Popular Cities Salzburg

Would you like to explore Austria’s unique nature while also getting to know the country’s history and culture better? Then you should keep Salzburg in mind for your next trip. The city combines the fascinating history of the prince-archbishops with breathtaking nature that lies just a stone’s throw away. Below you’ll find an overview of the city’s most interesting sights, along with recommendations for excursion destinations in the surrounding area.

Sights in the city

Hohensalzburg Fortress

The Hohensalzburg Fortress towers high above the old town and is considered the largest surviving castle in Central Europe. This makes it one of the city’s most important landmarks. If you want to enjoy an impressive view of Salzburg, you should definitely pay the fortress a visit. You can reach the complex either on foot or by funicular. The funicular from 1892 is the oldest funicular railway still in operation in Austria.

Not only is the view impressive, but the fortress itself is also well worth seeing. Learn more about how the complex came to be and visit one of the museums inside. In the Fortress Museum you’ll gain insights into the fortress’s history and discover exhibits from the princely archiepiscopal court life. In addition, the Marionette Museum and the Rainer Regiment Museum offer further perspectives on Salzburg’s city history. Also worth seeing is the historic Armoury, where interactive elements help you explore armour and weapons.

On the third floor you’ll also find the Prince’s Chambers, consisting of the Prince’s Hall, the Golden Chamber and the Golden Hall. What makes them special: the furnishings of these rooms have been preserved in their original condition from 1501/1502 and have not been significantly altered since.

Mirabell Palace and Mirabell Gardens

Besides Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Palace and the Mirabell Gardens are also among the city’s most popular sights. The palace and garden are listed as protected monuments and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Inside the palace you should be sure to visit the Marble Hall, which impresses with marble columns, stucco work and ceiling frescoes. Not without reason is it considered one of the most beautiful wedding halls in the world.

The Mirabell Gardens are also well worth seeing. To this day, the geometric layout typical of the Baroque period is still recognisable, and the alignment towards the cathedral and Hohensalzburg Fortress gives the garden its special charm. Particularly recommended are the Grand Garden Parterre with its central fountain and the four figure groups symbolising the elements fire, water, earth and air, as well as the Small Garden Parterre with the Pegasus Fountain. It is also worth visiting the Dwarf Garden, dating back to the time of Archbishop Johann Ernst Count Thun. Originally, 28 dwarves made of white Untersberg marble stood there; today, 17 remain. The Dwarf Garden is considered the oldest dwarf garden in Europe.

Mozart’s Birthplace

Mozart’s Birthplace is located at Getreidegasse 9 and was originally known as the Hagenauer House. It became famous through Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born there in 1756. Today, Mozart’s Birthplace is one of the most visited museums in Austria and is a must on the itinerary especially for lovers of classical music.

During a tour, you can visit the original living quarters of Mozart and his family. On site, you’ll also discover furniture and objects from the 18th century. This gives you an atmospheric insight into the life and surroundings of the world-famous composer.

Getreidegasse

The Getreidegasse is considered the heart of Salzburg’s old town and is known for its special charm. There you’ll find international fashion chains, traditional inns and long-established businesses. The architecture of the houses is particularly impressive: magnificent house portals and windows that get smaller from the first floor upwards. Mozart’s Birthplace is also located on Getreidegasse.

Hellbrunn Palace

Hellbrunn Palace has shaped Salzburg for over 400 years and impresses with its imposing architecture and famous trick fountains. It was built at the request of the Salzburg prince-archbishop Markus Sittikus as a place of relaxation and pleasure. The summer residence was completed in a remarkably short time, from 1612 to 1615. Today, the palace houses the permanent exhibition “SchauLust”, where you can learn more about the history of the site. Hellbrunn Palace is also a popular location for wedding photos.

A special highlight is the trick fountains, which continue to surprise and delight visitors to this day. An audio guide takes you through 21 stations and provides information about Markus Sittikus as well as how the historic Mechanical Theatre works. Please note: at some points, you may be surprised by spraying water.

The park grounds are also worth seeing. There you’ll discover ponds, statues and flower arrangements. At the same time, the grounds invite you to relax and, with an adventure playground, offer a great opportunity for children to enjoy a varied break.

House of Nature

The House of Nature is far more than a classic natural history museum. It combines an aquarium, a reptile and amphibian area, and an interactive science centre. This makes it particularly suitable for families and offers a varied programme for visitors of all ages.

In addition to the permanent exhibitions, guided tours, science shows, workshops and excursions take place regularly. You can also embark on an exciting journey through time: from the origin of life, through prehistory, to the development of humankind and the properties of the human body. In addition, native river landscapes and remote habitats are featured, conveying a special atmosphere.

In total, the exhibitions span eight levels across two buildings. The science centre in particular is often described as a highlight, since you can experiment there yourself. For a thorough visit, you should allow around three hours.

Museum der Moderne Salzburg

The Museum der Moderne Salzburg is located on the Mönchsberg and spans four floors. It presents numerous international artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries. Besides the exhibits, the architecture is also impressive: the building was designed by the Munich architectural firm Friedrich Hoff Zwink and completed in 2004. Notable features include the glazed stairwells with views of the 19th-century water tower, as well as the exterior façade, which is clad in local Untersberg marble.

The Untersberg is just a few minutes’ drive from Salzburg and is considered a popular destination for nature lovers. So if you prefer to be out in nature, it’s worth including the Untersberg as an excursion destination and going for a hike.

DomQuartier

The DomQuartier forms the historic centre of the political and ecclesiastical power of the Salzburg prince-archbishops. The museum complex is part of the UNESCO World Heritage and includes the Residenz, the Cathedral and St. Peter’s Archabbey. Take the opportunity to go on a tour and learn more about 1,300 years of the history of power, art, music and architecture. Discover the state rooms of the Residenz, which for centuries was the residence of the prince-archbishops. In the Residenz you’ll also encounter influences ranging from the Renaissance through the Baroque to Classicism. Incidentally, Mozart himself moved in these very circles in his time.

Equally recommended is the Residenzgalerie, with changing exhibitions and artworks from the 16th to the 19th century. For a special view over Salzburg, the Dombogenterrasse (Cathedral Arch Terrace) is also worthwhile. In addition, the North Oratory offers further exhibitions and impresses with its stucco work. It also houses the Rupertus Oratory, with altar and ceiling paintings depicting the life of Saint Rupert. Other areas you can discover on site include the Cathedral organ gallery, the Cathedral Museum, the Chamber of Art and Wonder, the Long Gallery and the St. Peter Museum.

Salzburg Cathedral

The Cathedral is considered the most important sacred building in Salzburg and impresses with its mighty dome and two towers. It shapes the cityscape and is a striking eye-catcher. Explore the cathedral and discover the baptismal font, the crypt, the reliquary shrine containing the remains of Saints Rupert and Virgil, as well as the art installation “Vanitas”. Learn more about the stories behind the seven bells and the three entrance doors. Also keep an eye on the cathedral square: depending on the season, events such as the Salzburg Festival or the Christmas market take place there.

Nearby sights

Would you like to explore not only Salzburg but also experience the nature around the city? Then excursions to the Untersberg, the Gaisberg or the Königssee are well worth considering.

Untersberg

The Untersberg lies between Salzburg and Berchtesgaden and is considered a legend-shrouded mountain of the Alps. The border between Germany and Austria runs right through the mountain range. Go on a hike and discover, alongside the impressive landscape, numerous caves as well. Particularly worth seeing are the Schellenberg Ice Cave and the Riesending Shaft Cave.

Gaisberg

The Gaisberg is often referred to as the local mountain of the people of Salzburg and is located in the immediate vicinity of the city. The natural surroundings are a paradise for hikers, nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. On-site activities also include mountain biking and paragliding. In summer, the Gaisberg Race takes place, while in winter ski touring and cross-country skiing are popular options. The Gaisberg is thus an attractive excursion destination at any time of year.

Königssee and Berchtesgaden National Park

The Königssee in Berchtesgaden National Park is one of the special highlights near Salzburg. Enjoy a boat trip across the Königssee and admire the impressive natural scenery of the Alpine region.

Best time to visit

If you want to explore Salzburg in the best weather and are also interested in the surrounding nature, the high season between June and August is ideal. However, Salzburg can already be enjoyed in spring-like temperatures between March and May. If you want to avoid large crowds of visitors, the off-season can therefore be advantageous. For a special winter experience, December is also recommended: especially in the cold season, the Alps look particularly atmospheric, and you can ideally combine your city trip with a ski excursion.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

We wish you a pleasant journey to Austria and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour of Salzburg. Please make sure to find out in advance about the toll regulations in Austria. You can find more information on the toll in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to better plan your trip and see suitable toll products. If you have any questions, we’re happy to help. Feel free to contact us anytime by email.