A complete guide to exploring Salzburg, Austria, from Mozart's birthplace and the Hohensalzburg Fortress to the Sound of Music filming locations and stunning Alpine scenery. Covers historic sites, cultural attractions, day trips, and local food experiences.
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Fortress and Old Town
Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress
Perched 120 meters above the city, this is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval castles in Europe, dating to 1077. Take the funicular (included in the EUR 13.30 ticket) or walk up in about 20 minutes. The fortress museum and panoramic terrace are highlights. Allow 2-3 hours.
Ride the funicular to the top
Visit the fortress museum and princely chambers
Enjoy the panoramic views from the terrace
Walk through the Altstadt (Old Town)
Salzburg's UNESCO-listed Old Town is compact and walkable, squeezed between the Salzach river and Monchsberg hill. The narrow streets, Baroque churches, and ornate shop signs create a remarkably preserved medieval atmosphere. Most major attractions are within a 10-minute walk of each other.
Explore the Salzburg Cathedral (Dom)
This grand Baroque cathedral can hold 10,000 people and is where Mozart was baptized. Entry to the main cathedral is free. The Dom Museum (EUR 12) houses sacred art and treasury items. The impressive facade on Domplatz is framed by three arches connecting to the Residenz.
See the baptismal font where Mozart was christened
Visit the Dom Museum
Browse the Getreidegasse shopping street
The most famous street in Salzburg, known for its ornate wrought-iron guild signs hanging above every shop. Even modern chains like McDonald's have traditional-style signs here. The street gets extremely crowded midday in summer, so visit early morning or evening for a calmer experience.
Visit the Residenz palace and gallery
The former seat of Salzburg's prince-archbishops, with lavishly decorated state rooms and a gallery of European paintings. Audio guide included in the EUR 13 ticket. The Residenzplatz fountain outside is the largest Baroque fountain in Central Europe.
Mozart and Music Heritage
Visit Mozart's Birthplace (Geburtshaus)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born at Getreidegasse 9 in 1756. The yellow building now houses a museum with original instruments, letters, and family portraits across three floors. Admission is EUR 12. It gets very busy, so arrive when it opens at 9 AM or visit after 4 PM.
Visit Mozart's Residence (Wohnhaus)
The larger house where the Mozart family moved in 1773, located across the river on Makartplatz. Less crowded than the birthplace with more space for exhibits, including an audio experience of his compositions. Admission is EUR 12, or EUR 18.50 for a combo ticket with the Birthplace.
Attend a concert at the Salzburg Festival venues
The Salzburg Festival runs from late July to August and is one of the world's premier classical music events. Tickets sell out months in advance. Outside festival season, the Mozarteum Foundation and Mirabell Palace host regular Mozart concerts year-round, typically EUR 30-50.
Sound of Music Locations
Tour Mirabell Palace and Gardens
The gardens are where Julie Andrews and the children sang Do-Re-Mi. The Pegasus fountain, dwarf garden, and rose garden are all free to visit. The Marble Hall inside the palace, used for concerts, is considered one of the most beautiful concert venues in the world.
Walk through the Mirabell Gardens
See the Pegasus fountain from the film
Visit Leopoldskron Palace
The lakeside palace used as the back of the von Trapp family home in the film. Now a hotel, you can view it from the lake path. The reflection of the palace on the lake with the fortress in the background is one of Salzburg's most photographed scenes.
See the Nonnberg Abbey
The oldest continuously operating nunnery north of the Alps, founded in 714. This is where the real Maria was a novice. You can visit the church (free entry) but most of the abbey is closed to tourists. The walk up from Kaigasse offers great views of the fortress above.
Take a Sound of Music tour
Several companies run half-day bus tours covering filming locations both in and around Salzburg, including the lake district where the opening scene was filmed. Tours cost EUR 50-55 and last about 4 hours. Panorama Tours and Fraulein Maria's Bicycle Tour are popular choices.
Nature and Viewpoints
Take the Monchsberg elevator for city views
A quick elevator ride (EUR 4 round trip) takes you to the top of Monchsberg, the cliff that borders the Old Town. From here, walk along the cliff path for sweeping views of the city, fortress, and surrounding mountains. The Museum of Modern Art at the top is worth a visit too.
Walk along the Salzach river
The riverside paths on both banks are perfect for a morning or evening walk. The Makartsteg bridge (covered in love locks) connects the Old Town to the New Town and offers picturesque views. In summer, locals gather on the riverbanks for picnics and sunbathing.
Visit Hellbrunn Palace and trick fountains
A 17th-century summer palace famous for its trick water fountains that surprise unsuspecting visitors. Tours run every 30 minutes and you will get wet. The palace is 5 km south of the city center, reachable by bus 25 in 20 minutes. Admission is EUR 13.50.
Day trip to the Lake District (Salzkammergut)
The Salzburg lake district includes pristine lakes surrounded by mountains. Fuschlsee is the closest (30 minutes), while Hallstatt (75 minutes) is the most famous. The Wolfgangsee area offers boat rides and the Schafberg mountain railway. A car gives the most flexibility, but bus connections exist to most lakes.
Visit Hallstatt lakeside village
Take a boat on Wolfgangsee
Local Food and Experiences
Try original Salzburger Nockerl
This sweet souffle-like dessert is shaped to resemble the three hills of Salzburg. Stiftskeller St. Peter and Restaurant Triangel are known for excellent versions. It takes 20 minutes to prepare and serves two to three people. Expect to pay EUR 15-18.
Visit Stiftskeller St. Peter restaurant
Claims to be the oldest restaurant in Europe, operating since 803 AD. The rock-cut dining rooms and candlelit atmosphere are memorable. Prices are moderate by Salzburg standards at EUR 15-25 for main courses. Book ahead for dinner, especially in summer and during festival season.
Browse the Grunmarkt (Green Market)
Salzburg's daily farmers market on Universitatsplatz, right behind the Festival Hall. Local cheeses, breads, flowers, and seasonal produce fill the stalls Monday through Saturday until 1 PM. A perfect spot for picking up picnic supplies before heading to Mirabell Gardens.
Visit the Salzburg Salt Mines at Hallein
Just 15 minutes south of the city, these historic salt mines offer underground tours with slides, a boat ride on a subterranean lake, and a crossing into Germany underground. Tours last about 70 minutes and cost EUR 26. A fun experience regardless of the weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in Salzburg?
Two to three days is ideal for seeing the main attractions, including the fortress, Mozart sites, and Old Town. Add an extra day for Sound of Music locations or the lake district. A single day works as a day trip from Munich or Vienna but feels very rushed.
When is the best time to visit Salzburg?
May through September offers warm weather and the longest days. July and August bring the Salzburg Festival but also the biggest crowds and highest prices. December is magical with Christmas markets throughout the Old Town. April and October are quieter with pleasant temperatures.
Is the Salzburg Card worth buying?
The Salzburg Card (EUR 30 for 24 hours, EUR 39 for 48 hours) includes free entry to all major attractions, the fortress funicular, river cruises, and public transport. If you plan to visit the fortress, Mozart sites, and at least one other attraction, it pays for itself within a day.
Can I visit Salzburg as a day trip from Munich?
Yes, Salzburg is just 90 minutes from Munich by train, with frequent direct connections. You can cover the Old Town, fortress, and Mozart's Birthplace in a long day. Trains run from early morning to late evening. The Bayern Ticket (EUR 27) covers the round trip on regional trains.