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 stunning 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 excursions in the surrounding area.

Sights in the city

Hohensalzburg Fortress

The Hohensalzburg Fortress towers high above the old town and is considered the largest preserved 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 the funicular railway. The funicular railway from the year 1892 is the oldest still-operating funicular in Austria.

It's not just the view that's impressive — the fortress itself is also well worth seeing. Learn more about how the complex came into being and visit one of the museums inside. In the fortress museum, you'll get insights into the history of the fortress and discover exhibits from 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 armory, where interactive elements help you explore armor 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 it special: the furnishings of these rooms have been preserved in their original condition from the years 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. The palace and garden are listed as protected monuments and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Inside the palace, you should especially visit the Marble Hall, which impresses with marble columns, stucco work and ceiling frescoes. It's not without reason that it is considered one of the most beautiful wedding halls in the world.

The Mirabell Gardens are also well worth seeing. The geometric basic layout typical of the Baroque period is still recognizable today, and the orientation toward the cathedral and Hohensalzburg Fortress gives the garden its special charm. Highlights include the Great Garden Parterre with the central fountain and the four figure groups symbolizing the elements of fire, water, earth and air, as well as the Small Garden Parterre with the Pegasus Fountain. A visit to the Dwarf Garden, dating from the time of Archbishop Johann Ernst Count Thun, is also worthwhile. 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 called 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 fixed highlight, 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 especially impressive: magnificent house portals and windows that become smaller from the first floor upward. 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. In addition, Hellbrunn Palace is a popular spot for wedding photos.

A special highlight is the trick fountains, which continue to surprise and delight visitors to this day. An audio guide leads you through 21 stations and provides information about Markus Sittikus as well as how the historic Mechanical Theatre works. Please note: in some spots, 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 offer an adventure playground, providing a great way to give children 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 center. This makes it particularly 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 embark on an exciting journey through time: from the origin of life, through prehistoric times, to the development of humankind and the characteristics of your own 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 center in particular is often described as a highlight, since you can experiment there yourself. You should allow about three hours for a thorough visit.

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 facade, 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 planning a trip to the Untersberg and going for a hike.

DomQuartier

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

Equally recommended is the Residenzgalerie, with changing exhibitions and artworks from the 16th to 19th centuries. 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. There you'll also find the Rupertus Oratory, with altar and ceiling paintings depicting the life of St. Rupert. Other areas you can discover on site include the cathedral organ gallery, the Cathedral Museum, the Kunst- und Wunderkammer (art and curiosity cabinet), the Long Gallery, and the Museum St. Peter.

Salzburg Cathedral

The Cathedral is considered Salzburg's most significant sacred building and impresses with its mighty dome and twin 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 St. Rupert and St. 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.

Sights nearby

Would you like to explore not just Salzburg, but also the nature surrounding the city? Then excursions to the Untersberg, the Gaisberg or Königssee are a great option.

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 massif. Go on a hike and discover numerous caves alongside the impressive landscape. 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 Salzburg's residents and lies in the immediate vicinity of the city. The natural surroundings are a paradise for hikers, nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Activities such as mountain biking or paragliding are also possible on site. In summer, the Gaisberg race takes place, while in winter ski touring and cross-country skiing are available. This makes the Gaisberg an attractive destination at any time of year.

Königssee and Berchtesgaden National Park

Lake Königssee in Berchtesgaden National Park is one of the special highlights near Salzburg. Enjoy a boat trip across Königssee and admire the impressive natural backdrop 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 peak season between June and August is ideal. However, Salzburg can already be enjoyed in spring-like temperatures between March and May. If you'd like to avoid large crowds of visitors, the off-season can therefore be advantageous. For a special winter experience, December is also recommended: especially during the cold season, the Alps appear particularly atmospheric, and you can perfectly combine your city trip with a ski excursion.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

We wish you a pleasant trip to Austria and lots of enjoyment during your exploration tour of Salzburg. Please inform yourself in advance about the toll regulations in Austria. You can find further information on the toll in our guide. You're also welcome to use our route planner to better plan your trip and see the appropriate toll products displayed. If you have any questions, we're happy to help. Feel free to contact us anytime by email.