Salzburg: Highlights and excursion destinations

Would you like to explore Austria’s unique nature while also getting to know more about the country’s history and culture? Then you should put Salzburg on your list for your next trip. The city combines the fascinating history of the prince-archbishops with the beautiful natural scenery just a stone’s throw away. Below you will find an overview of the most interesting sights in the city, as well as recommendations for excursion destinations in the surrounding area.

Sights in the city

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Hohensalzburg Fortress towers high above the Old Town and is considered the largest preserved fortress 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 taking the funicular. The funicular, dating back to 1892, is the oldest still operating funicular railway in Austria.

Not only the view is impressive—so is the fortress itself. Learn more about how the complex was built and visit one of the museums inside. At the Fortress Museum, you will gain insights into the fortress’s history and discover exhibits from the prince-archbishops’ court life. In addition, the Puppet Museum and the Rainer Regiment Museum offer further perspectives on Salzburg’s city history. Also worth seeing is the historic arsenal, where interactive elements help you explore armor and weapons.

On the third floor you will 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

Alongside Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Palace and the Mirabell Gardens are among the city’s most popular sights. Both the palace and the gardens are protected monuments and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the palace, you should definitely visit the Marble Hall, which impresses with marble columns, stucco decorations, and ceiling frescoes. It’s considered one of the most beautiful wedding halls in the world—and for good reason.

The Mirabell Gardens are also well worth seeing. To this day, the Baroque-style geometric layout is clearly recognizable, and the alignment toward the cathedral and Hohensalzburg Fortress gives the gardens their special charm. Highlights include the large parterre with the central fountain and the four groups of statues symbolizing the elements fire, water, earth, and air, as well as the smaller parterre with the Pegasus Fountain. It’s also worth visiting the Dwarf Garden from the time of Archbishop Johann Ernst Count Thun. Originally, 28 dwarfs made from 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 called the Hagenauer House. It became famous because Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born there in 1756. Today, Mozart’s Birthplace is one of the most visited museums in Austria and is a must for lovers of classical music.

During a tour, you can visit the original living quarters of Mozart and his family. On site you will also discover furniture and objects from the 18th century, giving you an atmospheric insight into the life and environment of the world-renowned composer.

Getreidegasse

Getreidegasse is considered the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town and is known for its special charm. Here you will find international fashion chains, traditional inns, and long-established businesses. The architecture of the houses is particularly impressive: magnificent portals and windows that become smaller from the first floor upwards. Mozart’s Birthplace is also located in Getreidegasse.

Hellbrunn Palace

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

A special highlight is the trick fountains, which still delight and surprise visitors today. An audioguide leads you through 21 stations and provides information about Markus Sittikus as well as the workings of the historic Mechanical Theater. Please note: At some spots, splashing water may surprise you.

The park grounds are also worth seeing. You will discover ponds, statues, and flower arrangements. At the same time, the grounds invite you to relax and offer a playground—an excellent way to give children a varied break.

Haus der Natur (House of Nature)

The Haus der Natur is much more than a classic natural history museum. It combines an aquarium, a reptile and amphibian section, and an interactive science center. This makes it especially suitable for families and offers a varied program for visitors of all ages.

In addition to the permanent exhibitions, guided tours, science shows, workshops, and excursions take place regularly. You can also take an exciting journey through time: from the origin of life to prehistoric times, to human evolution and the characteristics of the human body. In addition, local river landscapes and remote habitats are presented, creating a special atmosphere.

Overall, the exhibitions span eight levels across two buildings. The science center in particular is often described as a highlight, as you can carry out experiments yourself. For a comprehensive visit, you should plan 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-based architectural firm Friedrich Hoff Zwink and completed in 2004. Striking features include the glass stairwells with views of the 19th-century water tower and the exterior façade clad in local Untersberg marble.

The Untersberg is only a few minutes’ drive from Salzburg and is considered a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. So if you prefer spending time outdoors, it’s worth planning the Untersberg as an excursion destination and going for a hike.

DomQuartier

The DomQuartier forms the historic center of the political and ecclesiastical power of Salzburg’s prince-archbishops. The museum complex is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes the Residence, the Cathedral, and St. Peter’s Archabbey. Take the opportunity for a tour to learn more about 1,300 years of rule, art, music, and architecture. Discover the state rooms of the Residence, which served as the prince-archbishops’ home for centuries. In the Residence you will also encounter influences ranging from the Renaissance to the Baroque and Classicism. By the way: Mozart also moved in these circles during his time.

The Residenzgalerie is also highly recommended, with changing exhibitions and artworks from the 16th to the 19th century. For a special view over Salzburg, the Cathedral Arch Terrace is well worth a visit. 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 from the life of Saint Rupert. Other areas you can discover on site include the Cathedral Organ Gallery, the Cathedral Museum, the Art and Curiosities Cabinet, the Long Gallery, and the Museum St. Peter, among others.

Salzburg Cathedral

The Cathedral is considered Salzburg’s most important sacred building and impresses with its massive 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, and the art installation “Vanitas.” Learn more about the stories behind the seven bells and the three entrance doors. Also keep an eye on Cathedral Square: Depending on the season, events such as the Salzburg Festival or the Christmas market take place there.

Sights nearby

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

Untersberg

The Untersberg lies between Salzburg and Berchtesgaden and is considered a legendary mountain of the Alps. The border between Germany and Austria runs right through the massif. Go hiking and discover not only the impressive landscape, but also numerous caves. Particularly worth seeing are the Schellenberger Ice Cave and the Riesending Shaft Cave.

Gaisberg

Gaisberg is often called the local mountain of Salzburg’s residents and is located very close to the city. The landscape is a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and recreational athletes. Activities such as mountain biking and paragliding are also possible. In summer, the Gaisberg Race takes place; in winter, ski tours and cross-country skiing are popular. This makes Gaisberg an attractive excursion destination at any time of year.

Lake Königssee and Berchtesgaden National Park

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

Best time to travel

If you want to explore Salzburg in the best weather and are also interested in the surrounding nature, the peak 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, the off-season can therefore be an advantage. For a special winter experience, December is also recommended: In the cold season, the Alps are 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 wonderful trip to Austria and lots of fun on your sightseeing tour in Salzburg. Please inform yourself in advance about the toll regulations in Austria. You can find more information about the toll in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to plan your trip better and have suitable toll products displayed. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us anytime by email.