The Best Travel Guide to Salzburg

All Travel Guides

Austria

Salzburg

Provided by: Tourismus Salzburg GmbH

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Europe Austria Salzburg

In collaboration with Tourismus Salzburg GmbH

Overview

Salzburg The guide was updated: 2023-07-10

Salzburg, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1997, is a rich tapestry of experiences just waiting to be explored. Nearly everything, from art and culture to historical landmarks and modern attractions, is within a short stroll. Boasting over 4,000 cultural events a year and a stunning collection of 20 baroque churches, Salzburg is a city that invites deep exploration and complete cultural immersion. Whether you're after pleasure, relaxation, or culinary delights, Salzburg presents a wealth of choices for an unforgettable city break.

Facts

Population:	568,468 (2022)
Currency:	Euro, 1€ = 100 cents
Emergency numbers:	Emergency: 112 Police: 133 Medical: 144
Newspapers:	Salzburger Nachrichten — www.sn.at
Website:	www.salzburg.info/en
Opening hours:	Most shops in Salzburg are open from 8 am to 6 pm, but close for 1-2 hours during lunch. Saturday opening hours are usually from 8 am to noon, many are open on Sundays too.
Tourist information:	Tourist Information Salzburg Hauptbahnhof Südtiroler Platz 1, Salzburg +43 662 889870 Open daily 9am–5pm

Read more

Section in Salzburg

The medieval and baroque area of the city holds the esteemed status of a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, boasting an array of impressive historical landmarks, museums, and other attractions. Take a stroll along the banks of the River Salzach and immerse yourself in the town's rich history while also catching glimpses of contemporary architecture and the modern world. Fortress Hohensalzburg perches regally at the top of the 'Festungsberg' and is one of the largest fortified defence systems in Europe. Gazing down to the foot of the Mönchsberg visitors see the festival district and the large festival hall, Felsenreitschule riding school built into the mountainside, and the 'Haus für Mozart'. The Getreidegasse is a well-known attraction and is one of the most attractive and heavily frequented shopping streets in the world. A stone’s throw away is the Salzburg Cathedral with its imposing dome and magnificent facade made of marble hewn from the Untersberg.

Altstadt

Altstadt

The majority of Salzburg's tourist attractions can be found in Altstadt, the Old Town. However, the charm of the area itself is, perhaps, the biggest draw of all. Altstadt is a recognised UNESCO world heritage site that brims with quaint squares, graceful fountains, Baroque churches, charming medieval structures, wrought iron signs, and much more.

Festung Hohensalzburg

Festung Hohensalzburg

Perched atop the Festungsberg at an elevation of 506 metres, Hohensalzburg Fortress stands as an expansive medieval stronghold. Commissioned by the prince-archbishops of Salzburg, this grand fortress spans an impressive length of 250 metres and a width of 150 metres, making it one of Europe's largest medieval castles. Ascend to Hohensalzburg Fortress via the cableway and be treated to awe-inspiring vistas. To the north, the city reveals its array of church spires, while to the south, the majestic Alps paint a breathtaking backdrop.

Salzburg Cathedral

Salzburg Cathedral

Standing as a testament to Baroque architecture from the seventeenth century, this cathedral is a breathtaking gem in Salzburg. Adorned with a majestic dome and twin towers, it imprints a distinctive and awe-inspiring mark on the city's skyline. Uncover the cathedral's hidden treasures firsthand as you explore its secrets tied to the seven bells and three entrance doors. Upon closer inspection, you may even stumble upon 370-year-old graffiti etched into the marble portal, adding an intriguing historical dimension to its splendour.

Mozart's Birthplace

Mozart's Birthplace

Mozart’s family lived on the 3rd floor of the "Hagenauer Haus" at Getreidegasse no. 9 for 26 years, from 1747 until 1773. On the 27th of January 1756, it became the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, their most famous son. The building was named after its owner, a friend of the Mozart family, the tradesman and spice emporium owner Johann Lorenz Hagenauer.

Haus der Natur

Haus der Natur

Haus der Natur is a vast and interactive science and natural history museum, complete with an aquarium and reptile zoo. Widely regarded as one of Central Europe's most captivating aquariums, it boasts over 40 display pools that offer a mesmerizing glimpse into the enchanting underwater realm. If you're lucky, you may even witness the feeding of the reef sharks during your visit.

Salzburg Festival

Salzburg Festival

Every summer, the Salzburg Festival transforms the city of Mozart into a gigantic stage showcasing opera, theatre, and concerts of the utmost excellence. Spanning five weeks, the renowned Festival unveils a diverse program of performances across multiple venues. Among the most iconic locations are the main festival hall, the historic Felsenreitschule, the esteemed House for Mozart, and the illustrious Domplatz Square, where the legendary morality play 'Everyman' comes to life.

Wolfgangsee Ferries

Wolfgangsee Ferries

Around 50 km from Salzburg, in the middle of the idyllic Salzkammergut, glistening Lake Wolfgangsee awaits you. The fleet operated by WolfgangseeSchifffahrt shuttles back and forth across the water between the picturesque towns of St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, and Strobl, putting this magical region right at your fingertips. For an especially beautiful excursion experience, combine a cruise on the Wolfgangsee ferries with a ride on the historic SchafbergBahn cog railway in St. Wolfgang.

SchafbergBahn (Schafberg Railway)

SchafbergBahn (Schafberg Railway)

The SchafbergBahn, the steepest cog railway in Austria, takes you from St. Wolfgang to the top of the 1783-metre-tall Schafberg. In just 35 minutes, the SchafbergBahn climbs 1190 metres and makes it possible for you to enjoy breathtaking 360° panoramas of the mountains and lakes of the Salzkammergut. With its striking summit, the Schafberg is one of the most scenic mountains in Austria, treating visitors to enchanting views along with numerous opportunities for hiking and refreshments.

Load more