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Things to Do in Salzburg, Austria
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Salzburg, Austria
Must-see attractions in Salzburg, Austria consist of visiting the majestic Hohensalzburg Fortress, where you can enjoy sweeping views from 506 meters above the city. Stroll along the vibrant Getreidegasse, famous for Mozart's Birthplace and quaint shops. Be sure to experience the peaceful Mirabell Palace and Gardens, ideal for a relaxing walk.
1. Hohensalzburg Fortress
Panoramic views and medieval wonders await you. Discover history and breathtaking cityscapes all within one majestic fortress visit.
Quick facts: Soaring high above the city provides breathtaking panoramic views stretching across Salzburg and the Alps. The fortress is Europe's largest fully preserved medieval castle complex, featuring historic rooms, museums, and underground tunnels.
Highlights: Visit the fascinating Marionette Museum inside the fortress, where over 100 handcrafted puppets tell captivating stories. Climbing the steep stone ramparts reveals stunning, sweeping views that seem endless, especially beautiful at sunset.
2. Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Step into a living fairy tale filled with elegant architecture and blooming flower gardens. Enjoy romantic walks and unforgettable iconic views.
Quick facts: A dazzling setting for scenes in a famous musical, this palace and garden combination offers Baroque architecture alongside lush greenery. The gardens showcase over 25 precisely sculpted marble statues that tell myths and legends.
Highlights: Row through the garden's enchanting Pegasus fountain basin where playful cherubs spout water. See vibrant floral displays changing with the seasons, set against intricate mosaic pathways that tell their own tale.
3. Salzburg Cathedral
Immerse yourself in grand Baroque architecture paired with the majestic sound of the organ. Stroll beneath soaring domes and vivid frescoes that tell compelling stories.
Quick facts: The cathedral contains one of Europe's largest organs, with over 4,500 pipes creating magnificent sound during services. Its massive dome rises 71 meters high, dominantly shaping Salzburg's skyline with grandeur.
Highlights: Inside, stunning Baroque frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr cover the ceilings in vibrant blues and golds. During Midnight Mass, the acoustics come alive, making the choir’s voices echo like heavenly sound across the vast nave.
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4. Mozart's Birthplace
Explore the beginnings of Mozart's brilliance by visiting his childhood rooms. See original artifacts and engaging exhibits that share a musical journey.
Quick facts: Young Mozart showed extraordinary musical talent right here, playing the keyboard at age three. The house was filled with creativity as the Mozart family composed and performed, influencing classical music history.
Highlights: Step into the very room where Mozart was born and see the preserved harpsichord he might have played. The museum holds original letters and instruments that vividly bring his early genius to life.
5. Getreidegasse
Where historic charm meets lively shopping and unique crafts. Wander among ornate signs, cozy cafes, and a path through musical heritage.
Quick facts: A lively shopping street rich in history, known for its intricate wrought-iron shop signs dating back centuries. Many buildings feature stunning Baroque architecture while hosting modern boutiques and traditional crafts.
Highlights: Notice the subtle glow of vintage lanterns that light the arches in the evening, creating a magical walk. Listen near Number 9 and you might hear stories of the famous composer’s childhood, whose birth house is clearly marked.
6. St. Peter's Abbey
Discover centuries of history and art gathered in one magnificent place. View ancient relics, beautiful frescoes, and Mozart’s serene resting spot.
Quick facts: One of Europe’s oldest monasteries, it holds an impressive treasury of relics dating back over a thousand years. The abbey’s library features stunning Baroque art and ancient manuscripts telling fascinating stories of Salzburg’s past.
Highlights: The abbey’s cemetery holds Mozart’s grave, marked with a simple stone where flowers bloom all year. Inside, the beautifully preserved Romanesque architecture contrasts with vibrant frescoes, creating a vivid time capsule effect.
7. Untersberg Mountain
Climb higher for stunning panoramic views and explore icy caves beneath mountain peaks. Experience breathtaking nature and lively local legends.
Quick facts: Rising sharply near Salzburg, this mountain reaches over 1,900 meters and contains an impressive cave network beneath its limestone facade. Its peak offers panoramic views over Austria and Germany, linking the Berchtesgaden Alps and the Salzburg basin.
Highlights: A charming legend surrounds the mountain: a sleeping emperor waits beneath it with a shining beard, symbolizing the world’s fate. The caves hold remarkable stalactites and glaciers, creating a surreal icy world below the surface.
8. Salzburg Museum
Immerse yourself in rich history and vibrant culture. Engage with interactive exhibits and admire stunning architecture that shares stories about Mozart and beyond.
Quick facts: Explore more than 1,000 years of art and history under one roof, from medieval artifacts to modern displays. The collection provides fascinating insights into local culture and Mozart, a legendary figure from nearby.
Highlights: Discover the impressive music history exhibit with interactive displays about Mozart’s life, including original instruments you can virtually play. The museum’s stunning Baroque architecture blends with contemporary design, offering a unique contrast that captures Salzburg’s spirit.
Where to Stay in Salzburg, Austria
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Salzburger Nockerl
Salzburger Nockerl is a light, fluffy soufflé that symbolizes the three hills surrounding Salzburg. It is traditionally served warm with powdered sugar, resembling snow on the hills.
Mozartkugel
Mozartkugel is a famous Salzburg sweet made of pistachio, marzipan, and nougat covered in dark chocolate. It was created in 1890 and named after Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the city's most celebrated composer.
Apfelstrudel
Though popular across Austria, Salzburg is renowned for its Apfelstrudel, a delicious apple-filled pastry with cinnamon and raisins. This dessert has origins dating back to the Habsburg Empire and remains a beloved treat.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Tafelspitz
Tafelspitz is a classic boiled beef dish often served with horseradish, applesauce, and chive sauce. It is a staple in Salzburg and represents traditional Austrian hearty cuisine.
Kasnocken
Kasnocken are small soft dumplings with cheese, typically served with crispy onions on top. This dish is beloved in Salzburg for its rich, comforting flavors.
Pischinger Torte
Pischinger Torte is actually a sweet layered wafer cake but some versions include savory elements—making it a versatile traditional dish in Salzburg's culinary scene.
Traditional Beverages
Salzburger Bier
Salzburger Bier is a traditional beer brewed locally with a distinctive rich and malty flavor. It is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
Almdudler
Almdudler is a traditional Austrian herbal soft drink made from mountain herbs. It is often enjoyed as a refreshing accompaniment to meals in Salzburg.
Stiegl Radler
Stiegl Radler is a blend of Stiegl beer and lemon soda, creating a light and zesty drink perfect for warm weather. It originated in Salzburg and is widely enjoyed during summer.
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Most popular day trips
Hallstatt
Picturesque lakeside village with historic salt mines and stunning views.
Berchtesgaden
Scenic mountain town with access to Eagle's Nest and a beautiful national park.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Famous alpine road offering panoramic mountain views and wildlife spotting.
Rent a car in Salzburg, Austria
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
Rail connections to Vienna, Munich, and other major cities
Use the S-Bahn from Salzburg Airport to the city center for a quick transfer.
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Comments (8)
For a more authentic meal, don’t just eat by the main touristy squares. Head to the neighborhoods around Nonntal for cheaper and tastier Austrian food.
If you want to skip waiting, get your tickets online for the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Early morning visits are less crowded and cooler temps to walk around.
Salzburg vibe is charming but gets crowded fast during peak seasons. Loved the street music, though food prices are a bit steep. Two days was enough for me.
I was expecting more for the ticket prices. The city is picturesque but felt a bit touristy overall. Still, the views from the fortress were worth it.
Salzburg has some cool spots but watch out, some restaurants near the river are overpriced. Walk a little further out for better deals and flavors.