best museums in Salzburg (and included with the Salzburg Card):

  • Salzburg Panorama . Located on Residenzplatz, this museum houses a giant 26 meters – long panorama painting depicting the city as it looked in 1829.
  • Salzburg Christmas Museum. If you love Christmas, you’ll love this museum. Most exhibits date from mid 19th to the beginning of the 20th century.
  • Salzburg Museum. Located in the Neue Residenz on Residenzplatz, this museum gives you insights into the art and history of Salzburg through a somewhat eclectic mix of exhibitions and multimedia installations.
  • Museum of Modern Art at Mönchsberg . Contemporary art museum with works from the 20-21st centuries.
  • Toy Museum. This interactive museum can be fun if you are looking to fill a few hours in Salzburg with kids.

Salzburg Panorama

17+. Explore beyond the city

No trip to Salzburg would be complete without seeing the beautiful surroundings. The area is stunning, with palaces and medieval castles, incredible mountain landscapes, and too many beautiful places to see to even try to mention them here.

Here are some of the most popular (half) day trips from Salzburg for first-time visitors:

  • Hallstatt & Salzkammergut. Hallstatt is probably the most-photographed mountain village in the world, instantly recognizable for its picturesque lakeside church with a stunning mountain backdrop. This is one of the most visited places in Austria and the most popular day trip from Salzburg. See all the tour options here .
  • Eagle’s Nest and Berchtesgaden. This is Adolf Hitler’s famous vacation home in the Bavarian Alps, right at the Austrian – German border, a very short ride from Salzburg. See tour options here .
  • Berchtesgaden Salt Mines and underground lake. This is a really fun tour for the whole family. Not only do you get to visit the old salt mines, but also take a raft tour on the subterranean lake. You also see some amazing scenery of the Bavarian Alps (just over the border in Germany). See tour options here .

Hallstatt, Austria - one of the most popular places to visit near Salzburg

These are just the most popular options that you can visit with organized tours from Salzburg. If you have a car, the possibilities are almost endless.

Our kids absolutely loved Eisriesenwelt , the biggest ice cave in the world, as well as the birds of prey show at the Hohenwerfen Castle (tickets and more info here ). You can also visit the ice cave with a tour , but it’s rather expensive.

Another nice free attraction in Salzburg is Hangar-7 (aka Red Bull Hangar), just outside the city center. You can also consider Salzburg open-air museum which showcases 100 rebuilt farmhouses from the 16th century onward and includes a short train ride through the grounds (free with Salzburg Card ).

TIP: If you are visiting Salzburg in winter and are looking for something special to do in the beautiful area nearby, check out this horse carriage sleigh ride experience . In summer, there are also rafting tours available (both – beginner-level and white-water rafting). And, of course, you can simply visit the mountains, go hiking, and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Austrian Alps as seen from Eisriesenwelt ice cave near Salzburg

Map of the Best Places to Visit in Salzburg

To help you plan your time in Salzburg, we created a map indicating all the best places to see in the city – see below.

TIP: If you are planning a short city trip to Salzburg and want to make the most of your time, take a look at our sample itineraries via the links below!

READ ALSO: 1 day in Salzburg & 2 days in Salzburg

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Where to Stay for Sightseeing in Salzburg

Salzburg city center is really compact and walkable, so if you stay in the center, you can just walk to almost all the main sights. If you are traveling by train, you may want to stay closer to the station. And if you are visiting by car, make sure that your hotel offers car parking and reserve it in advance if possible.

One of the most convenient areas to stay in Salzburg for sightseeing is the area around the Mirabell Palace. This is also where we stayed – at IMLAUER HOTEL PITTER . The location is excellent, the hotel has a fantastic rooftop terrace, and a really nice traditional restaurant. We loved it.

Below are some of the& best-rated hotels in Salzburg for various budgets :

  • €€€€€ Hotel Sacher Salzburg – the most luxurious hotel in the city (+ amazing river views).
  • €€€€ Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt – excellent price/quality in the heart of the old town.
  • €€€+ Hotel Stein (adults only) – a nice 4* luxury hotel by the river (+wodnerful rooftop bar).
  • €€€ Star Inn Gablerbräu – a very nice and simple 3* hotel – a great mid-budget option.
  • €€ H+ Hotel Salzburg – a modern 4* hotel, with great customer reviews.
  • € a&o Salzburg Hauptbahnhof – one of the nicest budget options.

TIP: Using the map below, you can compare hotels, apartments, and short-term rental accommodations in and around Salzburg. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see what’s available for your stay. Check it out!

So, this is our guide to the very best of Salzburg for first-time visitors. Whatever your passion – whether it be spectacular scenery, history, architecture, or music – you will find it all in this captivating Austrian city.

Have a great trip!

More travel inspiration for Austria:

  • Best Things to Do in Tirol with Kids
  • Top of Tyrol – Stubai Glacier
  • Tiroler Zugspitz Arena in Summer
  • Seebensee & Drachensee Hike
  • Zillertal in Summer
  • Olpererhütte Hike
  • Hintertux Glacier & Nature’s Ice Palace
  • Stubai Valley in Summer
  • Schlick 2000 in Summer
  • Almabtrieb in Austria

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Salzburg attractions and best places to visit - Salzburg Austria

More travel inspiration for European cities:

If you are visiting other European cities and are looking for in-depth information for your trip, take a look at some of our city guides:

  • Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Antwerp, Belgium
  • Barcelona, Spain
  • Bern, Switzerland
  • Bologna, Italy
  • Brasov, Romania
  • Brussels, Belgium
  • Bruges, Belgium
  • Bucharest, Romania
  • Colmar, France
  • Edinburgh, UK
  • Florence, Italy
  • Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
  • Geneva, Switzerland
  • Krakow, Poland
  • Lisbon, Portugal
  • Liverpool, UK
  • Lucerne, Switzerland
  • Madrid, Spain
  • Manchester, UK
  • Milan, Italy
  • Naples, Italy
  • Paris, France
  • Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
  • Ravenna, Italy
  • Reykjavik, Iceland
  • Rome, Italy
  • Seville, Spain
  • Siena, Italy
  • Sintra, Portugal
  • Toledo, Spain
  • Venice, Italy
  • Verona, Italy
  • For more… check our destinations page.

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Friday 18th of August 2023

I love your blog posts and have used them many times! This one for Salzburg is perfect! Thank you for all the information and wonderful recommendation! Take care!!

Friday 25th of August 2023

Glad to help, Aliza, and thank you for the kind feedback. Happy travels!

PlanetWare.com

18 Top-Rated Things to Do in Salzburg

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Joni Sweet Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Salzburg is one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Located in northwest Austria, it's as popular among tourists for its well-preserved historical architecture as it is for its magnificent Alpine setting.

This picturesque city stretches along both banks of the River Salzach as it emerges from the Salzburg Alps into lower land dominated by the 1,853-meter Untersberg. Its romantic Old Town district is a must-visit attraction, a compact neighborhood of narrow medieval streets and arcaded courtyards that are fun to explore. So, too, are the spacious squares of the residential area between the Neutor and the Neugebäude districts.

View over Salzburg from the Fortress Hohensalzburg

Salzburg also enjoys a special fame in the world of music as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart . This rich musical heritage is reflected in tourist attractions such as the museum in his family home, various festivals showcasing his music, and even the melodies that ring out daily on the city's famous Glockenspiel. Several of Salzburg's attractions were also used as filming sites for The Sound of Music , and these are a particular draw for tourists.

Find out all the best places to visit while on vacation in this beautiful corner of Austria with our list of the best things to do in Salzburg.

1. Explore Salzburg's Old Town (Altstadt Salzburg)

2. climb to fortress hohensalzburg, 3. see st. peter's abbey, 4. visit historic st. peter's church, 5. tour salzburg cathedral, 6. explore the residenzplatz, 7. explore the salzburg residenz and the residenzgalerie, 8. see how the wealthy of old lived: hellbrunn palace and fountains, 9. mirabell palace and gardens, 10. visit the franciscan church, 11. mozart's birthplace, 12. salzburg's festival theaters, 13. neugebäude & the salzburg carillon, 14. st. sebastian's church and cemetery, 15. see the old town hall, 16. climb to the salzburg catacombs, 17. ride the cable car to the top of the untersberg, 18. take a drive to hallein and the celtic museum, where to stay in salzburg for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to salzburg, salzburg, austria - climate chart, more must-see destinations near salzburg.

Old Town Salzburg (Altstadt Salzburg)

From University Square (Universitätsplatz), a number of wonderful passageways known as "Durchhäuser" weave northward to Getreidegasse . This busy pedestrian area has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is lined with quaint old merchant homes dating from the 15th to the 18th centuries.

Highlights of a walking tour of this Old Town area are its many original wrought-iron shop and inn signs, along with its many quiet old courtyards. And it's a big area to cover, encompassing some 580 acres in the heart of Salzburg, all of it just begging to be explored.

Getreidegasse

The area is also home to numerous art galleries, boutique shops, as well as jewelry and craft workshops. There are also plenty of cafés and restaurants, many with street-front patios that make for pleasant spots to kick back and do some people watching.

At the eastern end of Getreidegasse lies the Kranzlmarkt. Here, you'll find the old Town Hall (Rathaus) surrounded by even more old medieval houses, some as tall as five stories. In the Old Market (Alter Markt) stands the 13th-century Court Pharmacy (Hofapotheke), while in the middle of the square is the 17th-century St. Florian's Fountain. This latter attractive landmark is known for its unique octagonal basin and an even older spiral grille from 1583.

Other Old Town sightseeing opportunities include the Judengasse with its narrow, twisting lanes, and the Chiemseehof . Built in 1305, the latter was the residence of the Prince Bishops of Chiemsee until 1806. It's worth seeing for its arcaded courtyard decorated with coats of arms.

Fortress Hohensalzburg

Salzburg is dominated by the picturesque Fortress Hohensalzburg (Festung Hohensalzburg), a stunning historic fortress that dominates the city skyline. Situated on the southeastern summit of the Mönchsberg, the original castle was built in 1077, and much of what's seen today dates from the early 1500s.

You can reach the castle by a pleasant 20-minute walk from the Old Town center or via a funicular railway from Festungsgasse. The approach to the fortress passes through a number of impressive arched defensive gateways under the 17th-century Fire Bastion to the Reisszug, a unique hoist dating from 1504 once used to haul supplies. It then continues through the Horse Gate into the Haupthof, or outer ward, with its ancient lime tree and a cistern from 1539.

Buildings in the Fortress Hohensalzburg

Other highlights include the courtyard, with its tiny Church of St. George (Georgskirche) from 1502, and the famous Salzburg Bull (Salzburger Stier). This historic organ dating from 1502 still plays daily and seems to echo the carillon in the Neugebäude.

Interior highlights include the sumptuous Princes' Apartments, with their Late Gothic décor and fine painted wainscoting; the Golden Room (Goldene Stube), with its marble doorways; and the Golden Hall, with gold bosses on the blue coffered ceiling and red marble columns.

Also worth seeing are the Fortress Museum , with weapons and torture devices, and the Rainer Regiment Museum containing artifacts from the old Salzburg household regiment. English language guided tours of the fortress are available and include options geared toward families and children.

Address: Mönchsberg 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Official site: www.salzburg-burgen.at/en/hohensalzburg-castle/

Hohensalzburg - Floor plan map

On the western side of Salzburg's Kapitelplatz stands the Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter (Erzabtei St. Peter). Founded by St. Rupert in 690 CE, this impressive building complex served as the residence of the Archbishops until 1110.

While the present buildings date mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries, they remain an impressive testament to the order's architectural skills. The best example of this can be seen in the building's tall onion-shaped tower, one of the first of its kind in Europe.

Highlights include St. Peter's Churchyard (Friedhof St. Peter), an impressive burial ground surrounded on three sides by arcades and family tombs from the 17th century. To the south, it backs onto the sheer rock face of the Mönchsberg, where you'll find Early Christian catacombs and St. Maximus' Chapel, hewn from the solid rock.

A passage leads from the churchyard into the outer courtyard graced by St. Peter's Fountain (Petrusbrunnen) built in 1673. Also of note here is the Haydn memorial depicting the life and work of Johann Michael Haydn, brother of famed composer Joseph Haydn.

Another important Salzburg landmark is Nonnberg Abbey , founded in 714 CE. The abbey is also the site of what is reputedly Europe's oldest restaurant, St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, which was founded prior to 803 CE.

Address: Sankt-Peter-Bezirk 1, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Interior of St. Peter's Church

One of Salzburg's oldest and most attractive churches, St. Peter's Church (Stiftskirche St. Peter) has undergone many transformations over the years. Completed in 1143, it was added to and altered in 1625, and decorated in Rococo style between 1757 and 1783, when its distinctive helm tower was added. The church is also known as the "Abbey Church" for its location within the St. Peter's Abbey complex.

Inside the porch under the tower is the Romanesque west doorway dating from 1240. In the interior, the plan of the Romanesque basilica can still be detected, along with monuments including the rock-hewn tomb of St. Rupert with an epitaph from 1444.

Other notable monuments are those dedicated to Mozart's sister Marianne (Nannerl), who died in 1829, and to JM Haydn, brother of Joseph. Other highlights are the painted altarpieces on the 16 marble altars and the Lady Chapel (Marienkapelle) from 1319, which contains a stone figure of the Virgin, along with Early Gothic frescoes and later frescoes from 1755.

Interior of Salzburg Cathedral

A prominent building thanks to its twin 79-meter tall towers, Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) was completed in 1657 and is famous for its Italian style and its role as the location of Mozart's baptism. The building's west front, facing the Domplatz , has four colossal marble statues, the outer ones representing St. Rupert and Virgil, patron saints of the province. The inner ones depict Peter and Paul.

Notable features include its three massive bronze doors with their symbols of Faith, Love, and Hope; the high altar with its Resurrection painted in 1628; and the superb frescoes in the vaulting. The burial vaults and artifacts in the crypt are also worth seeing.

Salzburg Cathedral

Be sure to visit the Cathedral Museum . This important cultural attraction features a variety of collections of liturgical objects and objets d'art from the Salzburg archdiocese. These include the 8th-century Carolingian Cross of St. Rupert, Gothic statues and paintings, and items from the Cathedral Treasury.

Also, check the cathedral's website in advance of your visit for details of upcoming concerts and recitals.

Address: Domplatz 1a, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg Cathedral - Floor plan map

At the very heart of Salzburg's Old Town (Altstadt) on the left bank of the Salzach is the Residenzplatz. One of the city's largest squares, it's the best place from which to begin exploring the many tourist attractions and things to do that this beautiful city has to offer.

The focal point of the Residenzplatz is the stunning Residenzbrunnen . This masterpiece of marble was made by an Italian sculptor in 1661 and is the largest and finest Baroque fountain this side of the Alps. Standing 15 meters high with splendid figures of bold horses, along with the god Atlas bearing dishes, it also impresses with its dolphins. Crowning the whole display is a Triton with a conch shell.

From here, it's easy to spend time relaxing in the terraced cafés and boutique shops lining the adjoining streets. You can also jump right in and visit key attractions such as Salzburg Cathedral and the Residenz , the former palace of the city's Prince Bishops.

The square is also frequently used for concerts and celebrations such as public New Year's Eve parties and the excellent Salzburg Christmas Market.

Address: Residenzplatz, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

The Salzburg Residenz and the Residenzgalerie

Dominating the western side of Salzburg's Residenzplatz is the Residenz, the former palace of the city's once powerful Prince Bishops. Built between 1596 and 1619, this huge palace is laid out around three courtyards, with a large marble gateway added in 1710.

Its spectacular State Apartments are lavishly decorated in Late Baroque and Early Neoclassical style and with exquisite wall and ceiling paintings, rich stucco ornaments, and handsome fireplaces. Of particular note are the Knights' Hall (Rittersaal), the Conference Hall (Konferenzsaal), and the splendid Audience Hall (Audienzsaal) containing Flemish tapestries from the 1600s and fine Parisian furniture.

Hallway in the Salzburg Residenz

Other highlights include the White Hall (Weisse Saal), with its superb stucco ornaments in Louis XVI style from 1776; the Function Room (Gesellschaftszimmer), with 18th-century silk carpets; and the Imperial Hall (Kaisersaal), with its portraits of Holy Roman Emperors and Kings of the Habsburg dynasty.

The Residenzgalerie , an art gallery established in 1923, displays works of European painters from the 16th to 19th centuries. The collection includes paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Brueghel.

Address: Residenzplatz 1, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Official site: https://www.domquartier.at/en/residenz/

Hellbrunn Palace and Fountains

Markus Sittikus, Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, commissioned this pleasure palace in 1613 as a place to relax and entertain. Never intended as a residence, Hellbrunn Palace (Schloss Hellbrunn) is nonetheless quite grand, and a tour gives you an inside look into the world of these immensely wealthy and powerful rulers of both church and state.

Sittikus conceived of unusual entertainments for his guests. These include a garden of trick water features and fountains, where an innocent looking statue of pavement may suddenly turn into a shower, or what appear to be benches around a table suddenly begin to spout water all over guests. The tour is lighthearted and fun, especially for children and those who don't mind getting a bit wet (it's a good idea to keep your camera and phone covered).

Apart from the trick fountains and beautiful flower gardens, the park is interesting as the site of the gazebo and grand alley of trees used in filming The Sound of Music . In December, the gardens are home to a lovely Christmas Market; entrance to a nearby folk museum is included in the admission ticket.

Address: Fürstenweg 37, Hellbrunn, Salzburg, Austria

Official site: www.hellbrunn.at/en/

Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Another garden used in the filming of The Sound of Music is at Salzburg's lovely Mirabell Palace (Schloss Mirabell). This excellent example of Baroque landscape design was laid out in 1690 with numerous terraces, marble statues, and fountains.

The palace itself was remodeled in Baroque style between 1721-27 before being restored in the simpler Neoclassical style after a fire in 1818. Highlights of a visit include the spectacular Grand Staircase, built in the 18th-century, with a number of statues by Georg Raphael Donner and his pupils.

Other interesting features are the Marble Hall, which is still used for concerts and functions, and the Schloss Mirabell Baroque Museum . Housed in the Gardener's Building (the Gärtnergebäude), the museum is part of the estate's Orangery, and exhibits European art of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Also of note is the former 18th-century aviary, now used for exhibitions. Of interest, too, is the small open-air theater located at the southwestern corner of the gardens.

Address: Mirabellplatz 4, Salzburg, Austria

The Franciscan Church

To the north of St. Peter's Church stands the Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche), the town's parish church until 1635. Notable features of the exterior are the high roof of the choir, and the tower on the south side from 1498.

Interior features of note include the dark 13th-century Romanesque nave, which contrasts with the high, bright 15th-century Gothic choir. In front of a ring of Baroque chapels dating from 1606 stands the high altar, added in 1709 and notable for its late 15th-century carved Madonna.

In the central chapel behind the altar is a winged marble altar from 1561 from the old cathedral. Opposite the church is the still-operating Franciscan Friary. Visitors are welcome to attend mass here.

Address: Franziskanergasse 5, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Mozart's Birthplace

The house where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27th, 1756, is one of the best places to visit in Salzburg if you're a fan of classical music. Highlights include the rooms once occupied by the Mozart family, and a museum displaying numerous interesting mementos, including the young Mozart's violin, portraits, and original scores of his compositions.

Engaging exhibits introduce his family members and their life and explore his operatic works, with costumes, set designs, and models and excerpts from his operas. One room is furnished as it would have been in his time. English language guided tours can be arranged.

Address: Getreidegasse 9, Salzburg, Austria

Official site: https://mozarteum.at/en/museums/mozarts-birthplace/

Salzburg Marionette Theater

Salzburg has long been famous for its music festivals, as shown by the city's many historic theaters and concert halls. Collectively known as the Festival Theaters (Festspielhäuser), these buildings consist of the large Festspielhau ; the smaller Haus für Mozart , between which is a foyer with fine frescoes; and the Karl-Böhm Hall , used for exhibitions and receptions.

It's in this building, decorated by superb 17th-century frescoes, that the famous Salzburg Festival has been held since 1925. This popular multi-week-long summer event showcases the best of European music and drama.

Other major Salzburg festivals include Mozart Week , a winter event focusing on the works of the great Austrian composer; and Salzburg Cultural Days , an annual two-week festival in October that includes symphonic and chamber concerts and opera performances.

For a completely different theatrical experience, visit the Salzburg Marionette Theater . Eestablished in 1913, it's one of the oldest puppet theaters in the world.

Address: Hofstallgasse 1, A-5010 Salzburg, Austria

Official site: www.salzburgerfestspiele.at/summer

Neugebäude & The Salzburg Carillon

Opposite the Salzburg Residenz is the New Building (Neugebäude), erected in 1602 as the Archbishop's guesthouse and enlarged in 1670. Now home to provincial government offices and the Salzburg Museum , the building is famous for its carillon, the famous Glockenspiel.

Built in 1702, it contains 35 bells that play tunes from Mozart's vast repertoire three times per day (7am, 11am, and 6pm). Guided tours of the tower offering a unique view of the workings of this impressive mechanism are available.

A highlight of the experience is hearing the famous Salzburg Bull, the organ in neighboring Hohensalzburg palace, respond to the carillon with a chorale. Also, be sure to visit the lovely 18th-century St. Michael's Church (Michaelskirche) on the north side of the Residenzplatz at the corner of Mozartplatz with its Mozart Monument from 1842.

Address: Mozartpl. 1, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

St. Sebastian's Church and Cemetery

A highlight of Salzburg's more modern district on the right bank of the Salzach is St. Sebastian's Church (Sebastianskirche). Built in 1512 and completely remodeled in Rococo style in 1753, the church features a flight of steps leading to St. Sebastian Cemetery (Friedhof).

Established in 1595, in the middle of the cemetery, stands St. Gabriel's Chapel (Gabrielskapelle), with its ornate ceramic decoration, completed in 1603 as a mausoleum for Archbishop Wolf Dietrich.

On the path to the chapel lie the graves of Mozart's father, Leopold, and his widow, Konstanze. To the west of the church is a passage leading to the Loreto Convent (Loretokloster) and Paris-Lodron-Strasse.

Address: Linzer Gasse 41, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Old Town Hall

With its Rococo facade and iconic tower, the Old Town Hall makes for one of the most attractive sites in Salzburg. It served important roles throughout history: sounding the bell when curfew was near, keeping time for the public, and as a watchtower.

Today, its purpose is mainly to share local culture with tourists and provide a space for bureaucratic offices. Check out rotating exhibitions of works from Salzburg artists in the City Gallery , located on the first floor. While the second floor is primarily used for city council meetings, it also displays Franz Kulstrunk's famous painting The Town of Salzburg in 1916 , on view for the public.

Address: Kranzlmarkt 1, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg Catacombs

Just past St. Sebastian's Church and Cemetery are catacombs carved into the face of the Mönchsberg rock. The attraction, estimated to be about 1,000 years old, served dual purposes as both a hermitage and a burial site. You may recognize it from The Sound of Music as the place where the Trapp family sought refuge before fleeing to Switzerland.

To reach the two levels of the catacombs open to the public, you'll need to climb a set of old, steep stone steps (grippy shoes are a must!). The first level contains the "Gertrauden Chapel," while the upper part houses the "Maximus Chapel," which is thought to be even older. You can also see an incredible view of Salzburg from the windows and balcony.

Cable car to the top of the Untersberg

The Untersberg, a popular recreation area with a rugged peak, draws outdoors lovers from around the world. You can reach the top by taking a ride on the Untersbergbahn (cable car), located about 10 kilometers south of the city and easily reached by bus. The 8.5-minute ride in one of the two gondola-like cars is a delight, offering dazzling views of Salzburg, the Rositten Valley, and the entire Berchtesgaden region.

The best vistas, however, can be found when the cable car drops you off near the Geiereck 1,805-meter-tall Geiereck summit and you're looking down on the fluffy white clouds and the snowcapped Alps. It's no surprise that many couples get engaged in this beautiful spot.

Spend an hour or two exploring the stunning high Alpine terrain, and when you're ready to refuel, simply pull up a seat at the mountaintop café for coffee and strudel.

Address: Dr.-Friedrich-Oedl-Weg 2, 5083, Austria

Official site: https://www.untersbergbahn.at/

Hallein

The old Celtic town of Hallein on the River Salzach, a 10-minute-drive from Salzburg city center, is one of the several interesting places to visit near Salzburg. The town is especially popular for its picturesque narrow streets, gateways, and statues, as well as the historic homes built in typical Salzach style.

Hallein is the birthplace of organist Franz Xaver Gruber, composer of Silent Night. It's also where you'll find the Celtic Museum (Keltenmuseum Hallein), one of the largest and most complete museums of Celtic art and history in all Europe. Set in a former 17th-century orphanage, this reconstructed Celtic farmstead includes buildings and tools used by Celt settlers, as well as an ancient burial chamber.

Other highlights include displays of finds from the Hallstatt and La Tène (Iron Age) periods from 800-15 BC. There are also exhibits portraying local customs and the history of town guilds.

Address: Pflegerplatz 5, Hallein, Austria

Perfect for touring on foot, the picturesque streets of Salzburg's old town, almost directly under the walls of the formidable Hohensalzburg fortress, contain the cathedral; St. Peter's Abbey; and the palace, with its state apartments and museums. The funicular to the fortress is nearby, and just across the river is Mirabell Palace and gardens. Here are some highly rated hotels close to these Salzburg attractions:

Luxury Hotels :

  • Spacious rooms at Hotel Goldgasse offer historic charm and modern facilities in the center of the pedestrianized old town.
  • Equally well-located, within steps of attractions, is the elegant Hotel Goldener Hirsch , a Luxury Collection Hotel.
  • Sister hotel to the landmark Hotel Sacher Vienna, the lavishly furnished Hotel Sacher Salzburg overlooks the river, and is just a short walk from the old town and from Mirabell Palace.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • Across the river, a block from the bridge leading directly into the center of the old town, Stadtkrug Hotel is also close to the Mirabell.
  • Boutique Hotel Am Dom is in a restored historic building in the center of the pedestrianized old town.
  • If old town charm is not important, IMLAUER HOTEL PITTER Salzburg is located near the train station, behind Mirabell Palace, and a 15-minute walk from the main attractions.

Budget Hotels:

  • Star Inn Hotel Salzburg Zentrum has pleasant, plain rooms in a residential neighborhood on the other side of the Hohensalzburg fortress, a 10-minute walk to the old town through a pedestrian tunnel.
  • The nearby family-run Haus Wartenberg has the character and charm of a traditional building with modern facilities and larger rooms that are ideal for families.
  • Close to the rail and bus station, Pension Adlerhof has limited free parking and free continental breakfast, but you'll have a 30-minute walk or a bus ride to the Old Town.
  • Sound of Music Tour : If you're a fan of The Sound of Music, you can reminisce about your favorite scenes at some of the movie's best-known locations and sing along to the soundtrack on The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg . But you don't have to be a fan of the movie to appreciate the history and beauty of Salzburg's top attractions and architectural gems, which are also included on this tour. Top it off with a visit to the beautiful Lake District and the quaint town of Mondsee, where the movie's wedding took place.
  • Eagle's Nest Tour : To soak up some fascinating history and see the spectacular scenery of the Bavarian Alps at the same time, sign up for the Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden Tour from Salzburg . On this half-day guided tour, you'll see Hellbrunn Castle and the Königsee River Valley before heading up to the Eagle's Nest, Hitler's former mountain retreat in Bavaria, where you can learn about its history and admire the views. Before heading home, you'll have a chance to explore the quaint German mountain town of Berchtesgaden.
  • Mountains and Mining Tour : Another tour that blends history with striking scenery is the Bavarian Mountains and Salt-Mines Tour . After a scenic drive along the King's Lake River, this half-day guided tour takes you deep into an underground salt mine, where you can learn about its 450-year old history, take a tour on a mini-train, and cruise around a subterranean salt lake. This tour also ends with a stroll around Berchtesgaden before you head home.

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Salzburg sits close to the border between Austria and Germany , almost equidistant from Munich and Innsbruck . Passau, in northern Bavaria , is about the same distance to the north, and farther east on the Danube is Linz . Just across the border to the west, the German town of Berchtesgaden and the idyllic Königsee are easy day trips from Salzburg . To the southeast is the beautiful town of Hallstatt and the Hallstätter Sea, part of the Dachstein/Salzkammergut Alpine UNESCO World Heritage Site. About halfway between Salzburg and Innsbruck is the Austrian ski resort of Kitzbuhel .

Salzburg Map - Tourist Attractions

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Home » Europe » Austria » Salzburg

EPIC SALZBURG Itinerary! (2024)

Nestled along the Eastern Alps and the border of Germany, lays Salzburg, Austria’s storybook city. With crisp, clean air, tidy streets, and snow-capped mountains, countless visitors are allured by Salzburg’s fairytale-like enchantment.

Many people know Salzburg as the primary location used for filming the famous movie, “The Sound of Music,” as well as the birthplace Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Creativity in Salzburg runs deep and is evident in every aspect of the city’s culture, heritage, and history.

To help you explore the city with ease, we’ve laid out the perfect Salzburg itinerary! Whether you’re spending 2 days in Salzburg, or two weeks, we’ve packed it full of useful information that will ensure you hit the city’s highlights, as well as some hidden gems!

salzburg tourist board

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Best time to visit Salzburg

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Salzburg!

The Summer months (June – August) are a great time to visit Salzburg in terms of warm weather. However, the pleasant temperatures are accompanied by plenty of rain. Precipitation in summer is abundant, and up to half of the days of the season have significant rainfall.

If you’re planning a 2 days’ trip to Salzburg during June, make sure to stick around for the annual Dult Fair! This is one of Salzburg’s top festivals, it’s a traditional folk festival for young and old!

when to visit Salzburg

During the fall (September – November) months the temperatures will start to decline, and the first snowfall of the season usually starts in November. If you don’t mind cooler temperatures, this is a great time to travel to Salzburg and beat the tourist crowds!

The winter months (December – February) are cold with temperatures at, or just below, freezing. Touring Salzburg in December is very popular as the whole town is decked out for Christmas and transformed into a winter wonderland.

Spring in Salzburg (March-May) sees a rise in temperatures, however, snowfall in March and early April is common.

salzburg tourist board

With a Salzburg City Pass , you can experience the best of Salzburg at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Choosing the right accommodation that fits with your travel plans will complement your Salzburg itinerary and make your trip that much more satisfying. There are lots of options in varying styles and budgets to choose from.

Salzburg is a small and compact city, and the majority of the ‘must-see’ Salzburg attractions are located within or near the Old Town. Therefore, you can’t go wrong choosing an accommodation option in this area.

when to visit Salzburg

If you have more time to spend in Austria and are looking for accommodation outside the busy center of Salzburg, Saint Gilgen is a great option! This charming town is located just 17 miles from Salzburg’s city center and will allow for a more peaceful and relaxing vacation.

This small village has a scenic setting and is a great place to base your Salzburg itinerary from. Whatsmore, it’s well connected to the Old Town of Salzburg by public transportation, so getting in and out of the city will be a breeze!

Best Hostel in Salzburg – Yoho International Youth Hostel Salzburg

salzburg itinerary

If you’re planning a budget vacation in Salzburg, the Yoho International Youth Hostel is for you! Some of the popular perks include free Wi-Fi, an on-site bar and restaurants with happy hour specials, and buffet breakfast available every morning (for a fee).

Best Airbnb in Salzburg – Modern Apartment in the Heart of Altstadt

Modern Apartment in the Heart of Altstadt

Located in the middle of the historic old town in Salzburg, this newly built and furnished apartment is ideal for first time visitors to Salzburg. It consists of a bedroom, a small fully-equipped kitchen, a bathroom and a dining area. Walk around and explore the city of Mozart, and come home to this comfortable place to rest from the weary day of sightseeing.

Best Budget Hotel in Salzburg – Hotel Turnerwirt

salzburg itinerary

Dating from 1437, Hotel Turnerwirt is a family-run accommodation spot located a convenient 1.2-miles from the city center. The hotel has three parts – the main building, the atrium, and the romantic villa with a terrace! The building is quaint, but the rooms are modern, with free Wi-Fi running through the property and the usual hotel facilities provided.

Best Luxury Hotel in Salzburg – Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt

salzburg itinerary

If you’re looking for lavish, 5-star accommodation, the Radisson Blue Hotel Altstadt is the best place to stay in Salzburg! It’s located right in the Old Town, next to many popular Salzburg points of interest. Rooms are tastefully furnished and there is an on-site bar, restaurant, and room service.

Whether you’re spending 2 days in Salzburg, or more, you’re going to need to know how to get around the city. Public transportation is very efficient in Salzburg and transportation fares are reasonable.

Salzburg has a comprehensive bus route that covers all the major areas of the city and popular Salzburg landmarks!

If you’re planning on using public transportation as your primary means of traversing Salzburg, you’ll save money by purchasing a one-day unlimited travel ticket. This will give you access to the whole public transportation system in Salzburg in increments of 24-hours. Or, if you’re spending a week in Salzburg, a weekly pass is also available.

salzburg itinerary

However, we should note, the city is very compact and is easy to navigate! It’s entirely possible you’ll only need to make use of public transportation once or twice during your time in Salzburg, if at all.

Cycling is another popular option for transportation, and Salzburg is a very cycle-friendly city. However, do keep in mind that Salzburg’s weather can be unpredictable at times. Make sure to check the forecast and take the month you’re traveling to Salzburg into consideration.

Once you decide how many days in Salzburg you’ll be spending, you can decide which method of transportation fits better with your plans!

Mirabell Palace and Gardens | Getreidegasse | Mozart’s Birthplace | Residenzplatz | Hellbrunn Palace

Spend the first day of your Salzburg itinerary wandering the city’s Old Town! Discover the imposing beauty of the architecture, the stunning scenery of the landscape, and the historical highlights of Salzburg!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Mirabell Palace and Gardens

  • Why it’s awesome: Marabell Palace and gardens offer a romantic history and stunning scenery.
  • Food nearby: Cafe Fingerlos J.M. Fingerlos is a cozy coffee shop offering classic Austrian fare, including sweets and great coffee!

Mirabell Palace is a historic building in Salzburg that dates back to 1606! The palace was constructed in baroque architecture and is a must-see Salzburg attraction.

Inside the palace, you’ll find the famous Marble Hall, which is regarded as one of the world’s finest wedding venues. Make sure to look out for the imposing sculptures that adorn the marble staircase leading to the hall!

This is one of the best places to visit in Salzburg for music lovers. The palace and its gardens were used as the filming location for several scenes from the 1965 movie “The Sound of Music.” Young Mozart also performed many concerts in the Marble Hall!

Mirabell Palace and Gardens

The palace is additionally known for its pristine gardens so do check out the impressive landscaping. The gardens are a horticultural masterpiece and will offer some of the best photo opportunities during your Salzburg itinerary!

Make sure to check out the Pegasus Fountain, encircled by statues representing the four elements: earth, water, air, and fire! Also worth checking out is the Dwarf Garden, where you’ll find sculptures modeled after real-life people from the 1700s. Note that the Dwart Gardens are closed during the winter months.

The palace and gardens are open daily and entrance is free!

Insider Tip: The palace was used to film the famous Do-Re-Mi sequences from “The Sound of Music”!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Getreidegasse

  • Why it’s awesome: Getreidegasse is a famous shopping street in Salzburg. It’s also the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart!
  • Food nearby: Cafe Mozart offers a full menu in a relaxed setting. The prices are very reasonable and the cafe is open long hours every day.

Getreidegasse , also referred to as Grain Lane, is a busy shopping street in the historic Altstadt of Salzburg. It’s situated in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

This iconic street offers upmarket boutiques set amongst medieval streets. The narrow, tall row houses epitomize Salzburg’s medieval architecture. Admire the wrought-iron signs and portal windows from an Austrian era long-ago era. Many buildings also lead to picturesque passageways and courtyards offering a quiet reprieve from the busy crowds!

Getreidegasse

Besides stylish boutiques, you’ll also find a handful of stores selling Mozart souvenirs and “The Sound of Music” memorabilia. Cozy coffee shops and local restaurants are also abundant in the area!

The streets other popular claim to fame is the fact that it’s the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart! The famous composer was born at Number 9, where he lived until the age of 17.

Whether you’re a serious shopper or not, this historic area of the city is a must-see stop on your Salzburg itinerary.

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Mozart’s Birthplace

  • Why it’s awesome: This museum is the childhood home of one of the world’s most famous composers!
  • Cost: USD $12.00
  • Food nearby: Burgerista serves quality make-your-own style burgers. There are lots of toppings to choose from and veggie burgers are also available.

Mozart’s Birthplace , or the Mozart Museum, is located in the house formerly occupied by the Mozart Family. Following his birth in 1756, he lived in this location with his family until 1773.

Mozart’s former house became a museum in 1880 and contains numerous original artifacts from the composer’s lifespan, as well as from his widow and children. Discover the brilliance of Mozart as you view the exhibitions in the rooms of the house where he was born.

Start your visit on the museum’s third floor, which will provide you with an introduction to the Mozart family. Look inside the room where Anne Maria Mozart gave birth to her son and view the violin Mozart played as a child. Learn about Mozart’s sons, Karl Thomas, and Franz Xaver Wolfgang, both of whom also grew up to be famous, well-known composers!

Mozart’s Birthplace

On the second floor, you’ll see a sampling of costumes and models from Mozart’s greatest operas. You’ll also be able to listen to musical excerpts and see the original scores. The first floor focuses on Mozart’s day-to-day life.

Journey back in time as you view the original furniture, family memorabilia, and Mozart’s own musical instruments from the 18th century!

The Mozart Museum presents a fascinating insight into the life and talent of a musical genius, you don’t have to be a history buff or a music lover to appreciate this stop on your Salzburg trip itinerary!

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Residenzplatz

  • Why it’s awesome: This large historic square contains several popular Salzburg attractions and is an important venue for cultural events.
  • Food nearby: Gasthaus Zwettler’s is a fun place to eat out in Salzburg. Their menu showcases the local cuisine and includes a variety of vegetarian options!

Right in the heart of Old Town Salzburg, you’ll find Residenzplatz . This large, stately square is one of the city’s most popular places to visit! It’s home to two bishops’ palaces, both of which are excellent examples of Baroque and Renaissance architecture.

Designed in the late 16th century, Residenzplatz contains many iconic Salzburg tourist attractions! The centerpiece of the square is the Residenzbrunnen (Residence Fountain) fashioned with intricate horse, dolphin and Atlas sculptures. This grand fountain was also used as the backdrop in several scenes from the movie “The Sound of Music.”

The Salzburg Residenz lays on the west side of the square. This regal palace dates back to the 13th century and contains 180 rooms! If you have time, take a self-guided audio tour through the palace. Visit the opulent rooms and learn the rich history of the building.

Residenzplatz

See the Rittersaal Room where Mozart performed! Also of note when you tour the palace is the Residenz Gallery’s fine collection of European art.

On the east side, you’ll find several interesting museums to explore, including the Panorama Museum, which contains a circular painting of Salzburg in 1829. Guests can view the large 85-foot circumference painting through telescopes!

Mozartplatz is located just next to the square. The large courtyard is best known for its memorial statue of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, it’s definitely worth a quick stop for a photo opportunity!

If you’re planning an itinerary for Salzburg during December, the Residenzplatz really comes alive with festive holiday cheer. Christmas markets are set up around the residence fountain and the stalls are filled with Christmas crafts and food vendors. Pick up some mulled wine and enjoy the cheerful atmosphere!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Hellbrunn Palace

  • Why it’s awesome: A lavish palace noted for its gardens, waterworks, and trick fountains!
  • Cost: USD $14.00
  • Food nearby: Park Cafe Schloss Hellbrunn is a friendly cafe located next to Hellbrunn Palace. They serve typical cafe fare (sandwiches, soups, and salads) with the addition of Austrian specializes, including dessert!

Hellbrunn Palace , or Schloss Hellbrunn, is an early Baroque palace. It was built from 1613 to 1619 as a place for celebrations and also as a summer residence for Markus Sittikus, who was both a prince and an archbishop.

While the whimsical interior of the palace is worth a visit, the palace is most famous for its trick fountains, located inside the 148-acre gardens. Sittikus designed the fountains to entertain and trick his guests.

The fountains spray at seemingly random moments.  If you’re traveling to Salzburg with kids, they’ll love running through the water shooting from the different statues and structures of the fountains.

Hellbrunn Palace

Built in 1750, the Mechanical Theater is the newest feature of the fountains. It portrays a Baroque city and has approximately 200 water-operated characters. It’s definitely one of the most unique Salzburg attractions you’ll see when visiting.

A tour of Hellbrunn Palace includes visiting the water games area with a guided tour, a castle tour with an audio guide, and a visit to the Folklore Museum.

If you’re only planning a 2-day itinerary in Salzburg, visiting Hellbrunn Palace will most likely be the only time you’ll need to use public transportation. The palace is about 4 miles from Salzburg city center, hop on a bus or hail a taxi to save time.

Insider Tip: The palace gardens are free to enter and are open every day until dusk. If you visit, make sure to visit “The Sound of Music” pavilion where the famous ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen’ scene was shot.

salzburg tourist board

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Grünmarkt | Love Locks Bridge Salzburg | Salzburg Museum | Salzburg Cathedral | Petersfriedhof | Fortress Hohensalzburg

Your 2-day itinerary in Salzburg will see you discovering more of the local culture and history. You’ll get a chance to rub elbows with the locals and dive deeper into the city’s history. All of the sites we’ve included are located in Old Town and can easily be reached on foot. 

Let’s get started on your self-guided Salzburg walking tour!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Grünmarkt

  • Why it’s awesome: Grünmarkt is your typical European market, it provides a welcoming social atmosphere and plenty of delicious local food!
  • Food nearby: You’ll find lots of food options in the market, but one of the more popular items is definitely the giant pretzels sold at the Salzburger Brezen stand!

Grünmarkt, or Green Market, is a farmers market in Salzburg. Since 1857 the market has served as a popular meeting place for young and old. Locals and tourists love to visit to pick up fresh goods and souvenirs.

You’ll find dried and fresh fruit, cured meats and cheeses, fresh-baked bread and pastries, as well as handicraft items such as baskets, leathers, clothing, and much more! Stroll the stalls and discover more of Salzburg’s local culture.

Grünmarkt

The market is open full-day hours during the week, half-day hours on Saturday, and is closed on Sundays. Saturday is the market’s busiest day, so if you’re spending a weekend in Salzburg, this is a great time to visit it experience the market in high drive.

Insider Tip: If you’re visiting one of Salzburg’s gorgeous parks, the Grünmarkt is the perfect place to pick up some picnic provisions beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Love Locks Bridge Salzburg

  • Why it’s awesome: The Love Locks Bridge in Salzburg celebrates love and is a great quick stop on your Salzburg itinerary for a photo opportunity! 
  • Food nearby: Swing by Sternbräu for classic Austrian fare and a great beer selection.

While you’re in the area of Grünmarkt, swing by the Love Locks Bridge Salzburg. It’s only about a 5-minute walk from the markets and definitely worth a visit! You’ll be able to snap some great photos of the locks and the bridge with the beautiful Alps in the background.

Love Locks Bridge Salzburg

If you’re spending time in Salzburg, Austria with your significant other, partake in the century old-tradition of inscribing both of your initials in a lock! You can then attach it to the bridge, and toss the key into the river.

Every time you travel back to Salzburg you’ll be able to revisit the bridge and see your ‘love lock’!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Salzburg Museum

  • Why it’s awesome: The Salzburg Museum is dedicated to the artistic and cultural history of the city and region of Salzburg!
  • Cost: USD $10.00
  • Food nearby: Gasthof Goldgasse offers delicious food prepared using locally sourced ingredients. They’re also highly rated for their friendly service and fun atmosphere!

The Salzburg Museum serves as an informative and educational museum of art and history and traces the development of Salzburg as a city. In 2009, the museum received the European Museum of the Year Award. It’s a celebrated institution that showcases everything from Roman excavations to royal artifacts.

Visit the museum and receive a comprehensive history of the city, from its historic past to its present-day culture. The museum contains both traveling and permanent displays. Permanent exhibitions include artifacts and displays on the subjects of art, science, architecture, literature, music, and more.

Salzburg Museum

The music exhibition is particularly well-done and interesting. You’ll find an entire room of historic musical instruments. This section of the museum tells of the musical taste of past eras, historical events, and musical personalities.

The Salzburg Museum is partnered with the Panorama Museum. These museums are connected to each other by the underground Panorama Passage, which exposes a section of a Roman wall covered with murals and models of Salzburg at related points in its development.

If you’re planning a 3-day itinerary in Salzburg, this museum is another popular attraction in the city and definitely worth checking out! The Salzburg Museum is open every day except Monday.

Insider Tip: Free guided tours of the museum are offered every Thursday at 6:00 pm.

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Salzburg Cathedral

  • Why it’s awesome: This grand cathedral is one of Salzburg’s most important historic sites and is one of Europe’s most magnificent churches.
  • Food nearby: If you’re looking for a healthy place to eat in Salzburg, head to the Wokman Natural Kitchen. This veg-friendly restaurant provides tasty food and very reasonable prices.

The Salzburg Cathedral is famous for its long and dramatic history. The church dates back to 774 when it was consecrated as a cathedral.

The building has survived eight fires, however, the fire of 1598 ruined much of its original structure. The cathedral was completely rebuilt in Baroque style in the seventeen century to its present appearance!

Salzburg Cathedral

One of the cathedral’s most prominent features is its stunning,  large dome! At 232 feet high, it’s the most impressive architectural design of the Salzburg Cathedral. It’s adorned with 16 frescos in two rows, each was painted by Donato Mascagni of Florence and portrays scenes from the Old Testament.

Mozart also has ties to this historic church. He was baptized inside the cathedral the day after his birth and he later became the cathedral’s organist, from 1779 to 1781.

The cathedral is a masterpiece of early Baroque art. It’s open every day and is free to visit, although donations are welcome!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Petersfriedhof

  • Why it’s awesome: Historic cemetery with baroque tombs as well as 12th-century catacombs.
  • Food nearby: Stiftskeller St. Peter serves creative dishes in an elegant setting. It’s also reputed to be one of Europe’s oldest restaurants.

The Petersfriedhof, or St. Peter’s Cemetery, together with the burial site at Nonnberg Abbey, is the oldest cemetery in Salzburg. It’s located at the foot of Hohensalzburg Castle and the Festungsberg Mountains!

The cemetery’s origins date back to around 700 when the adjacent St. Peter’s Abbey was established by Saint Rupert of Salzburg. The abbey’s cemetery was first mentioned in an 1139 deed! The cemetery continued to be used until it was closed in 1878.

Petersfriedhof

However, in 1930 the monks of St. Peter’s successfully urged for the admission of new burials. Today, it continues to be used as an active burial site. Many notable Austrians were buried here, including Maria Anna Mozart, the older sister of Wolfgang Mozart.

A highlight of St. Peter’s Cemetery is the catacombs, which are carved into the rock of the Festungsberg Mountainous. The mystical caves served as burial sites and today they can be visited year-round for a small admission fee.

Climb the stone-carved stairs and work your way back into the rock-cut rooms. You’ll be able to view altars, faded murals, and inscriptions. Located on this site are also two small chapels: The Maximuskapelle and the Gertraudenkapelle.

The cemetery is relatively small and tucked into the mountainside. Walk the stone-paved paths through the beautifully-maintained grounds and enjoy a quiet break from the city.

Petersfriendhof is located next to FestungsBahn Cable Railway. This is the cable car service that will take you to the Fortress Hohensalzburg, the next stop on our Salzburg itinerary!

Day 2 / Stop 6 – Fortress Hohensalzburg

  • Why it’s awesome: Fortress Hohensalzburg is a mountaintop fortress that is one of the biggest medieval castles in Europe.
  • Food nearby: Panorama Restaurant Zur Festung Hohensalzburg is the attached castle restaurant, stop in for quality food and spectacular views.

Just a short cable car ride from the city center of Salzburg, you’ll find the imposing Fortress Hohensalzburg. Hop on a cable car and cruise up the mountain to check out one of Europe’s most impressive fortresses.

The castle was built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard. The complex has served as a fort, a private residence, a prison and military barracks.

Today, you can visit the walled castle and browse the art exhibitions and museums found inside! As you tour the rooms, you’ll see where royalty once lived. Admire the intricate Gothic wood carvings adorning the walls of the Golden Hall, and marvel at the Golden Chamber, where you’ll find lavish furnishings befitting a king!

Fortress Hohensalzburg

You can tour the fortress on your own, or pick up an audio guide for a more insightful view of the castle. The audio guide will explain various aspects of the rooms, torture chamber and battlements!

While you’re here, climb the Reckturm watchtower for unparalleled views of Salzburg and the surrounding area! There are also three museums to explore, including the Marionette Museum, which displays puppets from the Salzburg Marionette Theater.

Fortress Hohensalzburg is open every day. The cable railway runs every 10 minutes and will take you from the city to the castle in just minutes! Alternatively, you can walk up Festungsgasse lane until you reach the fortress courtyard.

The city views and well-preserved castle complex makes this one of Salzburg’s most popular attractions!

Insider Tip: The castle complex hosts a number of cultural events during the heavily touristed summer months. If you’re planning a Salzburg itinerary during summer, check the Festung Hohensalzburg website for a scheduled list of concerts and events!

salzburg itinerary

YoHo International Youth Hostel Salzburg

  • Free Laundry Facilities

Haus der Natur Salzburg | Freilichtmuseum Salzburg | Stiegl-Brauwelt | Gaisberg Mountain | Volksgarten Salzburg 

If you’re planning a 3-day itinerary in Salzburg, you’re going to need a few more activities to fill your time. Here are 5 more fun attractions we recommend checking out!

Haus der Natur Salzburg

  • Large, interactive science and natural history museum
  • Open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Adult admission is USD $9.00 child admission (ages 4-15) is USD $7.00

The Haus der Natur Salzburg is a natural history and technical museum that offers a variety of displays and interactive exhibits. It mixes entertainment with education and is geared towards all ages.

The first floor of the Science center is dedicated to musical acoustics. From the wave nature of sound to the transfer of sound to the human ear, visitors will learn about everything relating to the theme of sound.

Haus der Natur Salzburg

The museum also offers an aquarium where you can view exotic and indigenous aquatic creatures up close! There are 42 display tanks, the largest of which is 60,000 liters! See these underwater animals in their environment, designed to resemble those found in the wild.

Trying to decide what to do in Salzburg with kids? Take them to this museum! They’ll love the different hands-on programs and will be thoroughly entertained for hours.

Freilichtmuseum Salzburg

  • A great way to experience the best of Salzburg’s history
  • On-site restaurant and picnic area
  • Guided tours are available

Covering a total of 124 acres, the Freilichtmuseum Salzburg is Salzburg’s largest museum. Discover 100 authentic and original historical buildings rebuilt on the museum grounds, each with a fascinating story to tell.

Uncover the history of farming, trades, crafts, and manufacturing as you explore old farmhouses and learn about the lifestyle of days long gone. Displays and exhibits fill the buildings and include everything from the history of the land, climate, and geology, to detailing what day-to-day life was like in the old days of Austria!.

Freilichtmuseum Salzburg

To complete your experience, take a ride on the historic steam engine heritage railway. Travel through the scenic natural landscape and the houses of the museum grounds.

Stop by the museum shop to pick up unique souvenirs, including handmade items and chewy sweets! If you’re looking for more unique Salzburg things to do to fulfill your itinerary, add this museum to your list of places to visit!

Stiegl-Brauwelt

  • Open every day from 10:00 am to 12:00 am
  • Beer tasting and exhibits on brewing history
  • Brewpub and restaurant serving Austrian cuisine

Stiegl-Brauwelt was founded in 1492 and is one of the oldest breweries in Austria! Today, you’ll find many fun attractions inside this famous brewery. It offers a multi-sensory experience where you can see, hear, smell, and taste this country’s beloved drink!

Visit the museum and learn the history of the country’s most famous beer! Browse displays and exhibits and trace the timeline of Stiegl’s delicious beverage.

Stiegl-Brauwelt

Watch the museum’s film, “The Nature of Beer.” This interactive cinema impresses visitors with its 270-degree view and powerful floor projection that transports guests to the heart of the action. You’ll go behind the scenes of beer production, from the origin of their raw materials to beer bottling.

Guided tours of the brewery are also available. English tours are given once daily, at 3:00 pm, all other tours offered are in German. You can also listen to their free downloadable audio guide, available in 6 different languages!

If you’re hungry or craving a cold beer, stop by their pub and restaurant for a beer tasting and classic Austrian pub grub!

Gaisberg Mountain

  • Located to the east of Salzburg
  • The perfect place to enjoy some adrenaline-filled activities or a nice hike
  • One of the most popular local mountains in Salzburg

If you’re a nature enthusiast planning a Salzburg itinerary, you don’t want to pass up a chance to explore Gaisberg Mountain. The mountain is accessible year-round and located just a few miles from the city center of Salzburg!

Gaisberg Mountain

You’ll find over 12 miles of well-marked trails ranging in length and difficulty level. Climb the mountain and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of Salzburg. For adrenaline junkies, the Gaisberg is an inviting destination for mountain biking and paragliding during the summer months.

The mountain is easily accessible thanks to a bus link that runs from Mirabell Palace. Take the public bus No. 151 through the Gnigl part of Salzburg and straight up the Gaisberg. Experience a different side of Salzburg and explore the expanses of the Gaisberg Mountain!

Volksgarten Salzburg

  • The park is open 24/7 and entrance is free!
  • A quiet piece of nature in the middle of the beautiful city
  • Easily accessible by public transportation

Volksgarten Salzburg is a spacious urban park with plenty of activities to offer. During the summer months, guests can take advantage of the two large outdoor swimming pools, which are the oldest and second oldest swimming pools in the city.

The spacious pool area also offers sunbathing areas, drinking fountains, lockers, a snack bar, table tennis, and parlor games. The pool area is open daily from May to mid-September, from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm and the entrance fee is USD $6.00.

Volksgarten Salzburg

There are also beach volleyball courts, soccer fields, gym equipment, and miles of running/walking paths!

Every summer the park sets up a summer cinema series where weekly movies are screened, and admission is free! Make sure to check the park’s event calendar for the full list of dates.

If you’re looking for things to do in Salzburg in winter, the area turns into a winter wonderland! There is an ice rink set up for hockey and ice skating!

Whether you’re spending one day in Salzburg or more, pay attention to your safety.

Overall, you should have nothing to worry about when you’re visiting Salzburg. The city is considered extremely safe for tourists to travel to and just like all the other areas of Austria, it has an extremely low crime rate.

However, the usual common-sense precautions still apply. Avoid walking alone late at night, never leave your drinks unattended, and always keep an eye on your personal belongings.

Pickpocketing does occur, although rarely, in the busy areas of the city and on public transport. Some locals have reported the areas north of the train station and near the Basilica of Maria Plain to be a bit dodgy at night.

If you’re traveling to Salzburg for 2 days via an overnight train and spending the night in a sleeping compartment, keep all of your valuables in the special container provided under your bed.

Overall, the risk of warning and dangers in Salzburg are low across the board. 

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Salzburg

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

salzburg tourist board

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Day trips from Salzburg are a great way to explore even more of Austria’s gorgeous landscape! They also offer travelers a chance to learn more about the culture. These trips highlight the areas outside the city and are a great option if you’re spending 3 days in Salzburg, or more! 

From Salzburg: Eagle’s Nest Mountain Retreat Tour

From Salzburg: Eagle's Nest Mountain Retreat Tour

Cross the German border into the Bavarian Alps and visit Hitler’s former conference center and mountain retreat – the Eagle’s Nest. The building was originally gifted to Adolf Hitler for his 50th birthday, and he held many meetings inside its walls. Explore the old conference room, dining area, and a small tea room with terraces.

This popular attraction offers great historical insight and information into the life of Hitler. The Eagles Nest retreat is located in the Kehlstein Mountains, and the grounds of the complex, as well as the drive up, provide guests with spectacular mountain views!

Tour to Hallstatt from Salzburg

Tour to Hallstatt from Salzburg

Enjoy a day of exploring Hallstatt, a village on Lake Hallstatt’s western shore in Austria’s mountainous Salzkammergut region. Pass through the famous Salzkammergut en route to Hallstatt, known as the Pearl of the Salzkammergut. You’ll see charming villages and be provided with an introduction to Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut!

In Hallstatt, take in the sights and sounds as you explore the city! Enjoy a leisurely walk along the lake and marvel at the cozy houses clinging to the mountainside. Pass by the Muhlbach waterfall and visit the local museum. The Bone House is one of the city’s most popular attractions and will give you an interesting view of local family life!

Salzburg Sound of Music & Salt Mines Combined Tour Package

Salzburg Sound of Music & Salt Mines Combined Tour Package

Salzburg is famous as being the location where the 1965 musical “ The Sound of Music ” was set, therefore, visiting the famous locations associated with the movie is the ultimate Salzburg experience! Travel to the beautiful areas in and around Salzburg, relive your favorite moments from the film, and take in the beauty of the natural landscape!

Explore another popular Salzburg attraction, the underworld caverns of the Salt Mines. Learn the history of how salt gave the area its economic wealth. Enjoy a day of history, adventure, and amazement as you relive the story of the Von Trapps, explore the lush landscape of Austria, and gain a better understanding of Salzburg’s past.

Grossglockner High Alpine Road Day Trip

Discover the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park and learn about the fascinating landscape, geology, and environment of the area!

Stop by Hochmais for a quick photo opportunity and admire the surrounding mountains. Continue on to the Haus Alpine Naturschau and enjoy a short tour of the indoor and outdoor exhibitions!

Lastly, hike towards Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe and the Wilhelm-Swarovski Observatory or on the Gamsgrubenweg trail, depending on your desired hiking difficulty level. Enjoy a perfect day of sightseeing and experiencing the iconic mountains of Austria!

Bavarian Mountains Tour from Salzburg

Bavarian Mountains Tour from Salzburg

Enjoy a day of fun and adventure as you travel to the famous Bavarian Mountains, also called the Bavarian Alps. Spend a day in awe of the towering mountain peaks and pristine lakes! Enjoy a relaxing stroll along Königssee (King’s Lake) to Obersalzberg, where the second headquarters of the Third Reich used to be located.

Marvel at the legendary Watzmann, one of the mountain’s most prominent peaks. Lastly, visit the charming town of Berchtesgaden on your way back to Salzburg, where you’ll be able to sample some Bavarian specialties, like apple strudel!

Active Roots Security Belt

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Salzburg itinerary.

How many days should you spend in Salzburg?

Staying 2-3 full days in Salzburg is plenty enough time to get to know the city and see the most important attractions. However, that won’t give you time to just chill, so if you can add more time to your stay, you’ll have a much more pleasant experience.

What should you not miss in Salzburg?

The Mirabell Palace and Gardens is probably one of the most popuar attractions in Salzburg – and for good reason – it’s a totally unique place with interesting history.

What is the best time to visit Salzburg?

Visiting during the summer months (June to August) opens the most attractions to visit, however, coming in winter means beautiful decorations, a charming vibe and amazing Christmas markets.

Is Salzburg worth visiting?

Salzburg is one of the prettiest cities in Austria and definitely worth a visit. With crisp, clean air, tidy streets, and snow-capped mountains, countless visitors are allured by Salzburg’s fairytale-like enchantment.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our itinerary for Salzburg and that you’re able to put it to use!

This charming Austrian city has so much to offer, from imposing palaces with spectacular scenery to cozy cafes and quaint architecture. 2 days in Salzburg is a traveler’s dream! All the main sights are close to the city center, and it’s entirely possible to spend all day walking around – without having to use any public transport!

It’s impossible not to fall in love with this magical city, and you’ll be entertained your whole trip, as Salzburg is stuffed to the brim with cultural sights and other delights! If you’re pushed for time, then why not visit Salzburg on a day trip from Vienna .

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salzburg tourist board

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Lu Frey

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Tauern Cycle Path

The senses are heightened on the mountain hut and nothing tastes as good as right there. Regional, seasonal and usually hearty culinary delights on the mountain pastures of SalzburgerLand delight the taste buds. Filled ‘Bladln’ dumplings, sweet doughnuts, ‘Kasnockn’ traditional cheese gnocchi or a typical Salzburg ‘Brettljause’ lunch with a mixed meat platter is incentive enough to speed up the hike to the top.

Cheese and bread on top of a wooden table

Salzburg is world-famous as the city of Mozart, music and festivals. Whilst walking around you can discover the different steps in Joseph Mohr’s life by visiting the Steingasse, St. Peter’s Monastery or the cathedral.

salzburg tourist board

The history of the Salzburg Festival starts with the first Everyman performances in 1920. A lot has changed since then. The Festival has become the most renowned classical music festival in the world. It has remained faithful to Everyman to this very day.

Beside the city of Salzburg, SalzburgerLand has a lot to offer, too. Enjoy its cultural highlights with jazz, classical music, theatre, literature and art.

salzburg tourist board

For 2023, visitors to the Salzburg Whitsun Festival embark on a journey to the underworld – from May 26 to 29.

salzburg tourist board

Discover the 7 top cycling paths in Salzurgerland, with hidden treasures and experience cultural highlights as well as unrivalled cycling fun.

©SalzburgerLand Tourismus - short break with beautiful view, 2 cyclists on bridge over Salzach - Tauern cycle path

Freeriding on the many Biker Trails in SalzburgerLand

Bike Trails in SalzburgerLand

E-Bikers are 'bon vivants', who do not see sporting activity and relaxation as contradictory for a holiday, but rather go hand in hand. And should one’s power really start running out, then simply switch the electric motor a bit higher and glide on to your destination.

Tauern Cycle Path

In the four bike parks in SalzburgerLand, Freestylers and Downhillers really get their money's worth

bike parks and trails

SalzburgerLand

The variety of mountains, lakes, and cultural attractions makes SalzburgerLand so rich and fascinating that the author Carl Zuckmayr once described it as “part of paradise”. Be it in summer or winter, between mountains and lakes everything is possible!

Take part now!

Waterfalls

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Salzburg & Salzburgerland

One of Austria’s smallest provinces, Salzburgerland is proof that size really doesn’t matter. Well, not when you have Mozart, Maria von Trapp and the 600-year legacy of the prince-archbishops behind you. This is the land that grabbed the world spotlight and shouted ‘visit Austria!’ with Julie Andrews skipping joyously down the mountainsides. This is indeed the land of crisp apple strudel, dancing marionettes and high-on-a-hilltop castles. This is the Austria of your wildest childhood dreams.

Your next trip starts here

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

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Schloss Hellbrunn

A prince-archbishop with a wicked sense of humour, Markus Sittikus, built Schloss Hellbrunn in the early 17th century as a summer palace and an escape…

Festung Hohensalzburg

Festung Hohensalzburg

Salzburg's most visible icon is this mighty, 900-year-old clifftop fortress, one of the biggest and best preserved in Europe. It's easy to spend half a…

Austria, Werfen, Eisriesenwelt, snow covered building in front of cave

Eisriesenwelt

Billed as the world’s largest accessible ice caves, Eisriesenwelt is a glittering ice empire spanning 30,000 sq metres and 42km of narrow passages…

Waterfalls

Krimmler Wasserfälle

Hohe Tauern National Park

Enshrouded in mist, arched by a rainbow, frozen solid – this waterfall always looks extraordinary, no matter what time of year. The Wasserfallweg …

Gasteiner Wasserfall

Gasteiner Wasserfall

Bad Gastein’s star attraction is this 341m waterfall, which rages over rugged cliff faces and through thick forest to tumble into three turquoise pools…

Boardroom, Salzburg Residenz Palace (16th century), Salzburg, Austria

The crowning glory of Salzburg's DomQuartier, the Residenz is where the prince-archbishops held court until Salzburg became part of the Habsburg Empire in…

Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe

Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe

One of the high points (in every sense) of the Grossglockner Road, the 2369m Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe viewpoint takes its name from the Austrian emperor…

Salzwelten

During Salzburg’s princely heyday, the sale of salt filled its coffers. Today, at Austria’s biggest show mine, you can slip into a boiler suit and descend…

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Nov 6, 2019 • 6 min read

More than 200 years since Silent Night was first performed in Austria, we discover how this simple lullaby became the world's biggest Christmas carol

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Salzburg & Salzburgerland with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Salzburg & Salzburgerland and beyond

Looking out from Mönchsberg over central Salzburg – the city on the Salzach river and at the foot of the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Borders Of Adventure

Borders Of Adventure

Leading Culture and Adventure Travel Blog by Becki Enright. Looking at the world with a different angle to change perceptions of misunderstood places, for the best in travel.

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Austria , Cultural Travel

Why You Should Visit Salzburg, Austria – The City Beyond Mozart & The Sound of Music

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to handpicked partners, including tours, gear and booking sites. If you click through or buy something via one of them, I may receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and allows this site to keep running.

There are many reasons to visit Salzburg, Austria, and in this travel guide, I highlight what this city is about beyond its well-known parts and cliches detailed in the things to do in Salzburg lists, and beyond only Mozart and the Sound of Music. 

Let’s pretend all of Austria’s major cities are siblings. Vienna would be the classical one with a hidden, gritty second personality. Innsbruck would be sporty, and Graz would have a Mediterranean flair. Salzburg? She would be exquisitely beautiful and musically gifted. Everyone wants to see Salzburg.

Arial view of the riverside Salzburg Historical Old Town with it pastel buildings, mint green rooftops and castle on the hill.

Why You Should Visit Salzburg, Austria – The City Beyond Mozart & The Sound of Music

The Reason to Visit Salzburg, Austria

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There’s more to Austria’s fourth-largest city than Mozart and the Sound of Music, of course, but the city is first and foremost a musical metropolis, even if this is not your sole purpose for visiting.

Salzburg’s streets are filled with buskers, opera singers and all manner of harmonic performers, continuing to serve with melodies a city that bore one of the greatest composers of all time.

Annually the city hosts over 4,000 cultural events, including the internationally renowned Salzburg Festival. In-between, die-hard fans of the Sound of Music seek out the film’s famous film scenes, just as I did, and winter in Salzburg sees people come to visit the origins of the Silent Night Christmas Carol.

READ MORE: The History of the Silent Night Song in Austria

It’s no wonder Salzburg takes the tagline “Stage of the World”. That’s a lot of performance to pack into a compact city.

Yet, Salzburg is also a great place to wander and absorb the history that marks it out from other Austrian cities etched with typical Habsburg style and their distinct atmosphere. Salzburg is timeless while having carved out a youthful vibrancy; distinctly famous without being disgustingly overcrowded and charming in a way that you always hear about, but which you only connect with once you are there.

Two bearded men in hoodies - one playing a wood board drum and the other playing a white keyboard, busk next to the padlock covered river bridge in Salzburg.

Salzburg – always the city of music on every corner.

Things to Do in Salzburg Beyond Musical Fame

My journey began in the Schloss Leopoldskron , the historic palace 20-minutes from the city centre . The epitome of majestic Salzburg, this landmark building from 1736 sits upon the banks of a shimmering blue lake (of Sound of Music fame), with manicured gardens and a mountainous backdrop.

In 1918 it was taken over by the famous theatre director and founder of the Salzburg Festival, Max Reinhardt who renovated to how it stands today with stunningly decorated rooms and a grand library – all of which you have free reign to wander.

Once the gathering place of writers, composers and other creatives, I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to a city I had longed to visit for many years. After an emotional arrival (for reasons I cannot work out I just wanted to burst into tears the second I stood on the grounds here) and gorging on Palace interiors, the city was calling.

Want to book? ► Stay in the Schloss Leopoldskron

The shimmering blue, mountain backed, tree-lined Sound of Music Lake at Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, Austria.

The Sound of Music Lake at Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg

A white mansion house in Salzburg in Austria, pokes between a mass of trees and sits facing huge body of water.

The beautiful Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, seen from the other side of the lake pond.

An old, classic, dark wood panelled interior of the library at Inside the library of Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, Austria. The room is complete with a dark red carpet and leather sofas.

The library of Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, Austria

Two white stone horses' heads either side of a black metal gate overlooking a lake surrounded by trees. The 'Horse Head Gate' was made famous in The Sound of Music and is found at Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, Austria.

The Horse Head Gate, made famous in Sound of Music.

Salzburg’s historic city centre has been a World Heritage Site since 1997 and is seen as the most significant baroque city north of the Alps. It was built to be exquisite and display prosperity. Occupying a unique position in Europe as a Roman stronghold on the junction of a military road that linked the north and south of Europe, it came into being in the 7 th century (year 700) when it was founded and ruled by independent Catholic Prince Archbishops.

Its absence of grandeur Hapsburg touches was replaced by those of the secular kind – with Cathedrals and beautiful baroque church spires, all set within large open Italian flair squares which today brim with artworks and views to the castle on the hilltop. The Archbishops’ power and affluence continued well into the 19 th century, who built the city from the wealth accumulated through salt trading (hence the city’s name). It only became a part of the Habsburg Empire in 1816.

A row of rectangular buildings in pastel colours, spires and towers with mint green roofs and a castle complex on a hill - a riverside view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salzburg city.

Riverside view of Salzburg city, UNESCO World Heritage Site of Austria

A horse carriage driver, looking towards the white buildings in Salzburg Old Town, stands in between two carriages, each with two horses.

In the very heart of the city centre of Salzburg, Austria

A white building with two towers with mint green spires, dominates a Public Square with a statued fountain in Salzburg, Austria.

One of the grand public squares in Salzburg.

A Public Square with beige and white building with mint green spires surround a Golden Fountain in Salzburg.

Salzburg’s Golden Fountain.

A darken cream stone old city gate in Salzburg with a modern yellow building build above and around it. A man and his children walk in the gate's archway.

Old City Gate’s of Salzburg – the still visible doorways to the past.

In place of pastel candy coloured noble houses and overshadowing the art nouveau touches of the Austrian monarchy, you’ll find alternative splendour in pretty avenues. One particular highlight is Getreidegasse – a notable street and stunning shopping mile full of traditional confectioners, tailors and weavers alongside international brands.

The defining feature of Getreidegasse is the uniform design of the shop signs. Notice how McDonald’s even adheres to the signage styling.

People walking down Getreidegasse - a shopping street in Salzburg known for its pretty, stylish signage.

The famed Getreidegasse shopping street in Salzburg.

The delicate and pretty gold and metal shop signs that line the shopping street of Getreidegasse in Salzburg.

Beyond the centrepieces of Sound of Music Fame, the palace structure, manicured gardens and opulent fountains of the Schloss Mirabell and the Mirabell Gardens are a must for a sample of quintessential, classic Salzburg. Views are topped off with a scattering of mint-coloured rooftops as you gaze towards the castle complex on the hill. 

People walk through the manicured gras and flower beds of the Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg, which has a view towards towards the fortress on the hill.

Famous fortress view from the Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg.

Two tall statues with arms outstretched are the decor on the Gate of the Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg, Austria. In the distance is the hilltop fortress.

The grand gate of the Mirabell Gardens.

The smallest house in Salzburg (No. 10a Alter Markt) is less than 1.5 metres wide, yet perfectly blends in. The legend is that a young man went to his future wife’s father to ask for her hand in marriage. The father permitted the marriage only if the man could provide his daughter with a house and this was all his funds permitted.

The truth is the house was built to fill an old Medieval alleyway between the larger houses on either side of it and is, today, a jewellery store. 

A narrow, 1.4 metre wide grey stone building with a jewellery shop front is wedged between two larger buildings. It is the smallest house in Salzburg.

10a Alter Markt – the smallest house in Salzburg.

Admire the city’s 1,000 protected buildings from various elevated viewpoints in the city. The best is the rooftop of the Museum of Modern Art , which is a full window on the city that includes the 11th-century  Hohensalzburg Fortress – the medieval castle that watches over the city (itself a frequented panoramic vantage point).

View down a long street lines with pastel coloured buildings and which looks up to a large rock wall with a white fortress on top.

Get up to the modern art museum at the Hohensalzburg Fortress for the best view over Salzburg.

A panoramic view of Salzburg in Austria, with a scattering of white buildings cut in half by a river and backed by low mountains, as seen from the top of the Modern Art Museum.

The best panoramic shot from Salzburg from the top of the Modern Art Museum

On the subject of modern art, Salzburg doesn’t just covert the best of it in museums. Modern artworks like the man on the golden globe and the giant interactive chessboard , add colour and curiosity to old squares as you stop and gaze at the baroque structures that dominate.

I always like to see how old cities add some modern spark to stay exciting and relevant to all manner of visitors. Salzburg is opulent, but it isn’t without a subtle coating of gritty, youthful vibes and modern creative inclusions, which are fun to find and push you to explore outside the architectural boundaries of the historic centre.

Modern artworks in Salzburg include a man standing on a giant golden globe and a large interactive chessboard. Both are found in a public square below a hilltop fortress.

Two of the best modern artworks in Salzburg’s historical city centre.

Salzburg is a city with over 500 years of beer heritage. It’s a rite of passage to immerse yourself in Salzburg’s beer heritage and sip on a Steiner at the Augustiner Brewery as you marvel at the history of the monks.

Dozens of people gather around large tables, holding tall ceramic mugs of beer in a huge hall with classic white and dark wood interior.

Ancient beer halls of the Augustiner Brewery in Salzburg.

First, you choose the size of your Steiner, pay for it and then let one of the guys fill you up from the barrel. Find a table, socialise with locals and grab some traditional foods, which you can find served outside the giant beer halls.

Even if you are on your own, as I was, you will strike up a conversation since sharing tables is a part of the beer culture. My good friend, Steph, demonstrates the scale of the beer from her visit a month before mine.

Still thirsty? Head to the 17 th century established Stiegl Brewery that is still in operation today.

Cross the River – See Salzburg Differently

It’s easy to spend all your time on the side of the river where the historical centre and old town is. Yet, a simple river cross to the other side reveals another side of Salzburg, where trendy neighbourhoods are thriving in timeworn alleyways and cosy city corners. 

Get to Steingasse, across the river from the Historic Old Town. Stone Street (as it translates) is the oldest street in Salzburg, and this quiet, historical alleyway of the city is not forgotten but is a place where street art and trendy neighbourhood vibes are emerging.

Two people walk down the oldest street a Salzburg – a wide cobblestoned street lined either side with light pink and yellow building with metal window bars and street lamps.

The beautiful and hidden Steingasse – the oldest street in Salzburg.

An old shop front with brown shutters, a brown door and a yellow and brown shop sign that reads "Tändlerei" is covered in modern street art paintings of women sitting in doorways and windows.

Street art and old shop signs merge on the trendy Steingasse street.

A woman in a white t-shirt and green trousers walking in a narrow cobblestoned alleyway towards a white wall arch in old Salzburg, Austria.

While you are on this side of the river, wander through the neighbourhood of Andräviertel. It’s quieter, has some independent stores and cafes, adding to a growing bohemian feel that makes it feel like a different ‘halve’ of Salzburg across the water.

View of the Andräviertel Neighbourhood in Salzburg comprised on yellow and pink pastel coloured buildings, mint green rooftops and spires and a worn, golden brown four story building with the sign, "StRupert Antik".

Salzburg’s Andräviertel Neighbourhood. The other side of the city.

View down a long street with a brown archway and a baby pink building and clock tower with a mint green spire. Black tables and chairs can be seen in the street.

Local Salzburg in Andräviertel.

A University City, you’ll stumble across from the hum of coffee houses in courtyards, trendy bars and bistros that feed the young heart. Salzburg is where ‘Lederhosen Donnerstag’ (Lederhosen Thursday) was established, where young people come together in traditional clothing to socialise and muse in a modern establishment on this chosen day of the week. The city is known for its endless array of Dirndl and Lederhosen shops, and this fun movement keeps the culture alive in a modern setting. 

What to Do in Salzburg for the Music

Hollywood can often ruin a city, especially one made famous by the longest standing musical film of all time that attracts over 300,000 tourists a year. However, while some of the 1965 film’s scenes are within the centre of the city, many remain outside of it, accessible only by your meticulous planning (and special permission) or via The Sound of Music Panorama Tours bus.

People walking towards a red and blue tour bus decorated with images of the characters from the Sound of Music.

The Sound of Music bus tour in Salzburg

I admit I was a little pessimistic about a bus tour since I like to bounce around on my own time. But here’s the honesty. It was one of the most fun mornings I’ve ever had – a bus full of excitable Sound of Music fans hyper on Do Re Me, My Favourite Things, How do You Solve a Problem like Maria and all other tunes, while staring out of the window at Salzburg’s green vistas. Panorama Tours have created a sing-along, multi-stop schedule that runs every day of the year (because it is THAT in demand).

It stops at various highlights including the other side of the Schloss Leopoldskron pond (access is only available if you stay at the property), the white gazebo known for “Sixteen going on Seventeen”. It passes the outskirts of Villa Trapp, heads out to the church where Maria and Captain Von Trapp got married and ends at the beautiful Schloss Mirabell in the city. So you can dance on the Pegasus (Do-Re-Mi) fountain and snap yourself on the famous stairs at the Mirabell Gardens.

The dark metal poles, handrails and archways of a bridge in Salzburg made famous in the Sound of Music.

The Do Re Me Bridge from the Sound of Music, crossing the Salzach River in central Salzburg.

A woman dressed in black poses in a dance style outside a white and glass gazebo in Salzburg made famous in the Sound of Music.

The “Sixteen going on Seventeen” gazebo.

A woman dressed in black stands on the jagged white and grey pavement outside of the yellow and white, two-towered Mondsee Cathedral in Austria.

Mondsee Cathedral, used for the marriage scene.

A woman in black jeans and a pink t-shirt walks on the edge of an opulent stone fountain set in a grand and manicured garden, made famous in the Sound of Music.

The Pegasus fountain in the Schloss Mirabell from Do-Re-Mi.

A woman in black jeans and a pink t-shirt stands at the top of the stairs, at the black gated entrance to a palace garden, with her arms raised. Behind her is a manicured garden with a fountain, and a raised fortress complex.

The film famous stairs at the Mirabell Gardens.

The tour is also a way of getting out in the surrounding nature of Salzburg, where you can spot the Untersberg – the panoramas used in the opening scenes of the Sound of Music. While the city pops with gardens and cycle paths, the mountain ranges of the Mönchsberg, Festungberg and Kapuzinerberg hug the city, whose old and modern districts get divided by the river Salzach.

On the Panorama Tours bus, you weave through these mountainous valleys and past half a dozen lakes, getting an introduction to the diversity of Salzburgerland state.

A woman in a pink t-shirt and with long hair stands on a raised green pasture overlooking village houses, rolling green and a wide lake in Salzburg, Austria.

The panoramas used in the opening scenes of the Sound of Music.

People on the Sound of Music tour bus taking pictures of the hills and mountains of Salzburg through the bus window.

Scenes from the Panorama Tours bus.

Mozart is the city’s most famous son, born and bred in Salzburg and forever a part of its legacy.

A man busks on the street in Salzburg, playing a guitar next to a green and grey statue of Mozart.

The Mozart Statue in Mozart, honouring his legacy in his birth city.

Born in Getreidegasse 9 (in 1756), today fans flock for a picture outside the building’s brightly painted yellow façade, which now incorporates a permanent exhibition about his life and career.

People stand outside a tall, rectangular yellow house with a red and white stripped Austrian flag. The words on the building read: "Mozart's Geburtshaus" (Mozart's Birth House).

Getreidegasse 9 – Mozart’s Birth House.

Afterwards, you can indulge in a Mozartkugel chocolate, whose silver and blue wrapper marks it out as the “Original Salzburger Mozartkugel” – the real deal compared to the red and gold wrapped ‘souvenir’ style Mozartkugels found elsewhere in Austria. There’s a lot of pride here over the Mozartkugel – a delicious mesh of green marzipan layered with nougat and dark chocolate, which you can buy from Fürst on Brodgasse .

In 1890, master confectioner Paul Fürst invented this treat and named it after the city’s composer, who was not even that famous at the time. It is still produced by hand to this day with the original recipe and tastes a lot better than the mass-produced ones. 

White chairs and tables outside a pink building with white window trims, golden lights and the name over the door arch: "Fürst" - a famous chocolate shop in Salzburg.

The Fürst chocolate shop – home to the original Mozartkugel.

Winter in Salzburg is not just one of the most romantic places for all things advent and Christmas related; it is also where the story of Silent Night began. The most famous of all Christmas Carols, Salzburg is pivotal to the beginnings of the song with seven locations related to it. Joseph Mohr, who wrote the Silent Night songtext, was born in Salzburg and lived at Steingasse 31. In wider SalzburgerLand, around 30 minutes from the city, you can visit Arnsdorf village where school teacher Franz Xaver Gruber first composed silent Night before moving on to the neighbouring village of Oberndorf where you’ll find the Silent Night Chapel.

READ MORE:  Silent Night Song Locations in Austria  – A 200-Year-Old Old Story of the Famous Christmas Carol

Silent Night Chapel Oberndorf Village Austria

Things to Know About Salzburg, Austria:

Honour the legends of sound when you get to Salzburg and take yourself on the musical journeys it is worthy of, yet know there are more stories. Stories in its architec ture, art, old alleyways and trendy neighbourhoods, giving this city more reasons for a visit.

  • Salzburg has an airport, Flughafen Salzburg, with connections to major European cities and beyond. Travel to Salzburg is also easily accessible from anywhere in Austria, primarily via the other major city hubs. Salzburg is a 2.5-hour train ride from Vienna, 2 hours from Innsbruck and 4 hours from Graz, easily accessible via the ÖBB network .
  • The Salzburg Card gives you access to all museums, transport and discounts in individual stores and other outlets. It’s especially useful if you want to visit the Museum of Modern Art just for the view while using it for other advantages. A 24-hour card costs €24, 48-hour €32 and a 72-hour card is €37. There are also Salzburg hotel and card packages from €119.

Salzburg attractions are not just limited to the centre of the city. From salt mines to mountain lakes, city walking tours to a broader exploration of the state of SalzburgerLand, there are many Salzburg sightseeing options to see the wider city and beyond if you are staying for a few days.

  • City and Countryside Full-Day Sightseeing Tour
  • See the Lakes and Mountains in Salzkammergut
  • Half-day tour to Hallstatt
  • Eagle’s Nest and Berchtesgaden Tour

One of my recommendations is to visit St. Johann im Pongau in Salzburg, home to the deepest gorge, the hiking point to one of Austria’s best mountain viewpoints, and next to the biggest ice cave in the world – Eisriesenwelt. 

READ MORE: Summer in St. Johann im Pongau , Austria – The Salzburg Mountain City After Ski

salzburg tourist board

  • Sound of Music fans should take the Panorama Tours bus  in Salzburg all around the key film locations and out into the surrounding lake areas. The musical is also shown at the Salzburg Marionette Theatre and at the Salzburg State Theatre (check if it’s a live sing-along!).

Hotels in Salzburg are plentiful, which options to suit all budgets.

  • A suggested historical city centre Salzburg hotel is the 3* Bergland Hotel for the budget end and the real Villa Trapp for mid-budget.
  • I recently stayed at the Stein Hotel – an old legendary city hotel, now renovated in the new art design. Located right on the banks of the Salzach River, its rooftop bar and restaurant provides a panoramic view of Salzburg.
  • For those looking to sleep in a palace in Salzburg,  stay in the Schloss Leopoldskron for ultimate luxury and a magnificent backdrop of mountains,
  • If you want to stay in a former fortification on the Kapuzinerberg in the centre of the city, check out the availability of the restored 1629 castle, Franziskischlössl . Since 2017 guests can stay in the renovated former private residences and two suites with an elevated view of Salzburg’s famous mint green rooftops.
  • For more information on Salzburg’s world-acclaimed events including the summer Salzburg Festival, the Salzburg Easter Festival and ‘Mozart Week’ check out the online Salzburg events calendar.
  • Check out the Salzburg Tourist information website. For further information about planning your trip around Austria visit the  Austria Tourism website and find additional information that supplements this Salzburg travel blog. 

The green rooftops, church spires and quaint architecture of Salzburg, Austria, seen from an elevated viewpoint looking towards the hill with the mountains in the far background

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

Stuart Forster says

29 August 2017 at 8:01 am

I’ve been over to Salzburg many times (I used to live in Munich) and reading your post makes me keen to return. Your photos really capture the mood of the city, as I remember it.

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on 29. March 2024

Goldener Saal | © Salzburg Highlights

Best of Mozart Fortress Concert

Antonio Pappano | © Antonio Pappano

Salzburg Easter Festival 2024: Choir Concert

Mirabell | © Salzburger Konzertgesellschaft

Mirabell Palace Concerts

Goldener Saal | © Salzburg Highlights

eat & meet - Culinary Festival

Gemüsemarkt | © Tourismus Salzburg GmbH, Breitegger G.

Bio-Bauernmarkt Kajetanerplatz

Grünmarkt in Salzburg | © Tourismus Salzburg GmbH, Breitegger G.

Bio-Bauernmarkt im EUROPARK

Blick auf die Festung | © Wienerroither Sylvia

Guided Tour

Ostereier gestalten | © Salzburger Heimatwerk

Design Easter eggs with Helga Gastl

ART&ANTIQUE Residenz Salzburg | © wildbild

Art&Antique Residenz Salzburg

Stadt Salzburg | © TSG_Tourismus Salzburg GmbH

Fairtours Salzburg - Individual Best Of

Who let the dogs out - Haus der Natur | © www.neumayr.cc

Who let the dogs out?

Residenzbrunnen | © Kultur Tourismus Salzburg/R. Assmann

Walking tour ' Best of Arts'

Ostern auf der Festung | © Festung Hohensalzburg

Guided city tour

Kulturhistorischer Spaziergang | © Kultur Tourismus

Game meetup for young and old

Gemüsekiste | © Bio-Markt Borromäuspoint

Bio-Markt Borromäuspoint

Haus für Mozart | © Salzburger Festspiele

Festival Halls - Guided tour

Kollegienkirche | © j.kral erzdioezese

Passion in the Collegiate Church: Good Friday

Kirchenmusik | © Erzabtei St. Peter

Mass with church music in the collegiate church of St. Peter

St. Christopher‘s School Orchestra | © St. Christopher‘s School

Mass with music in Salzburg Cathedral

Pfarrkirche Mülln | © Erzdiözse Salzburg/Foto: J. Kral

Church music

Die faszinierende Welt des Massermachens | © Kappeller GmbH

The fascinating world of mass making

Radisson_Blu_Hotel | © Radisson_Blu_Hotel

Mozart violin sonatas at Salzburg Residenz Palace

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Fortress Concerts at Hohensalzburg Fortress | © Salzburg Highlights

Best of Mozart Concerts & Best of Mozart Dinner Concerts

Fortress Hohensalzburg: Culinary and musical delights high above the city's rooftops

Salzburg from above | © istock

Guided hiking tour SALZBURG FROM ABOVE

See incredible views of historic Salzburg and the breathtaking surrounding mountains.

Violinist at the Marmorsaal of Mirabell Castle with audience | © Salzburger Konzertgesellschaft

Mozart in the Marble Hall of Mirabell Palace

Enjoy finest chamber music and orchestra concerts with compositions of Mozart and his contemporaries.

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  2. 10 Top Tourist Attractions in Salzburg, Austria (with Map)

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  4. A Tourist's Guide to the Top 10 Things to Do in Salzburg, Austria

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  5. How Salzburg Stole my Heart

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COMMENTS

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