Nestled between the Alps and the sparkling Salzach River, Salzburg combines seamlessly baroque splendor, a rich musical heritage, and picturesque natural beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage city is celebrated as the birthplace of Mozart and the iconic setting for The Sound of Music, yet it offers so much more than its storied past. With stunning landmarks such as Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Palace, and the winding alleys of the Getreidegasse, Salzburg exudes a timeless charm. Here, culture meets indulgence – from Mozartkugeln to a refreshing beer from the Stiegl Brewery. Compact and brimming with inspiration, Salzburg is a city that enchants every traveler.
Top Highlights of Salzburg
One of Europe's largest castles
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Hohensalzburg Fortress
Salzburg, Austria
The Hohensalzburg Fortress towers majestically over Salzburg's Old Town and, with over 7,000 m² of built-up area, ranks among the largest fully preserved castle complexes in Europe. Since its construction began in 1077, it has been continuously expanded and today impresses with its late Gothic architecture as well as the magnificent princely chambers, which bring to life the world of the archbishops around 1500.
Film location of The Sound of Music
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Mirabell Palace
Salzburg, Austria
The baroque Mirabell Palace is one of Salzburg's most famous landmarks. Originally built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau for his mistress Salome Alt, it was later renamed "Mirabell" by Markus Sittikus, meaning "wonderfully beautiful." Particularly impressive are the magnificent Marble Hall, considered one of the world's most beautiful wedding halls today, and the intricately designed Angel Staircase with its delicate marble statues.
Stroll Through Austria's City of Music
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Old Town Salzburg
Salzburg, Austria
When you visit Salzburg, you simply must stroll through the city's Old Town. As the birthplace of Mozart and home to the renowned Salzburg Festival, this former princely city rightly belongs on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Start your walking tour from the Mirabell Gardens and cross the Salzach River via the Makartsteg bridge. Within the medieval city walls you’ll find a maze of narrow, crooked alleys lined with cute shops and luxurious jewelry stores. Follow Getreidegasse, the most popular shopping street,before arriving at the Cathedral Square. Here you can visit the magnificent Salzburg Cathedral. Most of the impressive architecture you’ll see is from the Baroque era, shaped by Italian masters such as Vincenzo Scamozzi and Santino Solari.
Baroque meets playful water art
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Hellbrunn Palace
Salzburg, Austria
Located in the southern part of Salzburg, the Hellbrunn Palace is a Mannerist pleasure palace and a magnet for visitors from around the world. Built in the early 17th century by Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus von Hohenems, the estate delights both young and old with its playful water features, where hidden fountains provide wet surprises. Highlights include the mechanical theater, featuring around 200 water-powered figures, and the Stone Theater, the oldest open-air theater in Europe.
Mecca for aviation enthusiasts and gourmets
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Red Bull Hangar-7
Salzburg, Austria
At the edge of Salzburg Airport stands the futuristic Hangar-7, an elliptical gem made of steel and specialty glass. The building houses not only a collection of historic airplanes, helicopters, and Formula 1 race cars belonging to the late entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz, who passed away in 2022, but also rotating exhibitions of contemporary art. The highlight is undoubtedly the collection of the Flying Bulls, which brings history to life with rarities like the Douglas DC-6B.
1. early Baroque church north of the Alps
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Salzburg Cathedral
Salzburg, Austria
The Salzburg Cathedral is the first early Baroque church north of the Alps and one of Salzburg's most important landmarks. Built between 1614 and 1628 by architect Santino Solari, the cathedral impresses with its imposing façade made of Untersberg marble, two distinctive towers, and a massive dome. Originally consecrated in 774, it was repeatedly rebuilt after being destroyed by fires, with the current structure dating back to the 17th century. Highlights include:
Ideal for a family outing
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Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn
Salzburg, Austria
In the midst of the Hellbrunn Palace Park, the GeoZoo awaits you with around 1,500 animals from 150 species. The area, which has been used as a wildlife park since the 15th century, delights visitors with its natural design, where rock walls and the Salzburg mountain landscape are harmoniously integrated into the animal enclosures. A particular highlight is the spacious savanna enclosure with rhinos and zebras, while free-roaming lemurs regularly enchant visitors. With barrier-free paths, daily feedings, and events, the zoo is a highlight for visitors of all ages.
Discover nature & technology interactively
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Nature Museum (Haus der Natur)
Salzburg, Austria
The Haus der Natur in Salzburg is a versatile museum that combines natural sciences and technology across more than 7,000 square meters. Whether you stroll through the aquariumwith 42 tanks showcasing tropical coral reefs and native fish species, stand face-to-face with life-sized dinosaurs, or try out physical experiments yourself in the interactive Science Center – learning here becomes an adventure. The space hall and reptile zoo are also worth a visit, featuring snakes, lizards, and even crocodiles in habitats designed to mimic their natural environments. With exciting exhibitions, barrier-free access, and family-friendly offerings, the Haus der Natur is a popular destination for visitors of all ages.
Beloved shopping street
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Getreidegasse
Salzburg, Austria
The Getreidegasse in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town is one of Austria's most famous shopping streets. With its tall, closely packed houses, beautiful façades, hidden courtyards and distinctive wrought-iron guild signs, it exudes a unique charm. This is where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756, at No. 9 – his birthplace is now a museum that attracts music lovers from around the globe. Once renowned as a trade hub in the 14th century, the street is now part of a pedestrian zone, enticing visitors with exclusive boutiques, traditional craft shops, and gourmet food stores.
Home to the famous Salzburg Festival
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Great Festival House
Salzburg, Austria
The Great Festival House (Große Festspielhaus) is one of Europe's most significant cultural venues and a centerpiece of the Salzburg Festival, which attracts culture enthusiasts from around the world every summer. Nestled between the Hofstallgasse and partially carved into the Mönchsberg, it impresses with one of the largest stages in the world, spanning 100 meters and accommodating monumental opera and concert productions.
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Location
Salzburg is located in the Salzburg Basin, right on the border with Bavaria, and nestled in the foothills of the northern Limestone Alps. The city is compact, easy to navigate, and perfect for a city trip where everything is within walking distance or conveniently accessible via public transport.
Best Activities
Historic Center
The heart of Salzburg is its Old Town, a baroque masterpiece that has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the 20th century. Towering above the city, the magnificent Hohensalzburg Fortress sits atop the Mönchsberg and ranks as one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved castles. From this vantage point, you’re treated to stunning views of red rooftops, church spires, and the snow-capped Alps in the distance.
But that’s just the beginning. In the iconic Getreidegasse, rows of historic buildings line the narrow street. This is where Mozart himself was born, and his birthplace is now a museum well worth a visit. Just around the corner, you'll find the Salzburg Cathedral and the beautifully manicured gardens of Mirabell Palace.
If you're looking for more to explore, consider taking a boat ride along the Salzach River, or venture to the nearby Hellbrunn Palace, famous for its playful trick fountains – a guaranteed delight for all ages.
Cultural Experiences
Salzburg is a city steeped in music. Every summer, the Salzburg Festival draws culture lovers from around the world, while January’s Mozart Week celebrates the city’s most famous composer with a full calendar of events.
Fans of The Sound of Music can also enjoy guided tours that bring them to the film’s iconic locations, making the city’s charm come alive through the lens of the beloved classic.
Up to Kapuzinerberg
The Kapuzinerberg is a peaceful green haven in the heart of Salzburg. A walk along its historic fortifications takes you to great viewpoints like the Hettwer Bastion, where picturesque vistas of the Old Town and Hohensalzburg Fortress await. In just 30 minutes, you can reach the delightful Franziskischlössl, a historic gem featuring a cozy restaurant and garden terrace. With its serene forests and a resident colony of wild chamois, Kapuzinerberg offers you an idyllic escape from the city’s bustle.
Travel Info
Practical Tips
With the Salzburg Card, you can save both time and money as it provides free entry to many attractions and unlimited use of public transportation.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit depends on your interests:
Spring (March to May)
Weather: Mild temperatures ranging between 10°C and 20°C, though occasional rain is possible.
Highlights: The city comes to life with blooming gardens like the Mirabell Gardens. Tourist crowds remain moderate.
Summer (June to August)
Weather: Warm temperatures between 22°C and 25°C.
Highlights: Peak travel season with numerous events like the Salzburg Festival. The city buzzes with activity, but it’s also busy, leading to higher prices.
Autumn (September to November)
Weather: Pleasant temperatures of 14°C to 19°C in September and October, cooling down in November.
Highlights: A quieter atmosphere with fewer tourists. The surrounding landscape transforms with autumn colors, and you can enjoy local harvest festivals.
Winter (December to February)
Weather: Cold temperatures between 2°C and 6°C, with a chance of snow.
Highlights: The city becomes a winter wonderland with traditional Christmas markets and festive lights. Perfect for cultural experiences and visits to nearby ski resorts.
Getting There
Salzburg’s central location at the crossroads of three countries makes it easily accessible.
By Plane
The Salzburg Airport (Salzburg W. A. Mozart Airport) is located just 4 km from the city center, offering connections to numerous European cities. From the airport, you can reach the downtown area quickly via buses or taxis.
By Train
Salzburg Hauptbahnhof is a major hub in the European rail network. Regular trains connect Salzburg to Vienna and Munich, with travel times of about 2.5 to 3 hours. International connections include Zurich, Budapest, and Venice. The station is centrally located, providing direct access to public transport.
By Car
Salzburg is well-connected via the A1 (Westautobahn), A8 (Munich–Salzburg), and A10 (Tauernautobahn) highways. Be sure to note the vignette requirement for driving on Austrian motorways!
Many parking spaces in the city center are subject to fees, so it’s recommended to use park-and-ride facilities and take public transport into the center.
Getting Around Salzburg
The city boasts a well-developed network of trolleybuses and city buses. With the Salzburg Card, you can use public transport free of charge.
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Culinary Delights
Salzburg takes pride in its culinary traditions. Indulge in the sweet Mozartkugeln, enjoy a serving of Salzburger Nockerl, or visit the historic St. Peter Stiftskeller – Europe’s oldest restaurant, serving guests since the 8th century. For a refreshing finish to your trip, a visit to the Stiegl Brewery for a cold beer is a must.
