Facts
Name of the city: Salzburg
Location: North-central federal state of Austria
Population: 152,367
Next international airport: Salzburg Airport (SZG), Munich Airport (MUC)
Next airport flying to Asia: Munich Airport (MUC), Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
The well-preserved picturesque city of Salzburg can be translated into “salt fortress”. While visiting the city, you will enjoy spectacular views to the snowcapped Alps and explore the birthplace of the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The fourth largest city of the country is located in northwest of Austria.
The city is easily accessible from every direction as the city is located just on the boarder of Germany. You can reach the city by various options such as long-distance busses, trains or by car. I was taking the train from Munich central station to Salzburg in just under 2 hours.
For me the uniqueness of Salzburg is the combination of the beautiful relaxed city with amazing monuments and the proximity to the mountains, lakes and beautiful nature. The old city is located centrally and directly on Salzach river. The city is great to explore by foot. Even though it is located very close to Germany, the city and landscape has different characteristics.
Salzburg top events
Salzburg offers many top events starting with the Mozart week in January to Advent Singing in December.
- January: Mozart Week
- Around Mozart’s birthday, musical celebrations are taking place. See the page for more information and for an online shop to buy the tickets
- March: Aspekte Festival
- Austrian and international artists of contemporary music are promoted during the festival
- April: Salzburg Easter Festival
- The Salzburg Easter Festival is focusing on opera
- June: Salzburg Whitsun Festival
- Fantastic opera and concerts are taking place
- June: Sommerszene
- July / August: Salzburg Festival
- Significant festival for opera, music, and drama
- September / October: Salzburg Culture Days
- Focus of the festival lies in musical diversity and virtuosity
- October: Jazz&The City
- Diverse artists in incomparable atmosphere with free admission
- December: Salzburg Advent Singing
- Besides visiting the Christmas markets, enjoy the advent singing of folk music, small vocal ensembles, and melodies
Salzburg accommodations
Salzburg offers a wide range of hotels and accommodations. I recommend staying at least one or two nights in the Old Town to have enough time for all sights. Also, Salzburg is a good starting point for traveling to close attractions.
Fortunately, Salzburg is very walkable. No matter which accommodation you choose, you can enjoy all attractions of the city.
The Altstadt or Old Town is home of many tourist sites. This area is considered to be the best to explore the city. Instead, the New Town is located across the Salzach River, including famous sights such as the Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Staying in this area, I enjoyed walking across the bridge when visiting the Old Town. Also, if you are travelling on a budget, the New Town has some great options.
Hotel Bristol Salzburg | 8.9 | €€€
Hyperion Hotel Salzburg | 8.9 | €€€
Hotel am Mirabellplatz | 8.6 | €€
Austria Trend Hotel Europa Salzburg | 8.4 | €€
Salzburgrooms | 8.6 | €
Salzburg Tour Summary
Tour tip: Do not miss the breathtaking view from the platform located on the Fortress’ tower called “Reckturm”
Food option: Enjoy the handmade sweet Mozart ball “Mozartkugeln” from Fürst pastry shop
Romantic tour: Feel like in a fairytale while visiting the small alleys within the Old Town
Attractions close by: Fall in love with the incredible natural beauty of Austria’s most photogenic town Hallstatt
Attractions in Salzburg
Mirabell Palace and Garden
The palace was built in 1606 and is surrounded by a beautiful garden. The palace was damaged after a great fire in 1818. Many frescoes were destroyed. However, the marble staircase that leads into the palace and the Marble Hall survived the flames.
The Marble Hall is the former banquet hall. It is known as one of the most beautiful wedding halls in the world. Besides spectacular weddings, concerts are taking place in the hall. Once, the Mozart family played music in this baroque hall. Do not miss the high level instrumentations of soloists and ensembles.
Step outside the palace and enjoy the beautiful garden. The geometrical form of the garden is recognizable. Inside the garden you can visit the Pegasus Fountain, with its horse sculpture and the Grand Fountain, including four elements: fire, air, earth and water. See the mint-colored rooftops and detect the castle on the skyline of Salzburg.
Opening hours:
Mirabell Palace and Angel Staircase: daily from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Marble Hall: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Tuesday and Friday 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Mirabell Gardens: daily from approx. 6:00 am to dusk
No admission to enter the Garden and the Marble Hall.
Small alleys within old town
The old town of Salzburg is characterized by small alleys. The pedestrian area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy your walk through this area. You will pass by hold facades from the 15th to the 18th century. Besides the beautiful houses, you can explore art galleries, shops, jewelry and craft workshops as well as restaurants and cafés.
Getreidegasse
The Getreidegasse is one of the most famous alleys of Salzburg. Walking through this alley, you pass by the Town Hall, the Old Market and the birthplace of Mozart.
Do not miss No. 9 Getreidegasse, which is the birthplace of Mozart. He was born in 1756. The opening hours are daily from 9:00 am – 5:30 pm. I recommend planning about one hour for your visit of the museum. The admission fee is EUR 12.00 for a regular ticket (as of December 2022). You can book your ticket in advance online.
While walking through the burstling heart of the city, you see magnificent architectural highlights such as beautiful doorways. The through-houses are characterized by a passageway that leads you from one small street to another. Today, you can find artworks, shops and galleries within the passageways.
Linzer Gasse – little pedestrian street
The little street called Linzer Gasse is filled with charming coffee shops, great restaurants and small shops. Stroll around the street and explore the little gems.
Starting from Linzer Gasse you can walk through an old gate and climb up the stairs to the Kapuzinerberg.
In comparison to the Getreidegasse, the Linzer Gasse offers more traditional craftsmanship.
Judengasse
The Judengasse is a narrow lane located in the Old Town. Within the short alley, you find luxurious boutiques but also buildings with historic significance. For example, Franz Schubert once spent the night in the narrow lane.
Goldgasse
Centuries ago, the Goldgasse was the center for numerous crafts in the Old Town. Even today, the small alley has not lost its historic charm.
Fortress Hohensalzbug – favorite viewpoint specially during sunset
The Fortress Hohensalzbug is dominating the skyline of Salzburg. The Fortress is located on the southeastern summit. Originally, the castle was built in 1077. Most of the castle you can see today is from the early 1500. You have two options to reach the castle: first, to walk 20 minutes from the old town. Second, you take the funicular railway. I recommend taking the funicular as it is already a highlight on your way to the castle.
aioutravel tip:
Do not miss the viewing platform located on the tower called “Reckturm”. It is my favorite viewpoint within the city. You have a spectacular view towards the alps as well as the city. Signs in Chinese language tell you which sights you can detect in the distance.
The fortress includes museums, which offer historical exhibits. You are invited to take part into a journey to the past. The Prince’s Chambers are one of the highlights of your visit. It is an experience back to the Middle Ages.
Opening hours:
January – April: 9:30 am – 5_00 pm
May – September: 8:30 am – 8:00 pm
October – December: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Advent weekends and Easter: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Special opening hours on December 24th.
Admission:
Different ticket options are available, depending on your interest what to see. I have opted for the basic ticket with fortress railway (EUR 13.30) as of December 2022.
Makartplatz – photographic hot-spot in spring
The publicly accessible garden at Makartplatz is worth a visit specially during the spring season. Do not miss the blossom of the magnolia trees, which are up to six meters high. Enjoy the rich shares of pink and white colors. Usually, the blossom period takes place at the end of March.
Museum of Natural History and Technology – discover indoors numerous exhibitions
Specially during rainy days or as an alternative to the architectural, historical and cultural highlights of the city spend some hours in the museum of natural history and technology. The exhibition is distributed on more than eight levels within two buildings. The aquarium and reptile zoo are home of a colorful underwater world and a wide variety of snakes and lizards. In the Science Center you can experience physics and technology in an interactive way.
Please note: the reptile zoo is under redesign and will be closed from November 2022 to November 2023.
Opening hours:
Daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Different opening hours on December 24th and 25th
Admission fee:
A regular ticket costs EUR 9.50. Discounted ticket options are available (as of December 2022).
Domplatz with Salzburg Cathedral
The Salzburg Cathedral is located on the Domplatz. It was completed in 1657 and is well known for the Italian style. The Cathedral has two twin towers, which are 79 meters high. Stand on the Domplatz and enjoy the view to the giant building with detailed marble statues.
Just next to the Cathedral the Cathedral Museum is located. Do not miss to see the cultural collections of liturgical objects as well as statues and paintings.
Are you visiting Salzburg during the summer period? Enjoy a pleasant break at the Cathedral Square just in the middle of the historic district. During the wintertime, the Christmas market is taking place on the square.
DomQuartier Salzburg – museum in historical rooms
You start the visit of the DomQuartier in baroque state rooms. The upper floor the Residenz is home to impressive artworks by European artists.
aioutravel tip:
Do not miss the terrace above the Cathedral Arches. Go outside and enjoy unforgettable views of the mountains and the historic district of the city. Specially during the Christmas season, you have a magnificent view to the Christmas market.
Opening hours:
Wednesday-Monday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
July and August daily 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Advent and Christmas season/New Year’s Eve until Epiphany (6 January) daily 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
(last admission one hour before closing)
Closed: 24 Dec.
Admission:
The costs for a regular ticket are EUR 13.00 (reduced ticket options are available) (as of December 2022).
Museum of Modern Art – Explore Modern Art in outstanding location
The Museum of Modern Art (Museum der Moderne) opened in 2004. It is home to modern and contemporary artworks, which are displayed on 2300 square meters.
The architectural highlight is the glassed-in staircase with views towards the Old Town of Salzburg.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Closed on December 25th
Admission fee:
Different ticket options are available, starting from EUR 13.00 for a regular ticket (as of December 2022).
Smallest house – 1.5 meters wide
Salzburg is full of surprises. While strolling around the old town you pass by historical facades, shops selling delicates and even a very small house: at No. 10a Alter Markt. According to the legend a young man asked the future wife’s father to marry his daughter. The father accepted the marriage only in case the man can provide an own house to his daughter. The small house was all he could buy with his funds.
The true story behind this house is that it had to fill in an old alleyway between larger buildings.
Address: Alter Markt 10a, 5020 Salzburg
Cross bridges – connecting Old and New Town
As Salzburg is located by the River Salzach several bridges link both sides of the river. The “Müllner Steg” is a cyclist and pedestrian bridge at the Old Town. I recommend crossing the bridge as you have a nice view towards the Old Town and the Fortress in the back.
The Makartsteg is the most modern bridge in the city center. It was named after the Historicist painter Hans Makart. The bridge is known for its architecture.
aioutravel tip:
Keep your eyes open for the unexpected beauty. Passing the River Salzach you see the figure “Cyclist” created by a German painter and sculptor. It symbolizes the sense of arrival. The statue turns its face towards the sky.
Hellbrunn Palace – summer residence constructed by master architect
The Hellbrunn Palace was planned as an oasis of leisure and enjoyment. The construction took place from 1612 to 1615 only. The architect Santino Solari created also the Salzburg Cathedral. While visiting the Palace do not miss the fountains.
Get an audio guide and walk the 21 stations introducing the fountains to you. While strolling along the garden, be aware of hidden water jets!
aioutravel tip:
Do not miss the Trick Fountains all around the Palace Garden. For example, sit on a dinner table and wait for the sudden fountain eruption under your seat. Visiting the Garden is just fun!
How to get there?
The Palace is located a bit outside of the city. You can travel with public transportation to the south of the city. Take bus no. 25.
Opening hours of the Trick fountains, palace, folklore museum:
April: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
May, June: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
July, August: 9:30 am – 7:00 pm
September: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
October, 1 November: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Admission fee:
Regular tickets cost EUR 13.50 (reduced ticket options are available) (as of December 2022).
Residenzplatz – large square in the city’s heart
The Residenzplatz is located just in the middle of the city. The square is a good starting point to explore the city. The fountain called Resdienzbrunnen is a masterpiece made out of marble. It is the largest Baroque fountain north to the Alps. See the details of the 15 meters high fountain and the splendid figures such as dolphins and bold horses.
Are you visiting Salzburg in December? Do not miss the beautiful Christmas Market and the New Year’s Eve party on this square.
The Domplatz and the Salzburg Cathedral as well as the funicular starting point to the castle are just a stone throw away.
Salzburg Museum – awarded institution
The Salzburg Museum is located in the restored Neue Residenz. The museum won numerous awards and is home to art objects and multimedia installations. The museum introduces the epochs of Salzburg and its history to today’s status. Further, you experience the myth of Salzburg while seeing the artworks of painters, scientists and writers on the second floor of the museum.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
July, August: daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm1 Jan.: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
31 Dec.: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Closed on November 1st, December 24th and 25th
Admission:
Costs for a regular ticket are EUR 9.00 (reduced ticket options are available) (as of December 2022).
Mozart Monument
Just next to the Salzburg Museum you find Mozartplatz with the Monument of Mozart. The statue was erected for the 50th anniversary of Mozart’s death in 1841. Due to a delay, the statue was unveiled in 1842 in the presence of Mozart’s sons.
Kapitelplatz – picturesque view towards the Fortress
The square called Kapitelplatz is just located on the bottom of the Fortress Hohensalzburg. It is famous for the view with a golden sphere in the front, while seeing the Fortress in the background. The golden art piece is called “Sphaera”. On the ground you find an oversized chessboard.
The mountain Kapuzinerberg – view towards the Fortress Hohensalzburg
On the opposite side of the Salzach River (seen from the Fortress), the Kapuzinerberg is located. During the sunset you have a magnificent view towards the Fortress Hohensalzburg, the Old Town and the Alps.
The fastest way up the mountain leads you after approx. 250 steps to a great viewpoint. The begin of the stairs is at the so called Imbergstiege starting at the small alley Steingasse.
aioutravel tip:
Walk along the walls and enjoy spectacular views.
Salzburg Card – attractive discounts and free usage of public transportation
With the city card “Salzburg Card” you can use public transportation for free. In addition, you enjoy one-time free admission to all city tourists’ attractions and museums. Different ticket options are available, depending on your length of the stay. See this page for details and discounts as well as to buy the card online.
Hallstatt – Austria no. 1 photospot as a daytrip
Explore the most picturesque town in Austria as a daytrip from Salzburg. Read more about the magnificent place in the report.
Eat & Drink
Salzburg is situated on the borders of Austria. The food is influenced by various styles.
My favorite are some incredible desserts with creamy and crunchy textures.
Schnitzel
One popular food is the Schnitzel, which is served in different variations. A Schnitzel is a big, flattened, breaded, and fried veal cutlet. Traditionally, it is served with lemon wedges, and potatoes (simply potato salad or french fries).
Spinatknödel
The dumpling-style cuisine is made by spinach, bread, butter, eggs, and cheese. After boiling the dumplings they are served with melted butter and grated cheese.
Kaiserschmarrn
Kaiserschmarrn can be translated into Emperor’s Mess. The Austrian emperor Franz Joseph I enjoyed eating the dish. It is a sweetened pancake severed with apple sauce. It is a popular meal or desert.
Strudel
The strudel is a layered pastry filled with either cherry, nuts, plum, apple or cheese. If you opt for an authentic version, choose the apple or cheese strudel.
Mozart Balls
The Mozart Balls are my favorite sweet of the Old Town! The chocolate balls are named after the musician and filled with pistachio marzipan in the middle, surrounded by nougat and a shell of chocolate. The original version of the balls can be bought at Fürst pastry shop.
Asian Food
Even though Salzburg is a small city, it offers delicious Asian Food options in different price levels.
The Asian fusion cuisine at Yaoyao is simply delicious. It combines flavors from China, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan. The restaurant has been rewarded by Gault Millau and Falstaff.
Address: Europastraße 1, 5020 Salzburg
Bangkok Restaurant offers delicious Thai food and even Japanese specialities. I have enjoyed the Popia Toad, the vegan spring rolls as a starter.
Address: Bayerhamerstraße 33, 5020 Salzburg
Mr. Wen Asia Food offers good Asian Food in three different locations around the city.
Uncle Van offers fresh Vietnamese cuisine in Salzburg. You choose your ingredients, which are freshly prepared in the wok. Besides the individual wok dishes, soups, bowl sand starters are offered.
Besides the delicious food options, Bubble Tea can be found in various locations. Below are listed my top three choices.
Tea Today – freshly made Bubble Tea – address: Makartplatz 3-4, 5020 Salzburg
SUBO Salzburg – Bubble Tea located at Salzach River – address: Griesgasse 13, 5020 Salzburg
Bioba – Natural Bubble Tea – Natural Bubble Tea – address: Europastraße 1, 5020 Salzburg
Have you been to Salzburg before?
Which places did you enjoy the most? Do you have any insider tips or maybe a question about the journey or the accommodations? Just leave a comment. I am looking forward to it.
If you decided to stay at one of the places described, I would love to hear your feedback after your stay.