Things to do in Salzburg

Things to do in Salzburg

The view of Salzburg from the Hohensalzburg Fortress as one of the Things to do In Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg, Austria is often a top destination on most people’s bucket list! As the 4th largest city in Austria, Salzburg was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. When you visit, it is easy to understand why as you seem to get lost in this magical city. Whether it’s exploring the birthplace of Mozart or seeing where Maria of Sound of Music fame had her adventures, you will find a plethora of things to do in Salzburg.

From Mozart to Maria Von Trapp, there are so many things to do in Salzburg that it is easy to see why it is a bucket list destination! #VisitSalzburg #SalzburgAustria Click To Tweet

Explore Hohensalzburg Fortress

The Hohensalzburg Fortress as one of the Things to do In Salzburg, Austria

Dating from the 11th century, Hohensalzburg Fortress should definitely be added to your the things to do in Salzburg. As you take a guided tour around the structure, you learn about the storied city that was built around this “Salt Fortress.” Some of the highlights of the Hohensalzburg Fortress are the torture chamber and the views from the look out tower.

You can always take the steep walk up to Hohensalzburg Fortress but consider taking the Funicular. This cable car, built around 1892, is the oldest funicular in Austria. It is a fun ride as you ascend you to the top of the fortress in style!

Hot Tip: Snag yourself a Salzburg Card! Not only do you get admission into Hohensalburg Fortress, but you also get ascent and descent by Fortress funicular & guided tour all for FREE.

See where Mozart was Born and Lived

Mozart's Geburtshaus where he was born in Salzburg, Austria

When visiting Salzburg, it is easy to find plenty of things to do that are inspired by the city’s favorite son. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg January 27, 1756. There are two different museums devoted to the musical prodigy.

  1. Mozart’s Geburtshaus – This museum was the birthplace of Mozart. It houses many documents, portraits, and other Wolfgang memorabilia from his early life. One of the highlights is the second floor that houses his clavichord on which he composed The Magic Flute.
  2. Mozart’s Wohnhaus – This museum was the former house of the Mozart family after Mozart turned 17. This museum showcases more about Wolfgang and his entire family. It presents more about everyday life of the family in Salzburg in the late 1700’s.
  3. Mozartplatz – In 1842, Ludwig Schwanthaler erected a memorial to Mozart in the heart of Salzburg’s old town. The statue was presented to Mozart’s two sons at the opening of the memorial. Unfortunately, their mother, Constanze had died 6 months prior in Mozartplatz 8 overlooking the square.

Hot Tip: Snag yourself a Salzburg Card! You get admission into the Wohnhaus & the Geburtshaus for FREE!

Walk The Alter Markt (Old Market)

The Alter Markt also known as the Old Marketplace was once used as a weekly market and festival gatherings in Salzburg. With the St. Florian Fountain in the center, people would come for the many markets until the end of the 19th century when the markets moved to present-day University Square. However, there are still great sights to see in the Alter Markt.

  1. St. Florian Fountain – Built in 1488, this beautiful octagonal fountain showcases statue of St. Florian von Lorch
  2. The Smallest House in Salzburg – House No. 10A, boasts to be the smallest house in all of Salzburg. Located next to Tomaselli Coffeehouse, this tiny home built in the mid 1800’s measures a whopping 1.42 meters wide or 4.66 feet!
  3. The Stadtverein Meteorological Pillar – Often missed is an amazing weather station known as the Stadtverein. This magnificent pillar was erected in 1888 and contains a thermometer, barometer, and hygrometer. It’s now the most popular geocache in Salzburg and the second most popular in all of Austria.

“Do-Re-Mi” at Mirabelli Gardens

Visiting the Mirabelli Gardens is one of the Top things to do in Salzburg

The Mirabelli Gardens is one of the top things to do in Salzburg. Perhaps this is due to the film Sound of Music. The Gardens are the site where Maria and the children sang “Do-Re-Mi” while dancing around the horse fountain. In the middle of Mirabelli Gardens you will find Schloss Mirabelli (Mirabelli Palace). Now this former palace houses government offices.

Take a Sound of Music Tour

Darcee Snider Gamble standing in front of the Sound of Music Tour Bus in Salzburg, Austria

For those who love the Sound of Musicthe Original Sound of Music tour from Panorama Tours is a must for your list of things to do in Salzburg. These 4 hour tours take you around Salzburg and into the mountains so that you can see the many locations used in the filming of the movie. You will get to see sites like the Nonnberg Abbey, the famous Gazebo, and the Mondsee Cathedral from the wedding scene among others.

Taking a Sound of Music tour is one of the things to do in Salzburg that is definitely on my bucket list! #VisitSalzburg #SoundofMusic #VisitAustria Click To Tweet

Explore the Beauty of the Churches

Dom Salzburg church is one of the top things to do in Salzburg, Austria

There is no shortage of churches or cathedrals in Salzburg, thus solidifying their title of “Rome of the North.”  Make sure to take the time to explore these amazing treasures and the beautiful art within them. Some of the churches that should be added to your things to do in Salzburg are:

  1. Dom Salzburg – The Dom or Cathedral showcases beautiful Baroque architecture. Within you will find highlights like the relics of Salzburg’s two patron saints, Rupert and Virgil and the baptismal font that was used baptized Mozart
  2. St. Peter’s Monastery & Graveyard – Though this church offers beautiful sights within its walls, make sure you walk the graveyard aside the church. Along the cliff side are catacombs where you can even find the likes of Mozart’s sister Nannerl and Michael Haydn.
  3. Franziskanerkirche – The Franciscan Church is unique in that it offers more of a Romanesque style. When entering look for the “Hand of Asylum” at the lower right of the entrance door. It is said that, “Whosoever might touch it was granted admission to the church, regardless of their innocence or guilt.”

Discover the Secrets of Schloss Hellbrunn

The Sound of Music Gazebo in Hellbrunn Park in Salzburg, Austria

Schloss Helbrunn (Helbrunn Palace), located in the south of Salzburg, is a beautiful spot that should definitely be added to your list of things to do in Salzburg. The palace grounds though are the major highlight of this area. Beware, you may get wet walking the manicured gardens. This is due to the famous “Trick Fountains” spewing water from hidden jets throughout the property.

Also, behind the palace walls is Hellbrunn Park. This park offers amazing flowers, ponds, and areas for children to play. Hidden in the park, is the gazebo from Sound of Music, where Liesl and Franz sing “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” to each other.

Hot Tip: Snag yourself a Salzburg Card to get admission into the Palace, park and orangery all for FREE!

Eat Lots of Mozartkugel

A shop in Salzburg, Austria selling the famous Chocolate Candy known as mozartkugel

If you love chocolate like Eric loves chocolate, Salzburg will be heaven for you! Throughout the city you will find many confectioneries selling a bounty of different chocolate treats. Paul Fürst originally created the mozartkugel in 1890. It is a bonbon made of marzipan, nougat and dark chocolate. You can find his original recipe through the city at the different Café Konditorei Fürst shops or try the ones at Josef Holzermayr in the Alter Markt.

Drink in the beer capital of Austria

Visiting the basement drinking hall in Augustiner Bräu Kloster Mülln brewery in Salzburg, Austria

With ten breweries in and around the city, you will definitely have your pick of fine Austrian beers to enjoy. However, without a doubt you should make time to explore Stiegl and Augustiner Bräu Kloster Mülln.

  1. Stiegl – Started in 1492, this family owned brewery produces the most popular beer in all of Austria. When visiting the Stiegl Brewery enjoy a draft in one of their bars or take a tour to learn more about the history of brewing and how beer is produced. Make sure you bring your Salzburg Card for FREE Admission!
  2. Augustiner Bräu Kloster Mülln – Founded by the Augustinian monks in 1621, Augustiner Brau continues to be brewed according to a traditional recipe by hand in compliance of purity laws. Definitely stop by to enjoy a great brew and food in their Bräustüberl within the monastery.

Book Your Stay in Salzburg Today

Have you ever been to Salzburg, Austria? Which of the Things to do in Salzburg is your favorite? Have we left out other things to do in Salzburg that you would recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

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77 thoughts on “Things to do in Salzburg

  1. Wow, I didn’t realize there was so much to do in Salzburg! I’ll have to put in on my list of places to visit. And Sound of Music is one of my favorite movies, so I would definitely have to experience that Sound of Music Tour!

  2. Great article with amazing clarity. I have heard so much about Austria but not much about Salzburg. The way you have defined it, this seems like a must-visit place. It has every kind of attraction, catering to different tourists. I will surely put it on my bucket list.

    1. I am surprised that you haven’t heard of Salzburg at least because of Mozart or the Sound of Music Movie before. But how cool that you discovered one of Europe’s most popular and perhaps one of the most culturally important cities in all of Europe! I love it when I learn about new places that hold such importance to the world but I had no idea. It is so rare as we get older that we “discover” or learn anything new. So this is awesome!

  3. I have heard so much about Austria but not much about Salzburg. The way you have defined it, this seems like a must-visit place. It has every kind of attraction, catering to different tourists. I will surely put it on my bucket list.

  4. We have fond memories of Salzburg. We liked walking around the fortress but were glad we took the funicular up! We did not do the Sound of Music tour because we ran out of time. I am sure it would inspire me to re-watch the movie. And I am now sorry we missed the Schloss Helbrunn. Maybe because we sampled too much local beer! All good reasons to go back.

    1. Yeah, we drank a lot of beer too. In fact our homestay was atop a local pub & restaurant and across the street from Stiegl Brewery, so we had some fun nights!! I love Funiculars so I am glad you too got to ride it! Such an interesting Fortress!

  5. Great article Eric, thanks for sharing this.

    I have been to Salzburg on many occasions and its one of the reasons I fell in love with Austria in the first place.

    There is no place on earth in my opinion that can match this location for it’s distinctive culture and architecture.

  6. I freaking love Salzburg! Highly recommend visiting the Krampus when the festivals are going on! Terrifying stuff…but equally exhilarating ><

  7. I was mentally checking off the things from this list which I did in Salzburg, on my trip in winter 2017. Of course, the city looked very different, there was snow everywhere and Christmas markets. But the place was equally magical! The only thing I did not do was take the Sound of Music tour because I did not have the time. The Mozart Chocolates were everywhere!

  8. You know, I’ve been to Austria a few times but never quite made it to Saltzburg. I’m a fan of Mozart so I definitely need to go! The architecture is lovely and history is so interesting.

  9. I have been to Austria before, but unfortunately I have not visited Salzburg yet … Although it seems to me very beautiful, and very stylish! Especially the house of Mozart seems worth visiting!

  10. Salzburg was such an unexpected pleasure, a beautiful city. We especially enjoyed watching the sunset from the bridge – FREE! – and from the terrace restaurant at the modern art museum (pricey! but worth it).

  11. When entire cities are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you know they’re good! 🙂 I haven’t been to Austria at all yet, but adore architecture and history like this.

  12. I made it to Salzburg for one day, while I was in Munich. There are some cool shops on the central streets and fantastic views from the top of the castle.

  13. I have not been to Salzburg since the 70’s when i was roaming Europe. There seems to be so much more to do now. The Sound of Music, I think, has really helped to attract thousands of tourists over the years.
    Thankyou for this extended list of activities to do the if and when i return to Europe.

  14. Salzburg is definitely on my bucket list too! It looks and sounds beautiful. I love Mozart so I would be definitely visiting places to learn more about him. And I love the Sound of Music! So much culture and arts related activities in this city and it really looks delightful. One day!

  15. Haven’t been to Austria yet, but would like to one day. That fortress looks awesome and would like to try their beer

  16. How did I manage never to hear of Mozartkugel before now? Bring on the marzipan, although I’d have to do a fair bit of hiking to work it all off. That wouldn’t be a hardship in such beautiful surroundings. It sounds like the perfect city break.

  17. I feel a little bad that I’ve not really thought much about visiting Salzburg, which is very unfair, I can see it offers a lot of what I look for in a city break — history, great architecture, lovely places to eat and drink…

  18. I just loved this charming city. Some people say its over-rated, but I don’t think so at all. Salzburg has become very popular in the last few years and it is thronging with visitors in high season, but it retains all its beauty.

  19. I love the “Sound of Music” and visiting Austria would be like a dream come true. That tour has my name on it! What a fascinating article. I especially love the “Do-Re-Mi” gardens. Thanks for the introduction to a country I know very little about.

  20. I am glad I did Salzburg and almost on similar lines to what you have suggested. Visiting the locales of Sound of Music is unforgettable for us. 🙂

  21. I have always wanted to go to Salzburg, Austria it is one of those places that has been on my list but I am yet to get there. Thanks for all the tips on where to go and drink 🙂 Explore Hohensalzburg Fortress is definitely at the top of the list as well as well as take the Take a Sound of Music Tour.

  22. I would love to see the Mozart house one day. Salzburg all over the world reminds people of the legend who was born here. Austria is a beautiful country, I have read many posts on Vienna and Hallstatt, it’s good to read about Salzburg which is a feather in the crown of Austria.

  23. I’ve always wanted to visit Salzburg. It seems like such a magical place. And, no matter now corny it is, I would absolutely love to take the Sound of Music tour. Definitely a bucket list trip!

  24. Austria is on my list but I admit I have done very little research about what there is to do there, so I so appreciate this great list! I’m a huge Mozart fan so visiting the museums is at the top of my list. And, I know the top of the hubs list would be drink Austrian beer! Pinned for later!

  25. Salzburg, Austria looks like an amazing place to explore, thanks for sharing such a detailed post with fabulous photos. This looks like a place I would really enjoy visiting. Fantastic list of places. Bookmarked.

  26. What an incredibly gorgeous city. I only went to Vienna in Austria, and even that city I didn’t see enough of. I’d certainly go through the Alter Markt, as I love food. Don’t laugh, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Sound of Music, and I would probably need to see it before doing the tour. It was awkward enough going to the Jane Austen Museum in Bath without ever watching any of her movies.

    1. Well luckily enough you could have never even seen the sound of music or heard one of Mozart’s unbelievable compositions and still Salzburg would move you.

  27. Oh I would love to go to Austria! When we went to Germany, we were so close, but just didn’t have the time to do both. You’ve showcased so many wonderful attractions to see — Mozart places of interest, Sound of Music sights (love that gazebo!), and gardens, churches, and more!

    1. Although it wasn’t my number one because I’m more of a Mozart fan, I did thoroughly enjoy The Sound of Music Tour also. I especially loved heading up to the Lakes area which was totally unexpected for me

  28. Mozart is one of my favourite composers. It would be hard to visit Salzburg without taking in a classical performance, but I think my wife would be more into The Sound of Music:) Looks like a great city with lots to offer any visitor.

  29. I love the organization of this article. It’s so easy to read and follow with headings and sub headings. Great work. I’ll admit that I’m a sound of music fan and recognized the gardens and gazebo from the pictures before I got to the text. I’m also a big Mozart fan so Salzburg is on my list for sure. Rolling with fandom, I’m a GOT fan so Rome of the North makes me chuckle too. I’m imagining a bunch of Stark boys dressed like clergy hearing – Rome of the North.

  30. Exploring old cities is awesome, especially when they have a fortress to visit! Your tips about the Salzburg Card is really useful, thanks for sharing. The tiny house sounds interesting and well tiny. I am sure our kids would love Mirabelli Gardens even though I would prefer Mozart’s Geburtshaus. The “Trick Fountains” sound fun and I think now Salzburg is going to be very high on my list of places to visit in Europe. Excellent article full of great things to do, thanks for writing it!

    1. If you’re bringing kids to Salzburg Chris they’re going to have a blast. Don’t love writing the funicular up to the Fortress, The Sound of Music Tour will be cheeky fun for them as well, and don’t forget all of the unbelievable food and chocolate. It’s probably one of the best cities in Europe for children and family. Hot tip for parents taking their kids to the trick fountain area, always stand next to the tour guide cuz he knows where not to get wet. But let your kids staying far away from them so they drown hahaha

    1. Although a Weeknd would be better than nothing, I think if you really want to enjoy Salzburg you need a couple extra days especially with all of the things surrounding the city nearby

  31. Salzburg has my heart.. Want to visit so soon there. Missed heading there this year. Thanks for sharing this post . will bookmark this for future 🙂

  32. Oh yes, I would definitely go on the Sound of Music Tour! 🙂 Austria is on my list for later this year so hopefully I will make it to Salzburg as well!

  33. wow..it looks like a fairytale land..what a lovely city…would love to visit there..i visite only Vienna in Austria there are so many hidden gems..loved it

    1. Although we Vienna also I would think Salzburg was better in my opinion. That’s because it still holds onto its old world charm a little bit more than Vienna

  34. Wow.. This is quite a comprehensive list. I would love to walk on the old street and explore the markets. Cheers!!

  35. This looks amazing – my grandmother would LOVE a Sound of Music tour!!! Oh my gosh, I have to go now. Beer, Sound of Music, gardens, chocolate – I might not leave. How many days would you recommend spending in Salzburg?

  36. I truly agree that Salzburg, Austria is often a top destination on most people’s bucket list because of all amazing tourist spots to see and experience. The place is very serene and clean. I would love to traipse my feet here and amble around. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

  37. I would love to spend a lot of time in Hohensalzburg Fortress. Even the Old Market seems nice. The churches looked beautiful too. Thanks for noting down what all to see and do in Salzburg. Lovely blog!

    1. You came to Austria but skipped Salzburg? Of the three or four places we went it was probably my number one favorite. I hope you get a chance to go back

  38. That church! ❤ ❤ ❤

    This place is just crazy beautiful, and I can definitely get behind sampling some chocolate 🙂

  39. I’ve never been to Austria but now you’ve got me wanting to go to this city! I would enjoy seeing the sound of music sites and eating lots of chocolate 🙂 Thanks for sharing, I feel like watching the Sound of Music movie now and visiting the sites!

  40. What a lovely introduction to Salzburg! I’m planning to visit Austria next year, so this is definitely going to be helpful. Thanks for sharing about the Salzburg Pass which grants free admission to so many attractions in this charming little city! 🙂

    1. No problem Nathan I hope you have a wonderful time. Yeah definitely get the Salzburg pass. I’m not usually one to snag the big coupon book, but I do you want to save my money for chocolates, food, and beer oh, and when I saw all the money I see you with the Salzburg pass I was extremely happy

  41. I was in Salzburg this winter and I am so happy that I pretty much did everything mentioned in your list! The places looked different of course, because the entire city was covered in snow, nevertheless, everything was beautiful. Salzburg is so charming. I loved Vienna and Innsbruck also but to be honest, nothing was as amazing as Salzburg. It had the right mix of old town charm, superb vibe, lovely landscapes and yes, the chocolates, so many chocolates!!!

    1. Yes yes yes! Couldn’t agree more. Darcee and I also went to Innsbruck and Vienna and loved both of those cities. However, Salzburg with absolutely my favorite! I always tell people it’s probably my personality as I tend to love medium sized old style cities over large modern ones. I think I almost became diabetic with all the chocolate I ate there but so worth it

  42. Wow this list was very thorough! I never knew there were so many things to do in Salzburg, after reading this it is now totally on my radar. Would definitely love to see Mozart’s house someday!

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