Holidays in Salzburg

Things to do in Salzburg

Art galleries

If you're into modern and traditional art, you'll love the galleries and exhibitions in Salzburg. Head to the Museum der Moderne on the Mönchsberg which displays international pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries. Or, to delve deeper into the backstory of the city - the galleries at the Salzburg Fortress, museums and attractions will give you fantastic insights into this fascinating hub of history, music and culture.

Museums

You’ll be spoilt for choice in Salzburg city. Take a leisurely walk through the DomQuartier Salzburg, a historical tour of the grand state rooms. Or, learn all about Salzburg's most famous brew at the Stiegl-Brauwelt - it's Austria's largest private brewery and is an interesting interactive world of beer. Family friendly museums like the Museum of Natural History and Technology or the toy museum are great for keeping the little ones entertained too. If it's a sunny day, the Salzburg Open Air Museum is perfect - it's just outside the city and is like stepping back in time as you visit old farmhouses, mills and barns, and see demonstrations of historic craft-making.

Mozart’s birthplace

Salzburg is famous as the birthplace of Mozart and the bright yellow “Hagenauer Haus” is one of the most popular museums in Austria, hosting a collection of unique exhibition pieces, display boards and Mozart's own violin.

Salzburg fortress and churches

Take in the panoramic views of Salzburg city from the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which was built on the Festungsberg since 1077. You are certain to get your steps in as you stroll through Salzburg’s Old Town – home to beautiful historical architecture and many churches and flower-filled cemeteries. The most important sacred building in the city is the impressive Salzburg Cathedral, proudly standing with its huge dome and two distinctive turquoise topped towers.

Beautiful city gardens

If you've seen “The Sound of Music” - filmed with Julie Andrews over 50 years ago - you may recognise several scenes around Salzburg. Visit the Mirabell Palace and gardens with picturesque large, planted gardens, spectacular water fountains and grand statues, or take a trip on the hop-on-hop-off Sound of Music bus to take in all the sights.

Dining and shopping in Salzburg city

Soak up the sun with outdoor rooftop terraces - ideal for a midday refresh, the IMLAUER Sky Bar is perfect. For foodies, you should definitely try Bosna, Salzburg's most popular local street food, great to have while exploring the Old Town. Or, tuck into a slice of traditional Sachertorte cake at the Hotel Sacher.

For shopping, you can't beat the boutiques of the Old Town - centred around the famous Getreidegasse, the Old Town is characterised by its pretty iron shop signs that hang outside. Explore the old lanes of Salzburg city, which tell a story at every corner, the charming passageways are a must when strolling through Salzburg.

City Bus

Thanks to the extensive city bus (Obus) system that’s been in place since 1940, users can access almost every corner of Salzburg, all from the comfort of a quiet, modern, and environmentally responsible vehicle.

Salzburg Festival

Dates: 19 Jul to 31 Aug 2024

Each summer, the fairy tale streets of Salzburg are alive with the sounds of Mozart at the Salzburg Festival. Featuring opera, concerts and drama, the Festival enjoys worldwide recognition as one of the most outstanding classical music events today. The Festival takes place in various venues throughout the city, but the main attractions are located around Cathedral Square.

Bookable Locally

All excursions need to be booked through Salzburg Tourist Office and are provided by Panorama Tours

Mozart City Tour

Explore Salzburg Cathedral where Mozart was baptised and later became the court organist and concertmaster, see the Festival District where Mozart concerts are routinely held and visit St. Peter’s Abbey where it was for his childhood friend Abbot Hagenauer that Mozart composed the "Dominicus Mass". The Hellbrunn Palace is also on the stop-off list and the tour will also take you to Leopoldskron Palace and Frohnburg Palace - both locations used in the movie "The Sound of Music". The Highlight of the tour is the Mozart's Residence where you will learn interesting details about the life of the Mozart family.

Hallstatt

Travel through the stunning Salzkammergut Lake region to Hallstatt, Austria’s ancient salt mining town and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a mountain train ride up to the entrance of the World’s Oldest Salt mines offering in its path a great view down to Hallstatt, alternatively take a leisurely lakeside walk and marvel at the houses clinging onto the mountainside, pass by the Mullbach waterfall and visit the local museum. A must see place includes the ‘Bone house’ behind the Catholic church, proving an interesting view into local family life.

Lakes and Mountains Tour

From Salzburg, the tour will pass Lake Fuschl with castle Fuschl, now a five star hotel, on its shores. Explore the little town of St. Gilgen, where Mozart's mother was born and enjoy a 45-minute boat ride to St. Wolfgang. There will be some time to explore the picturesque town or have a coffee break on the terrace of the famous White Horse Inn (Weisses Rössl) - coffee break in the White Horse Inn is optional and not included. Continue your journey along the Krottensee with castle Hüttenstein and drive along Lake Mondsee before returning to Salzburg.

Excursions are available to book locally. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Please note that we act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers of activities & excursions.