Salzburg, a picturesque city in Austria, is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to explore a mix of cultural, historical, and natural wonders. With its stunning architecture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history, there is no shortage of remarkable places to discover. Below is a detailed guide to the 15+ best places to visit in Salzburg that are sure to captivate your heart.
1. Hohensalzburg Fortress
Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe and a prominent landmark in Salzburg. Perched high atop Festungsberg hill, the fortress offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Alps. Dating back to the 11th century, it provides a glimpse into Salzburg’s rich history. You can explore its well-preserved interiors, including museums showcasing medieval artifacts, ancient weaponry, and historical documents. Don’t miss the Golden Hall and the breathtaking views from the Reckturm Tower.
2. Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Mirabell Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a grand baroque palace that features stunning gardens. The Mirabell Gardens are a highlight for visitors, designed in a perfectly symmetrical fashion, offering vibrant flower beds, sculptures, and fountains. The Pegasus Fountain is one of the most famous spots in the gardens. The palace itself is home to the Marble Hall, which is known for its exquisite design and often hosts classical music concerts.
3. Salzburg Old Town (Altstadt)
Salzburg’s Old Town is one of the most charming and well-preserved historical areas in Europe. The narrow cobbled streets, beautiful squares, and baroque architecture create a magical atmosphere. A stroll through the Old Town will take you past medieval houses, elegant fountains, and quaint cafés. The Getreidegasse, a bustling shopping street lined with historic buildings, is one of the highlights of this area. The Mozartplatz Square is another important spot that’s worth visiting for its picturesque ambiance.
4. Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains
Located just a short drive from the city center, Hellbrunn Palace is known for its beautiful architecture and whimsical Trick Fountains. Built in the early 17th century as a summer residence for the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg, the palace is surrounded by expansive gardens. The trick fountains are an entertaining highlight, designed to surprise visitors with water jets coming from unexpected places. The Roman Theater, Stone Theatre, and the water-driven Mechanical Theatre are must-sees in this playful palace.
5. Mozart’s Birthplace
For music lovers and history enthusiasts, a visit to Mozart’s Birthplace is a must. Located on the Getreidegasse, this historic house is now a museum dedicated to the life and works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the greatest composers of all time. The museum displays personal items, manuscripts, and instruments that belonged to Mozart and his family. The exhibits provide insight into his early life, his family, and the influence of Salzburg on his musical career.
6. Kapuzinerberg
For those who enjoy outdoor adventures, Kapuzinerberg is a great spot to escape the bustling city and immerse yourself in nature. This forested hill is located on the eastern side of Salzburg and offers hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints over the city and surrounding mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass old fortifications and small chapels, adding a historical touch to your nature walk. The hill is also home to wild deer, making it a peaceful and scenic retreat for visitors.
7. Salzburg Museum
The Salzburg Museum is the perfect place to explore the cultural and historical heritage of the city. Located in the Neue Residenz in Mozartplatz Square, the museum showcases an extensive collection of art, historical objects, and multimedia exhibits that illustrate Salzburg’s development through the ages. The exhibits range from Roman artifacts to contemporary art, providing a comprehensive overview of the city’s history. Don’t miss the Panorama Museum, which features a 26-meter-long panoramic painting of Salzburg from the 19th century.
8. Leopoldskron Palace
Leopoldskron Palace is a striking rococo-style palace located on the banks of a tranquil lake, offering one of the most picturesque settings in Salzburg. The palace was built in the 18th century and is famous for its stunning views of the Untersberg mountain and its elegant gardens. Though the palace itself is privately owned and not open to the public, visitors can explore the surrounding grounds and enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake. Fans of “The Sound of Music” will recognize Leopoldskron Palace as one of the key filming locations for the iconic movie.
9. Untersberg Mountain
For nature lovers and adventurers, a trip to Untersberg Mountain is a must. Just a short ride from Salzburg, this majestic peak offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding alpine landscape. The Untersbergbahn cable car takes you to the summit, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Salzburg, the Alps, and even parts of Bavaria. There are plenty of hiking trails on the mountain, suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. In winter, it becomes a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.
10. Salzburg Zoo
Located near Hellbrunn Palace, Salzburg Zoo is a fantastic family-friendly attraction. The zoo is set in a stunning natural environment, with enclosures built into the rocky hillside of Hellbrunn Mountain. The zoo is home to over 1,200 animals from around the world, including rare and endangered species. Highlights include the African savannah area, home to giraffes and zebras, as well as the Tropical House, where visitors can see reptiles, amphibians, and tropical birds. The zoo’s emphasis on conservation and animal welfare makes it a rewarding visit for animal lovers.
11. Mönchsberg
Mönchsberg is another beautiful hill in Salzburg that offers scenic walking trails and stunning views of the city. The Mönchsberg Lift takes you to the top of the hill, where you can explore the lush greenery, historic fortifications, and impressive lookout points. One of the highlights is the Museum der Moderne, which houses contemporary art exhibits in a sleek, modern building. The combination of art, nature, and panoramic views makes Mönchsberg a unique and peaceful escape from the city.
12. Residenzplatz Square
Residenzplatz is one of the largest and most beautiful squares in Salzburg. Surrounded by impressive baroque buildings, including the Salzburg Residenz, this square is a central gathering point in the city. At the heart of Residenzplatz is the Residenz Fountain, one of the largest baroque fountains in Europe, known for its striking sculptures of horses and sea gods. The square also hosts various events and markets throughout the year, making it a lively spot to visit at any time.
13. Stiegl-Brauwelt
Beer enthusiasts should make sure to visit Stiegl-Brauwelt, the largest beer museum in Austria. Located at the historic Stiegl Brewery, this interactive museum offers a fascinating look at the history of beer brewing in Austria, as well as the brewing process itself. Visitors can explore the exhibits, watch films about beer production, and of course, sample a variety of Stiegl beers. The museum also features a beer garden and restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional Austrian food paired with freshly brewed beer.
14. Schloss Klessheim
Schloss Klessheim is a grand baroque palace located on the outskirts of Salzburg. It was originally built as a hunting lodge for the archbishops of Salzburg but has since been transformed into a luxurious casino. Even if you’re not interested in gambling, the palace’s stunning architecture, manicured gardens, and stately interiors are worth a visit. The palace is surrounded by a large park, ideal for a leisurely stroll, and the elegant casino offers a sophisticated atmosphere for those looking to try their luck.
15. Hangar-7
For aviation and car enthusiasts, Hangar-7 is a unique and exciting destination. Owned by Red Bull, this futuristic building houses a collection of historic aircraft, Formula 1 cars, and racing motorcycles. The sleek, modern design of the hangar itself is an architectural marvel, with its glass and steel structure providing a perfect showcase for the vehicles inside. Hangar-7 also features a restaurant, Ikarus, which hosts world-renowned chefs each month, offering a gourmet dining experience in a stylish setting.
16. Gaisberg
If you’re looking for a more peaceful outdoor adventure, Gaisberg is an excellent choice. This mountain is popular with both locals and visitors for its hiking and biking trails, as well as its paragliding opportunities. The summit offers spectacular views of Salzburg and the surrounding Alps, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day in nature. In the winter, Gaisberg becomes a popular destination for sledding and snowshoeing.