Looking for a charming, picturesque medieval European treasure? Then you must consider Salzburg! Nestled in Austria’s western Mönchsberg mountain range region, Salzburg began as an 8th-century Roman settlement along the Salzach River. It became an important trading location because of the salt found nearby. Salt (“salz” in German) was a valuable commodity as it helped preserve food before refrigeration. Salt was mined in this region and then transported by barges to other cities along the river that runs through town.
Today, it’s the fourth largest city in Austria. Visitors flock to this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site for its various attractions. In and around Salzburg, you’ll find palaces with extensive gardens, Mozart’s birthplace, and concerts showcasing his music. Of course, spots in and around Salzburg were highlighted in The Sound of Music. Not to be left out is a mighty mountaintop fortress, plus a prominent cathedral and churches dating back centuries. The Old Town (Altstadt), on the west side of the river, is where most of the city’s charm lies, as well as some inviting hotels and eateries. The New Town (Neustadt), on the east side of the river, has Mirabell Gardens, a train station, museums, hotels and restaurants.
My husband and I spent several days in Salzburg and found it such a relaxing place to explore. We strolled the historic streets and were charmed by this medieval city. We visited some beer gardens offering traditional fare, enjoyed a concert featuring Mozart’s music, explored Mirabell Gardens with its Sound of Music iconic features, and visited other notable places. When it was time to leave, we wished we had another day or two in this special spot.
Strolling through the narrow streets, large squares, and along the river is a great way to experience this picturesque city. While walking, gaze up to the top of the buildings. You’ll likely see dates painted on the facades under the rooflines: the first date denotes the year the building was first built; subsequent dates indicate the years the building was renovated.
Key Sights in Salzburg
Getreidesgasse
Getreidesgasse is a long shopping avenue on the river’s west bank with medieval vestiges like quaint wrought-iron shop signs. Signage outside the buildings indicates what type of merchant had businesses there. Centuries ago, the general population was illiterate, and these signs helped them navigate to the various merchants. No 9 is where Mozart was born and lived until he was 17.
Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festung)
This 11th-century fortress, which presents a commanding profile above the Salzach River, was built to flaunt the Catholic Church’s influence and to intimidate and deter possible invaders. Once inside, there’s plenty to see, including the Bastion, the fortress museum, staterooms, and various exhibits. My husband and I enjoyed a late lunch at one of several fortress cafés offering stellar views of Salzburg and the countryside (depending on which café you choose).
There are several ticket choices, including a panorama ticket to take in the views and an all-inclusive ticket that includes the fortress rooms and museums. Some tickets include the one-minute funicular (Festungsbahn) ride if that’s how you plan to ascend the mountain; otherwise, you can walk up in 20-30 minutes. Open May-September: 8:30 am – 8:00 pm; October-April: 9.30 am–5.00 pm.
Kapitelplatz
Salzburg’s lively square on the west side has fountains, a massive chessboard, a huge golden orb, and touristy kiosks. You’ll walk through it if you’re headed to Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festung) and the funicular.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
The stately Mirabell Palace was built along the river in the early 17th century and rebuilt in the 19th century. Once home to archbishops and crown prince, the city of Salzburg purchased it in the 19th century. Today, it’s a lovely place to stroll and marvel at the garden’s statues, plantings, and fountains. You’ll no doubt see some features highlighted in The Sound of Music. For example, the actors portraying the VonTrapp children sang here by the Pegasus statue. Check online for concert offerings.
Mozart Landmarks
Mozart’s Birthplace (Geburthaus), where the composer was born in 1756, showcases some of his instruments and memorabilia – including locks of his hair, his wallet, a ring, and copies of some of his correspondence. Open September to June from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm; July and August from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm. Located at Getreidegasse 9. Mozart’s Residence is a restored home where he once lived. Open September to June from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm; July and August from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm. Located at Makartplatz 8.
A statue commemorating Salzburg’s famous composer stands in Mozartplatz, just a few blocks from where he lived.
Panorama Museum
This museum displays a sweeping panoramic painting from the 1820s depicting Salzburg just after the Treaty of Vienna in 1815 when Salzburg became part of the Habsburg empire. The emperor commissioned this painting. The Panorama Museum had been housed in the Neue Residenz, but it has been closed due to renovations. It was expected to reopen in Mirabell Gardens in 2025.
Residenz Platz
The Residenz was built as the official seat and headquarters in the 12th century for Salzburg’s prince-archbishops. Today, you can visit the decorated state rooms, the art gallery, the cathedral, the Cabinet of Curiosities, and the Museum of St. Peter’s Abbey. DomQuartier ticket includes an audioguide featuring the Residenz, the cathedral, and other buildings. Open 10 am-5:00 pm daily July and August; open 10:00 am-5:00 pm Wednesday-Monday from September to June.
The Neue Residenz (New Residence) sits opposite the Residenz. It has a carillon with 35 bells that have chimed since 1704. You can hear the bells at 7:00 am, 11:00 am, and 6:00 pm. As one might suspect, you don’t have to be in the Residenzplatz to enjoy them, as the music will be heard beyond the square. There are carillon tours from April through October on Thursdays and Fridays. Although they’re in German, you can request printed information in English.
Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom)
The Salzburg Cathedral was founded in the 8th century and rebuilt over the centuries. What you see today was rebuilt entirely in the 17th century. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized here the day after he was born in January 1756. One unique feature of the cathedral’s architecture is best seen across the square. Stand opposite the cathedral, precisely under the middle of the arch (between the buildings), and gaze up at the cathedral’s facade. You’ll likely see angels on the facade that appear to place a halo on Mary’s head (actually, a statue of Mary in front of the cathedral). Open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Sunday from 1:00 pm.
Salzburg Museum
Once the prince archbishop’s New Residence over 500 years ago, the museum features exhibits on the city’s history, including the arts and its rulers. Salzburg Museum has artifacts and artworks dating back to Celtic times.
Steingasse
Steingasse is an old merchant road on the east side of the river in New Town. Joseph Mohr, born on Steingasse and later a priest, wrote the lyrics to the Christmas classic Silent Night (composed by Franz Xaver Gruber) in 1818. At #20, you’ll see a gate that, just past it, offers a sweeping city view.
Nearby Attractions
Salt Mines
What better way to learn about salt mining than to visit a salt mine?l This is Salzburg, after all (and “salz” translates to “salt”), and the town is known for its salt mining. My husband and I visited the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine, and it was such a fun experience. Don the protective suit they provide, ride a little train into the mine, take a tour, and have a turn racing down a giant wooden slide into another level. Expect chilly temperatures in the mine, and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Open April to early November from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and early November through March from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Salzburger Strasse 24, Berchtesgaden
Hellbrunn Palace
Located just 3.5 miles/5.6 km outside the historic center is the delightful Hellbrunn Palace, with palace exhibits and elaborate gardens featuring various playful fountains. It was built in the early 17th century for Markus Sittikus, a prince and archbishop. The fun hydraulic displays date back centuries. Open from late March to early November, beginning at 9:30 am. Closing times vary depending on season; in July and August, it closes at 7:00 pm. Fürstenweg 37, 5020 Salzburg
Kelhsteinhaus (Eagle’s Nest)
Built in the 1930s, Kehlsteinhaus is a 6,000-foot high mountaintop tea house that provides spectacular 360-degree views. It was built for Adolf Hitler and is the only remaining building of this complex used by the Nazi regime, as the other buildings were destroyed after WWII. Today, it’s a unique experience as you access Kehlsteinhaus by walking through a tunnel and taking an elevator up through the mountain. At the top are dining options and walking trails. Open from mid-May to early October, weather permitting, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Parking for the bus is at Salzbergstraße 45, 83471 Berchtesgaden.
Tips for Visiting Salzburg
- The Euro is the currency in Austria.Covertr+ and XE are popular apps for converting currency. Learn about other great travel apps in my article Must-Have Travel Apps and Websites.
- The Tourist Information (TI) office is in Mozartplatz, and their website has helpful information for planning your visit.
- The Salzburg Card can save money on entrance and tour fees to the most visited sites, including public transportation (like the Mönchsberg elevator and funicular that takes you to the fortress). You can purchase the card online before your trip or once you arrive.
- Salzburg has several spots featured in The Sound of Music. For example, the arbor and Pegasus statue in Mirabell Gardens were where the Von Trapp children sang “Do Re Mi.” Numerous other sites were featured in the 1965 musical. If you can’t get enough of being in the birthplace of that iconic classic, you might consider a Sound of Music tour. Search online for ‘Sound of Music Tour Salzburg’ to find several options.
- Salzburg offers many musical events throughout the year in various venues (including the Hohensalzburg Fortress and Mirabell Gardens). Search the Salzburg events calendar to find a concert in a venue that appeals to you. The Salzburger Festspiele (Salzburg Festival) each summer and Mozartwoche (Mozart Week) in winter are two annual events that celebrate the arts.
- Looking for an open-air market? Grünmarkt is open daily in Universitätsplatz and has stalls with fresh produce, sandwiches, flowers, and more.
- If you want to experience some relaxing downtime, stroll along the river (and perhaps sit on the small sandy beach), find a shady spot at Mirabell Gardens, or do some serious people-watching at an outdoor café.
- Search online (or use TripAdvisor or a similar site) for a specialty guided tour that suits your interests.
- Parking is an issue in the historic center. To find the best option, check with your hotel, B&B, or short-term rental host. Most GPS apps will also provide some directions for parking.
- Purchase tickets online for concerts and other specialty experiences to guarantee availability and avoid standing in line.
- Check and follow social media sites (like Facebook and Instagram) for updates on musical concert series, historical venues, and more to stay up-to-date on happenings and special events.
Where to Stay and Eat
There are many fine places to stay while in Salzburg. My husband and I stayed at the very comfortable Hotel Goldener Hirsch, which has a restaurant, bar, and period decor. The hotel is situated on Getreidesgasse; we favored the location because when we walked outside, we were in the historic center of Salzburg, close to all the sights that make Salzburg so appealing.
As for eating, that’s a personal choice. We ate in the hotel restaurant once and at a couple of beer gardens to experience some traditional Alpine cuisine and ambiance. Three foodie recommendations
- savor some rich Mozart chocolates, spheres covering marzipan, pistachio, or nougat centers. Find the best ones at Paul Fürst’s, the “Original Salzburger Mozartkugel” at Brodgasse 13, a few side streets off of Getreidesgasse.
- eat a Salzburger Nocker, a sweet souffle to enjoy for dessert at many restaurants.
- dine on Alpine pub food while overlooking the city at Stiegl-Keller, a rooftop beer garden near the fortress at Festungsgasse 10.
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Final Thoughts
My husband and I found Salzburg such a charming town steeped in history, with narrow streets designed for exploring and window shopping. Because there are no significant monuments and museums like in Munich and Vienna, it was a more relaxing retreat as we were not trying to check off significant places from our sightseeing “to do” list. We took a walking tour (check with the Tourist Information office or search online for one that suits you) that gave us the lay of the land. Then, we simply strolled, visited some highlighted sites, stopped for some refreshment here and there, and made our own discoveries. A wonderful time in a delightful Austrian city!
Comments?
Feel free to share your experiences in Salzburg and/or suggestions for nearby places to visit. Your ideas could be helpful to other travelers. Thanks! 🙂
